May 12, 2025 – Beginning next fall, the school day for most district high school students will end 15 minutes earlier than the current dismissal time. This adjustment is part of the previously announced schedule changes that will go into effect in middle and high schools beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
The updated school day will be implemented at high schools moving to a 3x3 block schedule with a “skinny” course. This means that students will take three 100-minute courses every other day on an A/B rotation, as well as one 50-minute “skinny” course daily.
The high school exceptions – Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Stanton College Preparatory, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, and Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies – will retain their current start and end times, along with their 4x4 block schedules.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Bernier announced the new secondary schedules in February, stating that the changes would result in projected cost savings of $8 to $10 million. A multi-tiered approach was implemented to develop the secondary schedule changes, solicit feedback, and collaborate with Duval Teachers United on collective bargaining.
The changes to the high school schedule are separate from the conversation regarding school start times. Both topics will be discussed when the School Board meets for its regularly scheduled workshop tomorrow. These meetings are open to the public and can also be accessed online via the school board livestream.