DeSoto high schools moving to block schedule

All DeSoto County high schools will be changing over to block scheduling next year, the same system used by the top five high schools in the U.S.

The new modular schedule, commonly called “4 x 4,” consists of four blocks of time and four classes per semester.

Under the alternative schedule, classes will generally last about 90 minutes, nearly doubling the district high schools’ current class time of 47 minutes.

The new scheduling allows students to earn a year’s credit in 18 weeks by extending the class time in each subject. This means students can earn eight credits per year as opposed to seven for an additional four credits over four years of high school.

The eight-semester sequence also allows more advanced students the opportunity to complete higher-level courses and to earn college credits through dual enrollment.

Also under the new schedule, the number of credits required for graduation will rise to 24 for next year’s entering ninth-graders.