Waltham Families Deserve Answers About High School Schedule Changes

Waltham High School is considering changing its schedule for the 2027–28 school year, potentially reducing the number of courses students can take each year from eight to seven. Fewer course slots would mean fewer opportunities for students to explore interests, take Advanced Placement (AP) classes, participate in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs or Project Lead The Way (PLTW), take part in arts and music courses such as Show Choir, or fit needed academic support into their schedules.

As a Waltham parent and research scientist, I believe a change this significant should be supported by evidence. The research I reviewed on high school scheduling shows mixed results. Changing the schedule does not automatically mean students will perform better academically. The district should explain what evidence supports its proposed approach and how it has considered the effects on students.

A parent-led community survey received 148 responses. Of those who expressed a preference, 81 favored keeping eight courses per year, while nine supported moving to seven. Additionally, 88% of respondents who answered the relevant question wanted the public to have input while recommendations are still being developed. This survey does not represent every Waltham family, but it shows that participating community members want a meaningful voice in the process.

The superintendent has said that several schedule options have been narrowed down and that their benefits and drawbacks will be shared before public feedback is collected. However, unconfirmed reports suggest that one seven-course schedule may already be presented to teachers as the definitive choice. The district should clarify which options are genuinely still under consideration before asking families for feedback.

Families also deserve to know which scheduling requirements are mandated by law or program rules and which are district decisions. The district should explain why each requirement is considered non-negotiable and what alternatives have been explored.

This isn’t about pushing back against change; it is about making sure all stakeholders have a genuine say in a decision that will impact our students’ futures.

I encourage Waltham families to contact the School Committee and superintendent through the Waltham Public Schools website and ask for clear answers before the upcoming forums. Our students deserve a high-quality education, and families deserve a genuine opportunity to help shape decisions that will affect them for years to come.

Nicole Piche-Nicholas
Waltham Parent and Research Scientist