In the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, Mt. Vernon will operate an 8-block schedule. Students will still attend four classes each day, but they will alternate between two different sets of classes every other day. This change has prompted mixed reactions from students, with some feeling annoyed and others feeling happy.
The 8-block schedule will ask students to develop better organization and focus skills to succeed. Focusing should not be too much of a challenge because students can worry about their classes for a day and it extends deadlines for homework. Students will have more opportunities to take more music-based classes at Mt. Vernon.
However, students might not feel prepared for this new schedule, especially current sophomores and juniors who have found comfort and routine in the current 4-block schedule.
Eva Wyatt, a sophomore said, “I can barely do four classes a semester without being stressed out. So having the added pressure of eight classes will be a lot.”
Current MV students do have eight classes in a school year. They are spread out into semesters. So having eight classes crammed into one semester may create a fast paced environment.
“It also could cause more forgetfulness when it comes to homework since there will be eight classes instead of four a year,” said Emily Peyton, a freshman
This environment can benefit students, though, such as being students who want to pursue music or nursing. With this new schedule, more music classes are being offered to take.
Last year, students who were in the band struggled between prioritizing required class or band.
Students can still take CTE classes. The schedule will open up more slots for classes to be taken.
“It shouldn’t be a pick or choose situation,” Peyton said. Picking classes can be stressful, especially when thinking about what classes colleges will expect while still balancing student’s skill levels.
A 8 block schedule gives students a bigger range of options to take. They can still choose classes that will benefit them, but they can also take classes they want to take just for fun. They do not have to worry so much about schedule conflicts and still enjoy high school.