This fictional press release outlines a transformational approach to the typical school calendar, creating two different grade-level entry points and offering the promise of improving academic outcomes as well as the PK–12 education profession.
In Neonetos (Greek for “new year”) Public Schools, January isn’t just about New Year’s resolutions—it’s about new beginnings for half of our student body. While many districts across the country are returning from winter break to continue their academic year, thousands of Neonetos students are starting fresh in new grades, with new teachers and new opportunities. This isn’t a quirk in our calendar. It’s a deliberate innovation that’s transforming how we think about learning time.
“When we first proposed this calendar, there were naturally a lot of questions,” recalls Dr. Sarah Chen, Superintendent of Neonetos Public Schools. “But we knew we needed a bold solution to address learning gaps and provide more flexibility for our students and teachers. The results have exceeded our expectations.”
Our bifurcated school year creates two distinct entry points: first in July after Independence Day, then in January after the New Year. At those times, half our students are either beginning or midway through their academic year. This unique approach, while unconventional, has yielded remarkable benefits for our entire school community.
Addressing pandemic learning loss with precision
When we first implemented this system in summer 2023, it provided an elegant solution to one of education’s most pressing challenges: pandemic learning loss. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we gave about half of our students a “third semester,” an additional five months of instruction in their current grade level. The results were phenomenal. We received a waiver from the state to administer two testing windows in late spring and late fall with students only completing the test once per year. The percentage of students who participated in the third semester extended year and met or exceeded expectations in math and reading went from less than 1 percent in spring 2023 to 64 percent in late fall 2024, with most of the non-proficient students scoring at the “approaching expectations” level.
“As a parent, I was initially concerned about my daughter getting held back,” shares Amanda Torres, mother of a fifth grader. “But that extra semester made all the difference. She caught up on math concepts, passed the state math test in the fall, and her confidence soared. Now she’s thriving.”
Flexible grade progression for individual needs
Our system revolutionized how we handle grade-level retention and advancement decisions. Instead of requiring students to repeat an entire academic year when they need additional support, we can now retain students for just six months—the second semester of their current grade level--to catch up. For advanced students, we can promote them by a more developmentally appropriate half-grade level at any time.
Marcus Williams, an eighth-grade student, explains: “When I was struggling with pre-algebra, my teachers gave me an extra semester to really get it. Instead of feeling rushed, I had time to understand the concepts. Now math is one of my favorite subjects as I look forward to starting high school with my friends this January!”
Supporting teacher growth, work-life balance, and recruitment
Our calendar innovation extends beyond student benefits to support teacher development, well-being, and recruitment. Every five years, our teachers now earn a six-month partially-paid sabbatical for professional growth and renewal. Teachers end a school year in December or May with their students and return six months later with students starting a new academic year, minimizing mid-year turmoil.
“My sabbatical transformed my teaching,” says David Parker, a veteran elementary school English teacher. “I spent three months studying innovative science of reading literacy programs in Mississippi, and three months developing a new curriculum. When I returned in January, I brought fresh perspectives and energy to my classroom.”
Our new parental leave policy for teachers has also made a difference. “Being able to take a full six months off and return at the start of a new year made such a difference,” notes Rebecca Foster, a fourth-grade teacher. “I didn’t have to worry about my students having multiple transitions, and I could fully focus on my newborn, knowing my return would align perfectly with a new school year.”
Having multiple entry points to the school year also means multiple opportunities to capture career changers who are ready to become teachers and midyear college graduates with education degrees, giving us the chance to capture top talent earlier than nearby competing districts.
Minimizing learning loss, maximizing learning time
Our year-round calendar with two one-month breaks instead of the traditional two-month summer break has shown impressive results in reducing learning loss. “The shorter breaks really help me stay sharp,” says Emma Chen, a tenth-grade student. “I don’t forget as much over break, and it’s easier to get back into the rhythm of school. Plus, having breaks in June and December means better weather for sports and outdoor activities.”
Sofia Rodriguez, parent of three Neonetos students, adds: “The new calendar actually works better for our family. Instead of scrambling to find two months of summer activities, we plan shorter but more engaging experiences during the breaks. The kids come back refreshed but not disconnected from their learning.”
Planning and communication for the 2023 transition year
The success of Neonetos’s bifurcated calendar began with methodical planning and transparent communication starting a full year before implementation. According to Dr. Chen, “You can’t overstate the importance of that preparation year. We began conversations with teachers and families in summer 2022, well before our July 2023 transition.”
The district developed a multi-layered communication approach that was designed to reach every family. “Having those early conversations with families was crucial,” says Maria Torres, Family Engagement Coordinator. “Parents need time to understand the benefits, adjust their planning, and feel confident about their children’s paths forward.”
Teachers received comprehensive professional development that focused on both the logistics of the new calendar and the pedagogical implications for teachers who would continue with one group of students for the third semester. They learned how to utilize formative assessment data to restructure content and pacing charts to meet students where they are and accelerate their learning in July 2023, with the goal of passing the state assessment in their assigned grade in fall 2024, the equivalent of three semesters later.
The district prioritized keeping students who needed extra time with their current teachers whenever possible. “This continuity was vital,” explains Dr. Emily Santos, Director of Student Services. “Students could continue their learning journey with a teacher who already understood their needs, in a classroom community they knew.”
Check out our full implementation timeline.
Looking forward
“What started as a pandemic response has evolved into a model that better serves everyone in our educational community,” reflects Superintendent Chen. “We’re seeing higher student achievement, improved teacher retention, and stronger family engagement. Other districts are starting to take notice, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned.”
The bifurcated school year represents more than just a calendar change. It’s a fundamental reimagining of how we structure learning time. By aligning our academic calendar with the natural rhythm of learning and development, we’re creating a more responsive, flexible, and effective educational environment for both students and teachers.
As Jason Martinez, president of our teachers union, puts it: “This calendar looked radical on paper, but in practice, it just makes sense. Teachers are less burned out, students are more engaged, and we’re all wondering why we didn’t think of this sooner.”
