Colonial Forge and Stafford high school parents were receptive last night to a proposal to expand classes from 50 minutes to 90 minutes as early as next academic year.
Both schools hosted informational meetings about a possible switch from traditional to block scheduling.
The day wouldn't get longer, but the schedules would change.
Administrators say the plan will lower class sizes in a year when the division can't afford to hire more teachers.
The Free Lance-Star attended the meeting at Stafford High, at which about 50 parents showed up. Deputy Superintendent Andre Nougaret said about 75 attended the forum at Colonial Forge.
"I think the parents want to get behind it at this point," Nougaret said in a telephone interview.
The School Board will weigh in on the proposal at its meeting Tuesday after administrators present a report on block scheduling.
Stafford High and Colonial Forge would join most other high schools in the region if they adopt block scheduling. However, it's carried out differently at many schools.
Stafford and Colonial Forge are considering what's called "AB" block scheduling.
Students would take eight courses a year, with classes meeting for 90 minutes every other day. Students would take four classes during an "A" day and four during a "B" day.
Currently, students at those schools take seven 50-minute classes a day.
Instructors now teach five classes a year. They would teach six annually under the "AB" format, which is why administrators think it would reduce student-teacher ratios.
Stafford High School Principal Joseph Lewis outlined what he called the benefits of block scheduling at last night's meeting. The longer classes, he said, will give teachers more time to get to know students.
Other positives, he said, include less time in hallways and the ability to earn more credits.
Don Jones said his grandson had block scheduling in Maryland before moving to Stafford High. The teen, now a junior, prefers Stafford High's current format, he said.
"He figured that 90 minutes was too long to be in one class, especially if it was a subject he didn't like," Jones said.
One parent said his daughter supports the possible schedule change because it would enable her to take two fine arts classes.
"She is really excited about it," he said.
Mountain View, North Stafford and Brooke Point high schools have used a different form of block scheduling since the 2005-06 academic year. Their "four-by-four" schedule has students take the same four 90-minute classes each day for one semester. They then take four different courses the next semester.
Some classes at those schools, including fine arts and advanced placement, run yearlong.
Fredericksburg's James Monroe High School started a similar "four-by-four" schedule this academic year.
High schools in Prince William, Spotsylvania, King George, Culpeper and Fauquier counties also use block scheduling.
Caroline High School uses a traditional seven-period format.
Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Email: jbranscome@freelancestar.com