We open early and close late.
Doors open starting at 7:30 AM, and students can socialize in the Commons, study in the Library, or enjoy our outdoor spaces until 8:30 AM.*
On a typical day, students have five class periods, with community period, 3rd period, and lunch running consecutively – providing dedicated time for off-campus trips and lab work. Everyone has different cognitive highs and lows during the day, so we use a rotating schedule to move different classes through different time slots. Each core academic class meets five times every eight school days, and everyone appreciate the variety.
Our daily community period from 10:20-11 AM rotates among assemblies, grade meetings, club meetings, advisory, affinity groups, and more – so students have dedicated, midday time to connect with friends, from in and outside their grade, and explore hobbies and interests.
Everyone has lunch at the same time, and students can purchase a meal plan or bring lunch from home. We have an open campus in the High School, so students also take full advantage of the carry-out and food truck options lining Connecticut Avenue (within a specified radius of campus) and decide where to eat and relax. The Burke Gym and outdoor terraces are open during lunch for those who enjoy pick-up games and outdoor time.
At 3:30 PM, classes wrap up for the day – but most students stay on campus for rehearsals and sports practices, while others set up shop in the computer lab, head to Open Studio, edit the school newspaper, or chat with friends in the Atrium. We also offer proctored middle and high study halls until 5:30 PM.