Introducing Family Choice Day
ASU Prep is proud to present Family Choice Day, a flexible, hybrid scheduling option available to students enrolled at our Phoenix, South Phoenix, Pilgrim Rest, and Polytechnic campuses in Arizona. This innovative program allows families to choose how and where their children learn on Fridays, creating a more dynamic and relevant educational experience. Families can adjust their enrollment choices quarterly, ensuring the program aligns with their evolving needs.
Flexible learning options
In-person learning
Students have the option to attend half-day in-person classes at an ASU Prep campus or engage in special in-person programming at an ASU campus. On-campus offerings include academic intervention, enrichment programs, special field trips, and on-site internships, all designed to provide hands-on, enriching experiences that support learners’ growth.
At-home learning
For those who prefer a home-based learning environment, students can complete a “Friday Playlist” that includes both online learning and offline learning opportunities. Options include family field trips, out-of-school enrichment programs, internships at approved sites, digital electives, coursework “must-dos,” as well “may-do” suggestions, such as journaling.
The background of Family Choice Day
The concept of a flexible fifth day originated at our ASU Prep Casa Grande campus, where a four-day school week has been in place for many years. The hybrid program allowed an extra day for students to engage in jobs, internships, and academic support activities. The success of this model was mirrored at the South Phoenix high school campus last year, leading to the decision to expand the program across more campuses.
Surveys of families and teachers highlighted a strong preference for a flexible Friday, enabling the program to align with family needs while maintaining academic rigor. This flexibility has proved beneficial, reducing burnout and increasing student engagement and success.
The benefits of Family Choice Day
Megan Hanley, Executive Director of School Design, notes, “Family Choice Day gives families the choice and flexibility for what works best for them.” This could mean offering students a chance to recharge and engage in activities that spark their interests, providing valuable family time, or enabling them to pursue work opportunities and explore new passions.
The hybrid learning model of Family Choice Day offers numerous advantages, including:
- Family flexibility: Families can tailor their student’s learning experience to best suit their needs, whether it’s a day of fun learning at school or a relaxed learning day at home.
- Student engagement: By providing a break from the traditional school week, students remain excited and engaged, both academically and in non-academic activities.
- Personal growth: Students are encouraged to explore interests outside the standard curriculum, fostering creativity and personal development.
- Staff collaboration: Teachers have the opportunity to lead classes in areas they are passionate about, enhancing the educational experience for both students and educators.
- Real-world preparation: Students become familiar with blended learning environments found in college classes and modern workplaces.
Unique offerings across campuses
“It’s going so well,” shares Hanley. “Each school site is offering such a unique program. Classes are being led by all kinds of staff members, including our School Resource Officer at Downtown Phoenix, as well as great community partners.”
Some of the unique programs and activities offered at each campus:
- ASU Prep Polytechnic STEM Academy: Drones, robotics, piñata-making and other crafts.
- ASU Prep Polytechnic High School: Collaborations with ASU on robotics, cooking classes and more.
- ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest: Fashion program collaborations and leadership coding initiatives.
- ASU Prep Downtown Phoenix: Mindfulness sessions, fitness programs and poetic collaborations.
- ASU Prep South Phoenix: Virtual reality coding, soccer skills development and aquarium projects.
A community effort
“We are so appreciative of our entire staff throughout the Network,” says Hanley. “Working through all of the processes and changes is only possible if our staff see the possibilities, understand the goal, and exhibit perseverance through change. We are also so grateful to our families who have handled the change so well and are excited about the possibilities both at home and at school.”
Family Choice Day is more than just a schedule change—it’s a gateway to unlimited possibilities in learning and personal growth. We are thrilled to see our students thrive in this flexible, innovative environment.
