Alternate Day Block Schedule

The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School follows an alternate day block schedule of four 82-minute blocks per day plus homeroom and lunch. The high school day starts at 7:50 am and regular classes end at 2:18 pm.

Under the alternate day block schedule, classes meet every other day except science and physical education. These two classes share a block with phys. ed. meeting every third day.

Advantages of this system include the fact that students have to prepare for only four subjects per day, teachers have time for more substantive classroom activities and discussions, and less time is wasted passing from class to class.

     1st Lunch:  10:54 - 11:24 AM
     2nd Lunch:  12:21 - 12:51 PM

     AAP (Academic Assistance Period): 2:25 - 3:15 PM
on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

High School block schedule days are labeled "A" through "F."  To help everyone keep track of which day is which, the day's letter is posted just inside the main school entrance.  The day's letter also appears on each school day on the master, printed district calendar. This calendar is mailed to all BH-BL households every August or can be downloaded in pdf format from the district calendars page.

Please note:  the previously announced letter for each day will NOT change even if school is closed unexpectedly due to severe weather or other problem.

Activity Period & Buses
On most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, middle and high school pupils are encouraged to stay at school for an extra hour after their classes end. This extra hour is called Activity Period at the Middle School and Academic Assistance Period at the High School. Students can use it to make up missed work, do research in the school libraries, or get individual help from teachers. Both schools also offer a wide variety of after-school extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports so that students can develop their interests, acquire life-long skills, and use their after-school time in a healthy manner.

A second, condensed bus run is provided after Activity Period on these days to transport students home. For a list of Activity Buses, go to Transportation.

For information on the high school Half-Day Schedule and what happens when the opening of school is delayed go to: Delay Schedules