Unlocking Time

Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, El Diamante, Golden West, Mount Whitney, and Redwood will transition from a traditional 6-period instructional day to an 8-period AB block schedule. Our High School Educational Option schools will review and determine any schedule adjustments that best align with their unique design, purpose, and student needs.
While all students will begin following the new 8-period schedule in 2027–2028, the course and graduation requirements associated with the new schedule will be phased in over time. This approach will help ensure a smooth transition and provide clear expectations for each graduating class. With an 8-period schedule, students will have more choices, flexibility, and opportunities throughout high school. Students will have:
- Expanded Academic Access and Opportunities — more flexibility in students’ schedules to balance core classes with electives and other learning opportunities, giving them greater access to career pathways, the arts, world languages, and other areas of interest.
- Time for Academic Support and Advancement— students will have greater flexibility to receive the support they need or pursue additional opportunities during the school day.
Alternating AB Block Schedule
Students will attend four classes each day, alternating between A-Days and B-Days, providing longer periods for focused learning and fewer daily transitions. We know families and students will have questions.
This fall, we will host student and parent informational sessions to share more, answer questions, and help our community prepare for this exciting transition.
Block A
- Period 1
- Period 2
- Period 3
- Period 4
Block B
- Period 5
- Period 6
- Period 7
- Period 8
Week 1
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block A | Block B | Block A | Block B | Block A |
Week 2
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block B | Block A | Block B | Block A | Block B |
What we're hearing from our staff and students:
- My student had to drop band to take their second year of Spanish.
- I wish there more electives that I was interested in taking?
- I have to get into summer school or I will not be able to continue in the academy.
FAQs
- Why is VUSD transitioning to an 8-period rotating block schedule?
- What will a student's school day look like?
- How will families, staff, and students stay informed?
- Will students have eight classes every day?
- How long will each class period be?
- Will graduation requirements change?
- Will students have more homework because they are taking more classes?
- What happens if a student misses a day?
- How will this affect athletics, VAPA and CTE?
- What if my student already needs additional academic support?
- How will teachers prepare for longer class periods?
- Will all VUSD high schools use the same schedule?
- When will students choose their courses for 2027-28?
- Will Zero Period and Summer School still be offered?
- Will my student have the opportunity to take a Work Experience class?
- Where can I ask questions or provide feedback?
- What if my student attends VCIS, VTEC, and Sequoia?
Why is VUSD transitioning to an 8-period rotating block schedule?
What will a student's school day look like?
How will families, staff, and students stay informed?
Will students have eight classes every day?
How long will each class period be?
Will graduation requirements change?
Will students have more homework because they are taking more classes?
What happens if a student misses a day?
How will this affect athletics, VAPA and CTE?
What if my student already needs additional academic support?
How will teachers prepare for longer class periods?
Will all VUSD high schools use the same schedule?
When will students choose their courses for 2027-28?
Will Zero Period and Summer School still be offered?
Will my student have the opportunity to take a Work Experience class?
Where can I ask questions or provide feedback?
What if my student attends VCIS, VTEC, and Sequoia?
Get Connected
Thanks to our staff, El Diamante has a variety of student clubs and organizations on campus.
CTE & El Diamante
Media Arts Academy
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What students do:
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Planning (Pre-Production): Dream up stories, write scripts, sketch shots, and plan filming days.
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Filming (Production): Shoot scenes with real cameras and cool gear.
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Editing (Post-Production): Edit movies using pro software like Avid Media Composer.
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Plus, design posters with Adobe tools, make props, costumes, and sets, and pitch their ideas like pros.
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STRONG ACADEMY
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How to stop and fix injuries—like taping a sprained ankle.
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Ways to make muscles stronger and improve performance.
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How to manage sickness or injuries.
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Tips to keep your mind and body healthy.
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They explore sciences like Biology (life), Kinesiology (moving), Chemistry (body chemistry), Anatomy (body parts), and Physiology (how it all works).
