A Bold New Chapter
We are thrilled to announce that the board has unanimously approved an innovative two-year pilot program to transition Palo Verde High Magnet School to a four-day school week starting in the 2026–2027 school year!
This strategic move is designed to provide our students with a flexible schedule, extra support on Fridays, and an opportunity that truly prepares them for the modern world.
This strategic move is designed to provide our students with a flexible schedule, extra support on Fridays, and an opportunity that truly prepares them for the modern world.
Palo Verde is a comprehensive STEAM-focused magnet high school, with a current “B” school rating and a commitment to preparing students for post-secondary success through diverse academic and career-focused opportunities.
Families can schedule a tour or get enrollment enformation on our this webpage Palo Verde Tour-Enroll, or contact the front office at 520-584-7400 for additional information.
Families can schedule a tour or get enrollment enformation on our this webpage Palo Verde Tour-Enroll, or contact the front office at 520-584-7400 for additional information.
What This Means
We aren't just changing the schedule; we are maximizing our time together. Our new model actually increases instructional minutes to ensure our students receive the highest quality of academic support.
Classes will run Monday through Thursday from 8:10 a.m. to 4:10 p.m.
View the Sample Class Schedule.
View the Sample Class Schedule.
Each of the seven daily periods will be 60 minutes, adding five minutes of learning to every class compared to a traditional schedule.
To ensure our students excel, we are doubling the state-recommended instructional minutes in math by requiring a math elective for most students in grades 9 -11.
Introducing Flex Fridays
The fifth day of the week is being transformed into a day of opportunity. "Flex Fridays" will offer specialized programming focused on real-world success, including:
Students can earn career experience through internships and job shadowing.
Fridays will offer targeted tutoring and flexibility for students to balance family responsibilities or part-time jobs.
We will offer Community-Based Instruction, Life Skills development, and activities using Unique Learning System for our Exceptional Education students.
Sample Schedule
A Safer, Stronger Community
This change is backed by incredible support from our community, with 92% of parents and 97% of staff expressing their approval for the pilot. Furthermore, research into the four-day model shows significant improvements to school culture, including a 39% decrease in bullying and a 31% decrease in fighting.
As Principal Eric Brock shared, our goal is to make Palo Verde the premier choice for families in Tucson by offering a unique, flexible and effective education. We are so excited to embark on this journey with you and your students.
FAQ's
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Palo Verde High Magnet School will transition to a four-day school week as part of a two-year pilot program approved unanimously by the governing board.
The pilot program is designed to strengthen Palo Verde’s academic offerings, provide innovative learning opportunities, and help stabilize and grow student enrollment in an increasingly competitive educational environment.
Palo Verde will be the first high school in Tucson to offer this innovative four-day school week model, providing students and families with a unique balance of academic rigor, flexibility, and real-world learning opportunities.
The schedule creates opportunities for students to participate in internships, job shadowing, career exploration, tutoring, and other experiences that support college, career, and life readiness.
Students will attend classes Monday through Thursday from 8:10 a.m. to 4:10 p.m.
The new schedule is designed to:
- Increase instructional time
- Provide additional academic support opportunities
- Create more flexibility for students and families
- Expand work-based learning opportunities
- Better prepare students for college, careers, and real-world responsibilities
- Help with teacher retention
- Increase student enrollment
No. Students will actually receive more instructional minutes than under a traditional schedule. Each of the seven daily class periods will be 60 minutes long, adding additional learning time to every class.
Fridays will become “Flex Fridays,” a day focused on enrichment, intervention, and real-world learning opportunities rather than a traditional school day schedule.
Flex Fridays may include:
- Tutoring and academic support
- Internship opportunities
- Job shadowing
- Work-based learning experiences
- Support for students balancing jobs or family responsibilities
- Specialized instruction for Exceptional Education students
Some students may be asked or required to attend Fridays for specific academic support, specialized programming, or interventions. Additional details about attendance expectations will be shared prior to implementation.
Yes. Students may have opportunities to earn credit through approved work-based learning experiences, internships, and structured career exploration programs.
To strengthen academic achievement, Palo Verde will require most students in grades 9–11 to take a math elective in addition to their regular math course. This will significantly increase math instructional minutes.
Exceptional Education students will continue receiving specialized services and instruction, including:
- Community-Based Instruction (CBI)
- Life Skills development
- Unique Learning System activities
- Individualized academic and transition support
Yes. The pilot program received overwhelming support from the Palo Verde community:
- 92% of parents supported the transition
- 97% of staff supported the transition
Research on four-day school week models has shown positive impacts on school climate, including:
- Reduced bullying
- Reduced fighting
- Improved student and staff morale
- Increased engagement and attendance
Yes. Athletics, clubs, activities, and events will continue. Specific schedules and adjustments will be communicated by coaches and sponsors.
Transportation services will continue Monday through Thursday. Information regarding transportation for Friday programming will be shared as plans are finalized.
Yes. Meal service plans for both the regular school week and Flex Friday programming will be communicated before the start of the school year, but both breakfast and lunch will still be available Monday through Friday.
No. The four-day week is currently approved as a two-year pilot program. The district and school administration will review data, feedback, and outcomes before determining any long-term decisions.
Research on four-day school week models has shown positive improvements in school culture, including reductions in bullying and fighting, along with increased student engagement and staff morale.
Innovative scheduling models can help schools attract and retain highly qualified staff by improving work-life balance and creating a more flexible professional environment.