Our Approach to the Year
A Balanced School Calendar
Consistent learning. Meaningful breaks. Strong routines.
At RLA, the school year is organized differently than a traditional school calendar. Rather than one long summer break, we use a balanced, year-round schedule designed to support steady learning, strong routines, and consistent academic progress.
The year is divided into five seven-week learning sessions separated by shorter breaks throughout the year. This rhythm provides students with regular opportunities to rest and recharge while maintaining momentum in their learning.
For families, it also creates natural opportunities for travel, enrichment activities, camps, and family time without requiring students to be away from academic routines for extended periods.
The Research
Why a Balanced Calendar?
Research and experience suggest that students learn best when instruction is consistent and interruptions to learning are minimized.
A balanced calendar helps students:
- Maintain academic momentum throughout the year
- Reduce summer learning loss
- Build consistent learning habits and routines
- Return from breaks refreshed and ready to learn
- Develop stronger long-term retention of skills and knowledge
- Experience a healthier balance between focused learning and meaningful rest
Rather than spending the first several weeks of each school year reviewing forgotten material, students are able to continue building on a strong foundation of learning. And, because learning at RLA is personalized, students don't return from a break only to find that the class has moved on without them. Whether a student is away for a scheduled break, family travel, or an occasional absence, they return to their own learning pathway and continue from where they left off. Learning remains continuous, individualized, and focused on mastery rather than keeping pace with a calendar.
The Structure
How the School Year Works
RLA's academic year is organized into five core learning sessions:
Each seven-week session is followed by a short break, with very few days off during the learning session itself. Rather than scattering additional days off throughout the year for grading, report cards, teacher workdays, or staff development, we intentionally build those responsibilities into our schedule. This allows students to experience longer periods of consistent learning while still benefiting from regular, well-placed breaks throughout the year. These breaks are intentionally designed to provide time for rest, family activities, travel, enrichment opportunities, and reflection while maintaining the continuity that supports strong academic growth.
The Rhythm of Learning
Learning Happens in Cycles
At RLA, learning is not measured by how much material can be covered before a grading period ends. Instead, students move through cycles of learning, practice, application, and reflection. During each session, students work toward personalized academic goals while building mastery in core subjects. Teachers continuously assess progress, provide one-to-one instruction, and adjust learning pathways based on each student's needs.
At the end of each session, students have an opportunity to reflect on their growth, celebrate accomplishments, identify areas for continued development, and prepare for the next session of learning. This process helps students develop ownership of their learning and a deeper understanding of their progress over time.
Our Philosophy
A Schedule Designed for Learning
Our balanced calendar reflects the same philosophy that guides every aspect of RLA: meaningful learning happens when students are given the time, support, and structure they need to succeed. By combining personalized instruction, mastery-based learning, and a balanced school year, RLA creates an environment where students can make steady progress, develop strong foundations, and build learning that lasts.
The School Day
Daily Schedule
- Monday–Thursday
- 8:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
- Friday
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Students attend a focused academic program centered on personalized instruction, one-to-one teaching, mastery-based learning, and meaningful application of skills and knowledge.
2026–27 Academic Calendar
Download a copy to keep, or view the full year below.
Tap the calendar to open the full PDF.
Have questions about our schedule?
We're happy to walk through how our balanced calendar works and what it means for your family.