What are the actual student results of a SLOHS Trimester versus Semester comparison. Graphics courtesy of junior Diana Pruett.
San Luis Obispo High School is the only high school in San Luis Obispo County that follows a trimester schedule, while all other high schools follow semester schedules.
Teachers vote every year on the option to swap to a semester schedule that will allow students to leave school earlier, but with the catch of taking less classes. In the end the final vote resulted in keeping a trimester schedule. Semesters come with the price of a longer school day but allow students to take more classes.
“I prefer trimesters because you get more classes and credits, rather than being stuck in a class you don’t really like,” said junior Dilpinder Thandi.
Semesters allow for more in depth learning time as students stick with the same class most of the year. Colleges normally follow a semester schedule which makes the transition to college easier. The negative would be the lack of time to try new classes which allows students to explore interests.
Trimesters let students take more classes which lets them try all types of courses. Besides the benefit of new classes it also gives students more opportunities to raise their GPA. This faster paced learning environment poses a challenge to many students that benefit in slower learning environments.
“Absolutely trimester, at least as long as I am a coach. Currently student athletes have four classes, if we went to semester you would have six classes and sports would be after school,” said coach and Health teacher Dan Monroe.
During distance learning San Luis Obispo High School shifted to a semester schedule which changed the number of classes from fifteen to twelve. Many students liked this schedule but there’s no way to know how it would have held up during in person classes.
“I loved online school, so I didn’t mind a semester schedule, but I missed being able to take more classes during trimesters,” said senior Mizuki Salom Gaspar.
Ultimately, there are positives and negatives to both options but it comes down to how a student performs in different environments. At this time students do not have a voice in these schedule changes but voicing your opinion to those who can is always welcomed.
