Daily Schedule

Many people refer to this type of schedule as a “block schedule.” However, it is not a traditional block schedule but instead created specifically for SMH and our unique academic environment. Our schedule is age-appropriate for our students and gives students the opportunity to manage their time in a more real-world manner.

Our days will be numbered Day 1 through Day 8. We will rotate through the eight days and then return to Day 1 after Day 8 is completed. Students will meet in each class four times in an eight-day rotation (every other day). A student’s optimal learning time can vary throughout the day, so classes rotate vertically over the eight-day rotation, ensuring variations in class times.

• Students in Lower School can arrive as early as 7:45am.

• Students in Middle and Upper School can arrive as early as 7:30 am.

• Wednesday Start Times: Please note, every Wednesday, the start time for Lower School will vary slightly. Lower School students will begin at 8:40am, while Middle School and Upper School will begin at their normal times of 8:15 and 8:30, respectively . However, arrival times will remain the same for Lower School parents who need to drop off students at the regularly scheduled time above. More details will be sent out about this from Division Heads.

• As in past years, Extended Care will be available for 7:00am drop-offs.

• On Wednesdays, all faculty engaged in our Professional Learning Community (PLC) initiative from 7:30-8:15am. PLC’s are intentional time given to faculty for collective inquiry into best practices and current realities. This time will be critical for faculty as we consistently focus on strengthening the student experience and programming at SMH. We are working to ensure PLC’s do not impact family schedules. 

No, they will assign an appropriate amount of homework but not double up. A key benefit of the eight-day rotation is the opportunity for students to give deeper focus to fewer classes each day. There is also more designated free time during the day, allowing students to do homework and seek help from teachers while at school. Our faculty is committed to a homework load that supports learning. We will continue to review this critical area and ensure we manage the homework process well.

Academics and wellness are not mutually exclusive. The science is clear that student wellness adds to the ability for students to learn and thrive. In this class, we will work to facilitate competencies and experiences that empower and prepare graduates to thrive in college and know fulfillment in life.

Community time is dedicated time for co-cognitive learning, collective growth, and community bonding through Chapel, Advisory, club meetings, and student leadership opportunities.

Office Hours are a daily time for students to meet with teachers, create meaningful relationships, and get extra help. Core to the SMH student experience is the connection students make with faculty in and out of the classroom.

Morning Meeting is an important aspect of Responsive Classroom and occurs at the outset of each day within the classroom.  It is an engaging way to build a strong sense of community and set children up for success socially and academically.  Morning Moments is a time when Forms 1-5 come together to collectively celebrate our Lower school community.