Dear North Phoenix Prep Families,

I am writing to follow up with you about a theme from the September pulse survey (and from numerous conversations that I have had with families, faculty, and students) that the school day schedule is overly compressed. Our community especially wants and needs a longer lunch time. Our faculty desire more opportunities to share a meal with their colleagues. Students also want a more leisurely lunch, complete with friendly conversation and longer opportunities for recreation. Overall, we just need a bit more room to breathe during the school day. I definitely hear you on all of this. 

The trick, of course, is how exactly we can take action to make things better. When we first looked into that possibility, the prospect of altering the school day schedule seemed impossible. There were so many intricately intertwined aspects that it really seemed we would need to wait until next year. But then we dug in, took a closer look, and we found a way to make it happen starting in January . Take a look!

   By shaving-off 2 minutes of each class period, this schedule allows:
  • A 35-minute lunch period
  • Student use of the gymnasium for recreation
  • Two-period blocks of instruction for all students


  In order to extend lunch, you will note that we re-combined MS and HS lunch.
  •  We will still provide ample supervision during lunch, and we will rotate MS and HS access to the gym. The field will also remain open.
  • 2nd period will remain one hour, as that is the period for announcements.
  • This is our “Regular Day” schedule. Our Wednesday “Early Release” and “Half Day” schedules remain the same.

  Please note: our start and end times have not changed.

For me personally, this whole process has been a reminder that I am surrounded by an outstanding team that is working collaboratively for the good of our whole community. I am so grateful for everyone in our Academy leadership, and I am also grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact that was generated by community feedback. A special note of thanks goes to Ms. Alison Stone, whose diligent work on this project has turned it into a reality. 

Finally, I remain ever grateful for your continued partnership with our Academy. Your input matters, and as you can see, it makes a difference as we strive toward greater and greater excellence together. With that in mind, please do reach out to me directly with whatever questions or comments you may have ( [email protected] ). I love talking directly with families about whatever’s on your mind.

With Devotion,

Headmaster Weinhold