Trimesters

Crestwood High School and the Board of Education have made the decision to change the scheduling format at the high school for the 2008-2009 school year. Previously the high school was on a traditional schedule, two semesters per year (each 90 days in length). The new trimester schedule consists of three semesters per year (each 60 days in length). The new graduation requirements for students set by the state of Michigan, offers very few opportunities for elective courses. These new requirements affect the Class of 2011.

Under a trimester format, students have the opportunity to take five classes each trimester (30 credits over four years), rather that the traditional six classes each semester (24 credits over four years). The intent of the scheduling change is to increase the number of electives students can take, while maintaining academic excellence.

The high school has continued to gather information from districts that have successfully implemented trimesters. We visited other schools that have implemented trimesters and attended numerous updates and seminars on the topic. We will continue to work with other schools, develop electives and lesson plans, and work on trimester curriculums. The overriding factor is, as always, what is best for students. As we prepare students for this global society, it is imperative that they have both a well-rounded experience in high school and a solid background in the core subjects.

Please visit http://www.trimesters.org/ for additional information on the trimester model.