A typical day for a high school student will include arriving at school around 7:30 am (either by yellow bus, public transportation, walking or being dropped off by a parent). Students will pass through a uniform check station, monitored by a building level leader to ensure he/she is in full uniform. Students will then proceed into the gym for breakfast. As breakfast is being served, students have the opportunity to assist teachers (earning community service hours), read, study and/or engage in conversation with their peers.
At 8:05 am, breakfast is over and the high school students are welcomed by a morning message given by the Principal or Dean of the school. The message sets the tone for the day, extends relationships outside of the classroom while helping to create a healthy student culture.
Students are then released to their lockers to put away their backpacks and coats and collect all materials needed for the day. Students then report to homeroom during which the teacher takes attendance, reiterates the morning message, reviews other pertinent daily information with the students and gives them the opportunity to mentally prepare for the day. At 8:30 the bell rings and students have 90 seconds to quickly get to their first block.
All classes will begin with a Do Now, move into an engaging Lesson Opener and progress through Direct Instruction, Guided Practice, and Independent Practice until reaching the Exit Slip, which serves as an immediate assessment of the lesson objective. Students will be expected to work hard and showcase a “do whatever it takes” mentality when approaching their work.
Throughout the day, students have 4 classes that each last 90 minutes. In total, the students are simultaneously taking 8 courses each semester. These courses include:
Literature I/Literature II
Algebra/Geometry
Physical Science/Biology
Modern World History/Modern American History
Writing I/Writing II
College Prep
Electives
By midday, the students go to lunch and have another opportunity to engage in conversation with friends, classmates and their teachers. At lunch, many students take advantage of eating with a teacher, building level leader and/or getting tutored by a peer. As in the morning, the principal or dean addresses the group for their afternoon message. The message usually focuses on observations made in the morning hours and/or strategies for their academic / behavior performance in the afternoon. As well as provides updates to afterschool activities, and any teacher notes that need to be made.
After lunch the day continues until dismissal at 3:30pm. During dismissal students are permitted to read and/or begin their homework. At 4:00pm, several students may attend an after school activity which may include, tutoring, athletics, choir and/or a special club led by a teacher. Overall, a day in the life of a NEO College Prep high school student is extended, incredibly rewarding and filled with activities that push student performance. Additionally, during this time all teachers are present and ensuring the process is one of the smoothest of the day.