Bell Schedule FAQs

Through research, stakeholder feedback, professional consultation, and evaluation, the A/B schedule emerged as the most attractive option for Catholic Central. It preserves the best of our current model (weekly Mass, Coram Deo, Flex Time, etc.) while adding consistency and flexibility that align with current and emerging opportunities. 

There are an increasing number of collaboratives and partnerships that provide students with personalized pathways (dual enrollment, internships, KCTC, etc.). Currently, however, our rotating schedule is a non-starter for many employers, universities, and programs because of the complicated logistics, costing our students potential opportunities. Including these opportunities within a Catholic Central education can help students discover new passions, motivating additional academic success. 

Furthermore, we believe this change is beneficial due to the simplicity of the alternating days, which better accommodates calendar interruptions (like holidays, retreats, and snow days), making life simpler for students and teachers. 

Yes, the A/B day structure will be consistent across all grade levels. This consistency helps streamline planning, reduce confusion, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. 

The total instructional minutes per course will be identical to the current schedule. 

No. This schedule retains eight carriers, so students will continue to have the same number of classes that are provided in the current schedule.

With fewer, longer class periods per day, the lunch period naturally shifts later. We will work closely with students and staff to support this transition and will evaluate options such as snack breaks to accommodate those who need it.

Looking at data over the years, Thursday is the most common day athletes are dismissed early from school for their competitions. Also, statistically, late start Mondays have more tardies than any other day of the week.  

This early release further supports external programming for those students who wish to take advantage of these opportunities. 

We’re mindful of family logistics and will collaborate with transportation providers to minimize disruption. 

On Thursday afternoons at 2:00 PM, students would have the option to leave campus, study in the Student Center, pray in the chapel, or volunteer.

Additionally, we would ensure traditional bus routes will continue to depart from campus at 3:05 PM so that students who rely on those services are not impacted.

The predictability of the A/B schedule makes it far easier for students to participate in off-campus programs. We anticipate a significant increase in access and opportunity for students as a result.

Yes. The 2025–26 school year will be dedicated to equipping teachers with training and resources for teaching in longer blocks, including strategies for engagement, varied instructional pacing, and assessment.

No. We will continue to have two semesters, each consisting of two quarters. 

Our commitment to faith formation remains at the heart of the schedule. We will continue to celebrate weekly Mass, dedicate time for Coram Deo and House System programming, and integrate prayer and service across campus life.

We are surveying 9th and 10th graders about this pending schedule transition because it stands to affect their high school experience. Current 11th and 12th grade students will graduate under the existing schedule. 

We will summarize the feedback and share key themes from the surveys with our community later this summer. We want to understand challenges you anticipate and refine the schedule wherever possible and appropriate.

The A/B schedule is the one we are advancing, and we are still in a listening phase so that we can optimize it. The schedule will not be finalized until after community feedback is gathered and the School Board has approved the final version.