At CVHS, we schedule based on the 4×4 block or a straight block which we believe best supports our focus on the 3 R’s of relationships, relevance, and rigor. This means a student will be registered into only three to four classes at a time.
The 4X4 supports our 3 R’s by allowing students to focus on a smaller number of courses at one time. In the block schedule at Castle View High School, a student can earn 7 – 8 credits their 9th grade year, 6.5 – 7.0 their 10th grade year, 6 – 7 their 11th grade year and 5 – 6 their 12th grade year. In the Castle View 4X4 block, a 0.5 credit class will meet for 85 minutes each day and be completed in 9 weeks. A 1.0 credit class will meet 85 minutes daily and be completed in 18 weeks. For example, in a traditional high school schedule, a Spanish class would last a full year and would meet every day for 50 minutes or every other day for 90 minutes. At Castle View High School, that same Spanish class will be completed in 18 weeks.
Alternating Block 2A/2B
While the 4X4 allows our students to focus on a smaller number of classes at one time, it is also necessary to provide classes that are year-long in duration. Classes such as student government, yearbook, newspaper and some performing arts classes are scheduled in an alternating block process. Courses required to meet for the entire year will be specifically noted in the registration materials. Students taking a year-long course will have the option to select from a menu of courses that are solely available opposite of that year-long course. For example, a student who registers for student government would have a choice of other alternating block classes such as yearbook, or other similar courses.