A big part of City Academy’s success reflects the popularity of the unique timetable structure which we initiated in 1999. In this model the school year is divided into four semesters of 44 school days each. Each period is 2.5 hours long. Although three periods per day are scheduled we counsel students, for maximum success, to take only two credits each semester. The third period “spare” is utilized for homework. We encourage students to remain at school in this third period to complete homework. The goal is that within the school day (8:30 – 4:00) students take classes and complete their homework, thus leaving free time in the evening to enjoy family and friends. The homework period is not mandated, however most students take advantage of the opportunity. Students have a choice of working independently on homework or of being timetabled into a class where homework is supervised.

Proof that the four-semester timetable model enhances students’ success is the fact that other schools have adopted a similar format.