Most kids are returning to school today. Megan and Paul are not among them. That’s because Megan and Paul attend a year round charter school. Year rounds schools are common alternatives here in California. When we made the decision to move to San Diego, Adam and I were open-minded about enrolling Megan and Paul in a year round school. We’d known other families who had positive year round school experiences.
Megan and Paul attend school the same number of days as students in traditional school models. Their school year is divided into three trimesters. After each trimester the kids have an extended break from school. For example, Christmas vacation (end of first trimester) is December 22-January 21. The other two trimester breaks are April 6-28 and July 17-September 1st. (The new school year begins the day after Labor Day.)
The verdict? I like the predictability of the year round school calendar. With fewer interruptions, it seems as though the kids are able to focus better while they are in school. The challenge for our family is to figure out childcare because both Adam and I work. Thankfully we both have flexible schedules and child-friendly work places. Adam has been home for the past two weeks and my parents are coming to visit next week so childcare has not been a huge issue this time around. Of course, we have two more trimester breaks remaining!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Year round programs sound great to me – both as a mom and a former teacher. Can’t wait to hear what you think once you’ve completed a full year!
Year round school sounds great! My daughter goes to a track school where she’s in school for 2 months and then off for 3 weeks . . . for the entire year. It kind of sucks.
hey, i tried to reply to you on twitter but it wouldn’t let me b/c you’re not following me. my name is kathy and my hubby is boltman from ymx. i checked out your blog b/c adam mentioned he was working on it…
looks great btw!
The district in our area follows a “modified” year round schedule and I think it’s fantastic.
I worked in the district as a counselor pre-baby and I truly “believe in” the year round approach as a result of my experience. The students are more focused, the teachers are refreshed by the longer “breaks” throughout the year, and families are able to vacation to popular travel destinations at irregular times to avoid the big crowds.