Academic Schedule

Academic Schedule

At Miss Porter’s School, our academic schedule breaks from tradition to support deeper, healthier and more effective learning.  

Two students sit at a table in a classroom, working together on a large sheet of paper. One student smiles while writing with a marker, and the other focuses on the paper. A large monitor and whiteboard are in the background.

Our Modular Block Trimester Schedule

At many schools, a typical academic term consists of six classes taken over one school year. But at Porter’s, we operate on a modular block trimester schedule. That means your year will be organized around three 10-week trimesters. Each trimester, you’ll take different classes that meet for 90-minute blocks almost every school day. It’s a student-centered approach that enhances learning and engagement.

A modular block schedule may look like this:

FallWinterSpring
EnglishHistoryScience
Elective/Free BlockMathWorld Language
ArtTechnology, Innovation

and Entrepreneurship
Elective/Free Block

Weekly Schedule

This sample schedule shows you how a typical week of classes at Porter’s might be structured.

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
X Block
8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m.
X Block
8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m.
X Block
8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m.
X Block
8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m.
X Block
8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m.
Block A
8:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Block B
8:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Block C
8:45 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.
Block A
8:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Block B
8:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Community Time
10:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Community Time
10:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Block A
10:05 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Community Time
10:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Community Time
10:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Early Lunch
11:00 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Block B
11:05 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.
Early Lunch
11:00 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Block C
11:05 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.
Block B
11:25 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.
Early Lunch
11:00 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Block B
11:05 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.
Early Lunch
11:00 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Block C
11:05 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.
Block B
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Late Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Block C
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Late Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Block B
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Late Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Block C
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Late Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Y Block
1:05 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Y Block
1:05 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Y Block
1:05 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Y Block
1:05 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Block C
1:50 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Block A
1:50 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Block C
1:50 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Block A
1:50 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Weekly Schedule Components

  • X Block: time for faculty collaboration or individual meetings with students
  • Block A, B, & C: rotating class blocks
  • Community Time: Morning Meeting, advising, clubs, equity and inclusion organizations and community programming
  • Y Block: time for faculty office hours, enrichment and music ensembles 

“Since we follow a trimester program, taking three classes a trimester and nine classes a year allows me to take not only more classes than I would have at other schools, but also classes that genuinely interest me.”

A young person in a yellow tank top and sunglasses on their head uses a pipette in a science lab, focusing on transferring liquid into a small container.
Two people sit at a table examining a geometric paper model decorated with drawings and text. Only their hands and torsos are visible, and they appear to be in a classroom or lab setting.

A Schedule That Works for Students and Faculty—Not Against Them

Our modular block schedule enhances nearly every aspect of life and learning at Porter’s. With fewer classes packed into each day, faculty lead more active and immersive lessons. Built-in office hours and dedicated meeting times allow for one-on-one engagement with students. That means faculty truly understand each student’s unique needs, interests and goals and are able to provide individualized attention and support.

As a Porter’s student, you’ll have the time and space you need to engage more thoughtfully with your studies. Longer breaks between classes give you the chance to process what you’ve learned and prepare for your next class. A manageable homework load allows you to engage deeply with your studies in the evening while also prioritizing sleep. That, combined with a later start to the day, creates a more focused and well-rested academic experience.

Our schedule is proof that when students lead healthier, more balanced school lives, they not only maximize their learning but also achieve more of their personal and academic goals.