New Trier High School students taking non-AP science courses would lose 80 minutes of weekly class time under an administration plan set for the 2027-28 school year.
The change would bring science in line with English, math and history, all of which meet for 200 minutes per week. Science is the only core subject at New Trier that currently meets daily, totaling 280 minutes across two 80-minute blocks and three 40-minute blocks each week, according to the New Trier News. Under the new schedule, most science classes would meet three times per week in a single block.
AP science courses are exempt. Science department chair Jason English told the New Trier News that College Board requires AP classes to maintain their current time so the curriculum stays standardized nationwide. Those courses would remain at 280 minutes per week.
The plan was originally set for the 2026-27 school year but was pushed back a year. Dr. Chimille Tillery, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, told the student newspaper in an October opinion column that the delay allowed time to finalize planning for new experimental learning opportunities tied to the schedule change.
Dan Weidner, associate principal for academics and administrative services, said the school has been developing plans for "universal freshman programming to explore interests and build essential skills, community- and school-based internships, seminars, and capstone projects for seniors, among other ideas."
The freed-up time would give students room to add an elective, pick up a semester course or keep the period open.
Not every student supports the move. Then-sophomore Myles Wood told the New Trier News in January that he worries students will face more homework with less class time and that classes will cover less material.
Tillery said only small adjustments to course material are expected, with the focus on scientific thinking skills rather than cutting essential content. The New Trier News reported that educators teach the curriculum based on Next Generation Science Standards, which will guide any adjustments.
Families seeking details about course scheduling and the planned changes can contact the school’s academic administration.
