1. What is the 4X4 block schedule?

On the 4X4 Block, a student takes four classes per semester as opposed to six classes. Each class earns an entire Carnegie Unit rather than the traditional ½ unit. Typically, a student takes two core classes: for example, language arts and science, paired with an academic elective, such as Psychology, and a non-academic elective, such as band or physical education. The four classes meet daily for 90 minutes, with 5 to 7 minutes for class changes. Greater emphasis is placed on time in class, rather that time changing classes.

2. How does the block schedule affect AP courses?

Most advanced placement (AP) courses will be taught over both terms with the student receiving two credits. This gives the student the opportunity to work more in depth with this curriculum and prepare them to take the AP examination in May. At the present time, AP Government and AP Economics are taught as one-term courses and are taught back-to-back, usually by the same teacher.

3. How will the 4 X 4 block affect post-secondary options, joint enrollment, Maxwell, and work-study programs?

These programs work very well with the block schedule and students are able to miss one, or more blocks each day in order to participate in these programs.

4. Will final exams be given at the end of each term and will seniors be allowed to exempt finals?

There will be a mid-term examination for all students in all courses. There will be a final examination at the completion of each course. Seniors, provided they meet the requirements for exam exemption in the spring, will be exempt from final examinations.

5. Is it possible that a student could go a year without a particular academic subject?

Every effort will be made in building the master schedule to prevent this from happening, but a student could take a math course first term, and then not be scheduled for math again until the first term of the next school year. However, consideration will be given to separate math and science, as well as separating social studies and language arts courses. For example, a student might language arts and math in first term and social studies and science in the second.

6. Will a student have the option of placing their courses for both terms, i.e., designate their math, social studies, or their selected electives in a certain term?

No. Students will select their courses for the year and will be placed in those courses throughout the two terms.

7. Is 90 minutes of class time too long to hold the students' attention?

No. Teachers will have the time to enhance their students' learning. This does not mean a teacher will lecture everyday for 90 minutes. Nor will teachers be teaching for 50 minutes and students then provided time for study hall or homework. In lab classes, the time period will enable a teacher to take the class through the lab from beginning to end.

8. Is there a concern that students will take only the minimum courses required for graduation?

We always encourage students to take advantage of the learning opportunities afforded to them. We will remind them the minimum in high school will only get them the minimum in college, which will get them the minimum in business, etc., and will continue to challenge them to perform to their full potential.

9. Will foreign language courses be consecutive?

Yes. Every effort will be made in order that students' first and second year courses will be in consecutive terms.

10. Will graduation requirements increase with the number of credits available?

Graduation requirements will remain the same for all Gwinnett County Public Schools. Students will be advised to expand their academic courses to provide them a broad-based liberal arts education.

11. How will the fine arts program be organized under the 4X4 block schedule?

Because of the expanded number of credits available to each student (32 Carnegie Units), many students choose to take fine arts courses, such as drama, band, orchestra, and chorus all year long.

12. Will class sizes increase?

Class sizes for block schedule at Peachtree Ridge High School will remain approximately the same that students have in their current school.

13. What will be the focus of the SAT Prep course?

Peachtree Ridge High School will offer a SAT Prep course for students to select as one of their eight course choices. Both a language arts and a math teacher will teach this course. A pre-test will be given during the first week of class and the post-test will be the actual SAT at the end of the course, either at the end of December or the end of May.