In these schools, the traditional school year of September to June is changed to more evenly distribute instructional and vacation days throughout the entire year. Students go to school for approximately 45 instructional days and then are off for five to 15 vacation days. This cycle is repeated four times over the year. Year-round schooling has received praise for positively affecting student learning and achievement, student and staff morale and attendance. It also can increase the number of students who can be accommodated in a school.
Recent studies indicate that student academic achievement improves in modified calendar schools.
The learning pattern reduces time needed for review - students retain more of what they learn. Stress is reduced and attendance improves because breaks are more evenly distributed throughout the year. The decision to pursue a modified calendar is based on the interests and needs of individual school communities, and the process is initiated at that level. Visit our Calendars page for more detailed information on individual school calendars. This site is optimized for Netscape 4.0 and IE 5.0 and higher.