Middle School Master Schedule
We’re excited to share updates about the new District 97 middle school schedule launching in the 2025-26 school year! This page is your go-to spot for information about the schedule, including what’s changing, why, and how it will benefit students.
We're Here to Help!
Got questions or ideas to share? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us via Let’s Talk, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your partnership as we prepare for an exciting year ahead!
What's New in the 2025-26 Master Schedule?
The new middle school schedule was developed through a year-long process with input from students, families, and staff to better meet the academic, social, and developmental needs of our students.
The process incorporated best practices from the Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE), the district’s equity policy, and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements. Click each item to learn more.
Core subjects like English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science now receive an additional hour of instructional time per week, providing more consistent learning opportunities for students. This is made possible by shifting from an A/B rotation to daily instruction.
Students can select electives that align with their interests, ranging from world languages and band to design and drama. Flexible options include both year-long and trimester-based courses.
All students will have a 72-minute period for lunch, structured social time (recess), and “What I Need” (WIN) time:
- Lunch and Recess (about 36 minutes) - offering students access to physical activity, as well as a chance to connect and recharge.
- WIN Block (about 36 minutes) - a dedicated time for students to receive targeted enrichment or intervention support. This new approach replaces the previous SOAR model.
Both middle schools now share the same bell schedule and course offerings, fostering equity and simplifying collaboration across the district.
The schedule is designed to support students’ academic growth while easing their transition into middle school and preparing them for success in high school.
Learn More
Elective Guide
Click the image to the right to view our 2025-26 Middle School Elective Guide.
FAQ
Have questions? We’ve got answers! Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for information on how the new schedule was developed and how it will impact students.
Presentations
See the details behind the changes by reviewing presentations shared with the school board throughout the 2024-25 school year:
- Board Highlights (March 18, 2025) - "District 97 Middle School Update: Redesign Team Shares New Master Schedule"
- Board Highlights (Feb. 11, 2025) - "Redesigning D97 Middle Schools: Finalizing the Master Schedule"
- Board Highlights (Jan. 14, 2025) - "District 97 Middle School Update: Master Schedule Redesign"
- Board Highlights (Nov. 12, 2025) - "Middle School Update: Master Schedule Redesign"