Valencia High School to Test New Schedule Changes

The William S. Hart School District has recently made some exciting announcements of big schedule changes that will begin to roll out at Valencia High School for the next school year of 2025-2026. 

These experimental programs are aimed at improving student well-being along with academic performance, and will make Valencia a testing ground for initiatives that could eventually expand to other district high schools in the 2026-2027 school year.

The first change introduces a mandatory 40-minute nap time for all students, ranging from freshmen to seniors. This decision reflects the overwhelming evidence that better sleep supports mental clarity, heightened energy levels and improved academic performance among teenagers. Nap time will occur in the middle of the school day, with a daily lullaby signaling the start of the rest period. On odd days, nap time will take place during third period, and on even days, it will occur throughout fourth period. On block schedule days, all classes will be shortened to accommodate a communal napping period taking place during the middle of the day. Students will have the option to sleep in empty classrooms, the gym, or the library, and are encouraged to bring pajamas, pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals to maximize comfort and sleep quality.

The second change is the introduction of 15 minutes of designated “Social Media time” in every class. Recognizing the growing influence of social media on teenagers, school administrators and teachers hope this structured break will help students satisfy their urge to scroll, thereby helping improve focus during instructional time. All students may take a look at whatever social media they please for fifteen minutes but after that time they must put phones away and not return to them until brunch or lunch. 

Teachers will enforce consequences for phones being used without permission, with potential options like grade impacts, warnings written up, and letting parents know. The goal is to ultimately reduce distractions and increase classroom engagement, boosting academic performance. 

While this transition away from standard school hours is dramatic, the Valencia administration feels optimistic and confident about the benefits faculty may see from students oncoming. 

“We're focusing on problems like sleep deprivation and this social media obsession these kids get into, if everything works out we think those programs can change a lot by setting a new and higher standard for how well students can do.” said Principal Welch. 

However, the initiatives are not without risks. The district questions whether nap time will disrupt academic rigor, while others worry that designated social media time could normalize phone use in classrooms. Despite these concerns, Valencia High School is moving forward with the hope that these changes will improve student well-being, academic outcomes, and the school’s national rankings.