AHS Rotating Drop Schedule

Freshman orientation will be held in late August and will take place over the course of two days to accommodate the large number of students in the grade to ensure all information regarding the new schedule is covered.

Information regarding Freshman Orientation will be provided to students and their families mid-summer.

Please see the AHS Presentation on the Rotating Drop Schedule.

View Around the Block Podcast S2 E13: Rotating Drop Schedule where Dr. Block talks with AHS Principal Trippodo & AP Granstrand about important information regarding the Rotating Drop Schedule.

A drop schedule is a school scheduling model designed to provide longer class periods, more instructional time, and a less rushed school day. By increasing class time from 44 to 57 minutes and rotating class periods so students do not have the same class at the same time every day, teachers can offer more varied and in-depth instruction while reducing the number of daily transitions.

With the Rotating Drop Schedule students benefit from a daily lunch period, reduced nightly homework loads, greater access to extra help through Unit Lunch, and more opportunities to meet with teachers during school hours. The schedule also minimizes disruptions from pull-outs for music, counseling, and other services, improves transportation timing, and creates flexibility for students to take up to eight courses instead of seven.

We are moving to a Rotating Drop Schedule because it reflects a proven, well-established model that has become the standard in many high schools. This approach is not new or experimental—many parents experienced similar schedules themselves more than 20 years ago, and schools across the region have successfully implemented drop schedules for a decade or longer.

As surrounding districts continue to adopt this model, it has become clear that rotating schedules better support teaching, learning, and student well-being. Notably, high schools that make the transition overwhelmingly do not return to traditional schedules, reinforcing the long-term value and effectiveness of this approach.

Yes, students will continue to see their teachers regularly throughout the schedule cycle. While classes do not meet every single day, they meet consistently across the rotation, ensuring ongoing instruction, support, and continuity of learning. The rotating structure simply shifts when classes occur, rather than reducing the overall frequency of teacher-student contact.

Information and resources related to the Rotating Drop Schedule will be posted on this page. Please check back regularly for updates, as new materials will be added on an ongoing basis.