Catholic Central uses a custom schedule to empower students and encourage deeper inquiry and more meaningful learning. This research-based, student centered schedule develops the whole person by prioritizing students’ learning needs and their overall well-being.

In this schedule, students have 8 carriers (classes) for their academic and elective courses with longer class periods (60-80 minutes, typically) over a two-week rotation. On any given day, students have 4-5 carriers instead of the typical 7-8 found with a traditional bell schedule. With fewer transitions, and fewer classes per day, there’s more time for students to engage in multiple learning modes, work together on projects and conduct more comprehensive lab work and experimentation.

While the homework load is similar to other college-prep high schools, students have greater autonomy over when to complete that work which supports their ability to participate fully in sports, fine arts and other extracurricular activities.

Additionally, the schedule encourages deeper connection and wellbeing through our Focus Time sessions. Three times per week, for 30 minutes each, students have an opportunity to choose what they need to feel happy and accomplished: link up with peers for a group project, connect with faculty for academic support, meet with the guidance department for college and career advice, grab extra time to study during the school day, try a new activity or join a school club.