Balanced Calendar Initiative

For students in Running Start or who are learning a trade, consider local community college and skill center schedules for potential impacts on students participating in those programs part-time.

A balanced calendar can provide an opportunity for involvement in special projects and targeted learning opportunities. When considering calendar modifications, schools should take into account the program design and testing schedules for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge International programs.

State graduation requirements remain the same. Each school district is responsible for supporting every student to earn necessary credits for graduation, meet their graduation pathway, and complete a High School and Beyond Plan.

Connect with families and community partners early, including child care providers. Gather their feedback about the prospect of a school year calendar change. Some families have shared that it is easier to budget for six weeks of care in the summer with periodic week breaks throughout the school year, than it is to pay for care for 10 to 12 consecutive weeks during a traditional summer break (Flaminio Interview, 2022). Some child care providers have cited the shift to a balanced calendar has offered a growth opportunity for their business (Ballinger & Kneese, 2006).

In the exploration process, include families who operate under a parenting agreement or who are in single-parent households. In some cases, a balanced calendar may provide more opportunities for equity in shared custody arrangements, especially where one parent has custody during the school year, while the other has custody during summer break.

High school athletics are often viewed as a barrier due to scheduling challenges, but conflicts can be mitigated. For decades, school districts across the nation have successfully supported interscholastic sports among schools with different school year calendars. In fact, the modern balanced calendar has ties back to the 1890s. Washington’s Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has successfully navigated a variety of school year calendars. Despite changes in leadership, WIAA has stated their support of allowing districts to determine the right school year calendar for their students and communities.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) may be operated on planned educational days. Enrolled students attending on-campus, educational activities are eligible to participate and may receive one breakfast and one lunch daily. Meals must meet the NSLP and SBP Meal Pattern requirements and are reimbursed at the school’s NSLP and SBP rate. Schools must count and claim meals according to a student’s approved eligibility status unless they are participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provision 2. An application and calendar must be submitted within the Washington Integrated Nutrition System (WINS) for the participating schools and planned educational days at the beginning of each school year. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) should contact their assigned School Meal Programs Specialist with any questions.