WILLIAMSPORT – As the current school year begins to wind down, administrators at Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School are preparing for an exciting change next year.
Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, the Williamsport-based school will transition to an innovative four-day school week – an approach school leaders believe will expand opportunities for students while also strengthening academic success, personal growth, and faith formation.
Under the new model, students in grades 6 through 12 will attend classes Monday through Thursday, with extended school days to ensure they exceed instructional requirements set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Fridays, although not required attendance days, will be anything but idle. Fridays are now being reimagined as a time for enrichment.
“We are going to be moving to a four-day innovative learning model, with the fifth day being reserved for extension activities and different opportunities for our students,” principal Alisia McNamee said. “Fridays are going to be fantastic.”
YEARS IN THE MAKING
The decision to change the traditional 5-day school week follows several years of careful research, planning, and consultation.
Drawing from data received from the Strategic Growth Plan for the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System which was completed last year, school administrators examined ways to enhance the experience of students while remaining rooted in academic excellence.
“We had the opportunity to go visit a school that has already implemented this model and used that as a blueprint,” McNamee explained, referring to Bishop McCort High School, which is in Johnstown. “We spent a lot of time talking with them, visiting them, and just doing our homework to see how we could implement that here at Saint John Neumann.”
Administrators also gathered feedback from students, families, and faculty – who overwhelmingly supported the change.
By shifting from measuring instructional time in days to hours, the school will not only meet but still exceed the 990 hours required annually at the secondary level.
NOT JUST A DAY OFF
While the idea of a four-day week may initially sound like a reduction, Diocesan leaders are quick to emphasize the new innovative learning model provides much more flexibility.
“Students will be able to take advantage of using Fridays to either get extra tutoring or explore things beyond the curriculum that we right now wouldn’t have the opportunity to do,” Kristen Donohue, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, said.
Students will still have the option to come to Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School on Fridays. In addition to having the opportunity for one-on-one academic support, Donohue also sees the opportunity for college visits, internships, field trips, and guest speakers. Partnerships with local businesses, universities and healthcare providers are also being explored, opening doors to real-world experiences.
“I think this model will attract students,” Donohue added. “It really is a game changer for our students and our families.”
FACULTY & STUDENTS EMBRACE POSSIBILITIES
Faculty members are already embracing the shift, seeing it as a chance to rethink how learning happens both inside and outside the classroom.
“We’re no longer just disseminators of information,” Dr. Chad Greevey, Assistant Principal/Curriculum Director, said. “We’re the ones who are helping facilitate the learning with students, helping to direct them in a way that they might not have thought about before, and opening up those doors and pathways.”
That flexibility is also resonating with students.
“I’m excited,” junior Maverick Dunkleberger said. “There are many different opportunities for us to succeed in other things, not just school, but internships and other experiences.”
Dunkleberger, who hopes to study mechanical engineering, sees the potential for hands-on learning on Fridays that connects directly to his future goals.
“I would like to get an internship with Textron to just learn more,” he explained.
Sophomore Haylee Meixel echoed that enthusiasm, especially as she begins to think about college.
“I think there are a lot of opportunities,” she said. “Being in National Honor Society, I can come in on Friday and tutor kids or use those days off to work.”
For Monica Frasca, a sophomore who commutes 50 minutes each way from Mifflinburg to school, the change offers both practical and personal benefits.
“Sometimes not coming in on Fridays would be great for gas and not having to sit in a car for two hours,” she said. “I would love to get to spend that time with my siblings at home.”
STRENGTHENING FAITH AND SERVICE
Beyond academics, the new schedule also opens the door for deeper engagement with faith and service – hallmarks of Catholic education.
Father Glenn McCreary, pastor of nearby Saint Boniface Parish, sees new possibilities for student involvement.
“We could use servers on Friday which is actually our most robust daily Mass,” he said. “We also have a lot of activities and programs going on. Kids could sort food that is going to the food pantry, or they could help with mailings as they go out.”
These possible Friday experiences, Father McCreary noted, would allow students to live out their faith in tangible ways while strengthening their connection to the Church.
While school leaders acknowledge there may be challenges in implementing the new learning model, the overall outlook is one of excitement.
“We are just brimming with excitement,” McNamee said. “We know there will be some hiccups along the way … but what we’re doing will be a game changer.”
Prospective students and families are welcome to learn more about the new innovative learning model by taking a tour of Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School any weekday. You can contact the school directly at 570-323-9953. Additional information on Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School is also available at sjnra.org.