High School Schedule Update – November 5, 2025

Key Message Highlights:

1. Schools will develop their own schedule for the 2026-27 school year.
2. Schools will be able to consider small adjustments to the schedule for 2nd semester this year.
3. Our commitment is to continue focusing on excellence for our students.

Dear High School students and families,

Earlier today, I met with high school staff to share an update about the common high school schedule. After careful consideration, we have decided that each high school will develop their own 6-period schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. This means each high school will create a schedule that:

1. Meets all state requirements for instructional time and course access,
2. Reflects the unique needs and priorities of its school community, and
3. Maintains current start and end times.

When we began the work toward a common schedule, our goals were to:

1. Create a more consistent experience across all high schools,
2. Align teaching, learning, and intervention practices, and
3. Coordinate central resources more effectively with schools.

As we’ve evaluated our progress, we believe our collective energy is best focused on strengthening teaching, learning, and the overall student experience rather than continuing to pursue a single, district-wide schedule. While the idea of a common schedule had merit, it is not our highest-leverage strategy for helping every student graduate prepared for their future.

My hope is that this change demonstrates our commitment to listening, learning, and adapting based on what best serves students.

Short-Term Next Steps for 2025-2026
Beginning in the next few weeks, school teams will review possible adjustments for the second semester. Because developing a schedule is complex and impactful, schools may consider limited options:

• Switching 3rd and 4th period blocks on Monday and Tuesday to avoid the duplicate 4th period class on Tuesdays.
• Switching Monday and Friday schedules to have all six periods at the start of the week.

Schools will provide an update prior to Winter Break about the status of their schedule for second semester.

Long-Term Next Steps

Before Winter Break, we will provide high schools with updated schedule guidelines that ensure compliance with instructional requirements including passing time, and homeroom expectations. School leaders will then engage staff and students in developing schedules for the 2026–27 school year, much the same as years prior to this one.

It’s important to note that schools will not be returning to last year’s schedule. Some key elements that will impact the development of school schedules: (1) the change from 7 to 6-periods is not changing and (2) start and end times will remain the same, and (3) we must meet instructional hour requirements.

Our district maintains a commitment to creating the best possible conditions for students to learn and thrive. This means adjusting our practices and decisions to ensure we keep our focus on what matters most, which is our students and their learning.

Thank you for your partnership and ongoing support as we move forward together.

Sincerely,
Jon

Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent
Lake Washington School District