Three years ago, the West Linn-Wilsonville School District made the change from a six-class schedule to eight. This was met with mixed reactions from students, some hoping for more freedom when choosing electives, while others dreaded the increased workload. With 2026 seniors graduating, they are the last group of students who will remember the six class schedule, so let’s see which system students prefer.

First off, with a six-class schedule, students had less classes and in turn, less work to do. This was the main reason students didn’t approve of the eight-class schedule. They didn’t want to be given even more work and have less time to do it.

“I think I prefer the six-class schedule,” says Kylie McCormick, a Wilsonville senior. “It’s two less classes to worry about.” Kylie, like some students, felt like six classes was a good way to make sure students didn’t get too overwhelmed with their workload.

However, this does not apply to all students. Many thought that switching between classes on a A, B, and C Day schedule was confusing. Students also wanted more control over the classes they took. This was solved with an eight-class schedule, getting rid of C days and giving students more freedom to choose.

Some teachers appreciate the switch. “With eight classes, students know exactly where they’re supposed to be,” says Mr. Alverez, health teacher. “Six classes also make it harder to plan a class schedule.” With eight classes, teachers aren’t forced to plan what feels like five classes ahead just to get through the day.

The majority of students and teachers agree that both systems have pros and cons, but overall, the eight-class schedule seems to win the vote. Students today can take more electives, early releases, and late starts without diluting their schedule and eight classes makes it easier to remember what classes you have each day.