The charter school found this model offers benefits such as higher student engagement and improved teacher retention.
EULESS, Texas — Treetops School International, a charter school in Euless, announced Monday it will be moving to a four-day instructional week starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
The school’s board approved this new calendar, which the school says is a reflection of its commitment to enhancing student learning and supporting teacher well-being.
“We believe this transition is a bold and innovative step that will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality education while ensuring that both students and teachers thrive,” James Whitfield, Superintendent of Treetops School International, said in a statement. “By focusing instructional time and increasing planning opportunities for teachers, we are hoping to create a more sustainable and effective learning environment.
Starting next year, school days Monday through Thursday will be extended, starting at 7:40 a.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m. One Friday every month will be used for teacher professional learning and planning, while students and staff will have all other Fridays off.
The school said research and collaboration with other districts that have made this change found this model had benefits such as higher student engagement, improved teacher retention and recruiting, and increased teacher planning time.
Treetops School International says it is actively meeting with local childcare providers to explore special rates for any families needing care on Fridays, and is considering limited on-campus drop-in care options.
Other North Texas school districts that have implemented a four-day instructional week include Mineral Wells ISD, Anna ISD, Gainesville ISD and Sanger ISD.
More information on the transition can be found at www.treetops.org.
