Middle School Block Schedules

All middle schools will transition to a five-block schedule beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

This change will provide longer instructional blocks for deeper learning, reduce disruptions with fewer class transitions, and allow all five middle schools to operate on the same schedule.

Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will need to re-register for electives in March 2026 to ensure schedules are built correctly, but the change will not affect students' core classes.

Family Information Nights for John P. Fishwick, James Madison, and Woodrow Wilson:

Tuesday, March 3
John P. Fishwick and Woodrow Wilson: 5 p.m. | James Madison: 6:30 p.m.

Currently, three middle schools operate on a seven-period bell schedule with classes that are 45 minutes each. Two middle schools, James Breckinridge and Lucy Addison, have successfully piloted a five-block schedule for the past three years with classes that are 75 minutes long.

For the 2026-2027 school year, all five middle schools will operate on a five-block, alternating A/B day schedule. Block scheduling is a common model used in middle schools across the region, and RCPS is aligning with best practices that support student learning and smoother school operations. This also prepares students for high school, where block scheduling is used.

Why We Are Making the Change

The five-block schedule provides longer instructional blocks that support deeper learning, stronger relationships, and better student engagement.

The schedule adds approximately 75 additional hours of instructional time per year, which is equivalent to about 10 additional school days of learning. Students benefit from fewer daily transitions (from six down to four), which strengthens school climate and reduces disruptions. Longer blocks create more opportunity for remediation, differentiation, and small-group instruction during the regular school day.

This model better prepares students for high school scheduling and supports a smoother transition into the high school block structure.

What the Schedule Will Look Like

Students will move from a seven-period schedule to a five-block schedule with longer instructional periods. Students will follow an A/B day rotation for electives. The school day will also now include an optional Zero Period from 8:30–9:20 a.m.

Students will re-register for electives in early March so schedules can be built correctly under the new structure. Core classes are not affected. Grade 8 students will no longer be scheduled into PE automatically. Students may choose an elective called Fit for Life, which focuses on wellness and physical activity.

Students who would like to take an additional elective may also have the opportunity to take it during the optional Zero Period. Families choosing this option will be responsible for providing transportation to school for the earlier start time.

Schedule

Zero Period (Optional Block 0)	8:30-9:20 AM
Block 1	9:30-10:45 AM
Block 2	10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Block 3	12:00-1:45 PM (75 minutes + 25-minute lunch)
Block 4	1:45-3:00 PM
Block 5	3:00-4:15 PM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is RCPS making this change?

Beginning next school year, all middle schools will use the same five-block alternating A/B schedule. Two of our middle schools have already successfully piloted this model, and the results have been positive.

This change is important because it creates consistency across all middle schools. Longer class periods allow for deeper learning and stronger student engagement. Students will gain approximately 75 additional instructional hours each year, which is equal to about 10 additional days of instructional time.

With fewer daily transitions — four instead of six — there will also be fewer disruptions. Teachers will also have more time during each class period to provide small-group instruction, intervention, and enrichment.

In addition, this structure better prepares students for the block schedule they will experience in high school. The model also aligns with common middle school scheduling practices across our region.

How will this impact my student?

Students will move from seven 45-minute periods each day to five 75-minute blocks on an alternating A/B schedule. Students will attend five classes on “A” days and five classes on “B” days. Core classes — reading, math, science, and social studies — will take place every day, while electives will alternate between A and B days.

Because of the new structure, students will re-register for electives so schedules can be built accurately. The school day will also include an optional Zero Period from 8:30–9:20 a.m. to provide students with a third elective option.

How does this impact Lucy Addison and James Breckinridge, since they have already operated under a block schedule?

Lucy Addison and James Breckinridge have already been operating under the five-block alternating A/B schedule for the past three years. Because of that, students and staff at these schools are already familiar with the structure, and the overall schedule will not significantly change.

The only new update for these schools is the addition of the optional Zero Period, which will give students the opportunity to take an additional elective before the regular school day begins. School counselors will work directly with families during the week of March 3 to help students enroll in Zero Period if they choose to participate.

What is an A/B schedule and how does it work?

Students will not attend all of their classes every day. Core classes will be held daily, while electives will alternate on an A/B rotation. An optional Zero Period for a third elective is also available.

Electives and Health/PE will rotate within this A/B structure. For example, students may attend band on A days and Health/PE on B days.

This rotation ensures students receive the same number of course offerings across the year, while also benefiting from longer instructional blocks that allow for deeper learning and engagement.

Is my student losing an elective?

Students will continue to have access to electives within the A/B schedule. 6th and 7th grade students will enroll in one elective of their choice, along with Health/PE.

For 8th grade, Health/PE will no longer be automatically scheduled. Instead, students will select two electives based on their interests. A new “Fit for Life” elective will be offered for students who would like a course focused on wellness, physical activity, and healthy habits.

Students who would like to take an additional elective may also choose to enroll in the optional Zero Period that takes place from 8:30-9:20 a.m. before the school day begins at 9:30 a.m.

What is Zero Period?

How will this impact fine arts course sequences?

Student choice remains a priority within the new schedule. Fine arts course pathways will continue, and students will be able to select electives that reflect their interests and goals.

Students who are currently enrolled in band, strings, choir, or other sequential fine arts courses may choose to continue progressing to the next level in their program. Rising sixth graders will also have the opportunity to explore and enroll in fine arts electives as they begin middle school, allowing them to start building their own pathway early.

How will Health/PE be impacted?

6th and 7th grade students are required to take Health/PE as one of their electives during the school day.

Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, 8th grade students will not automatically be scheduled into Health/PE. Students may choose Fit for Life, a new elective focused on wellness and physical activity.

This allows students greater flexibility in designing their elective schedule while still offering wellness options.

Students may also take an additional elective as an optional Zero Period before the school day begins.

Why do students need to re-register for electives?

John P. Fishwick, James Madison, and Woodrow WIlson will transition to the new A/B schedule structure, so these schools must rebuild student schedules under the five-block model.

School counselors will meet with students to review elective options and help them select courses that align with their interests. Families will receive additional information directly from their school about the registration process. Core class selections will not be affected.

Students at Lucy Addison and James Breckinridge will continue with their current schedule structure and may choose to add the optional Zero Period if they are interested.