Unlike the majority of Atlanta private schools surrounding North Atlanta High School and beyond, North Atlanta High School does not have a free period during the school day. Students at private schools chuckle at their North Atlanta friends because they brag about their freedoms here, yet they do not have a free period. Having no dress code is a huge bonus of going to a large public school, however, would having a free period be useful?
Although having a free period sounds as if there are no cons, there are a few hidden below the surface. The most impactful cons of a free period is loss of class time and students slacking off. Especially in IB and AP classes, teachers constantly complain that they do not have an adequate amount of time to teach. Also, when students do have free time they talk each other’s ears off instead of working. IB Theory of Knowledge teacher Amy Shillin is among the many teachers who do not support the addition of a free period. “We have had a free period before, but students did not utilize it well,” said Shilling.
The ability to take a break in the middle of the day to gather thoughts, get ahead, or catch up is a significant pro. Because students will have allocated time to themself, it may prove more beneficial than many assume. The level of focus during class, the amount of work turned in on time, and the scores on exams may increase because students are given extra time to relax. Students like junior Gavin Rocchio are in a constant state of stress and crave a free period. “With IB, I feel as if I never have time to sit down and think,” said Rocchio.
Besides a few teachers that would be upset about losing their precious teaching time, the majority of students and teachers at North Atlanta agree that a free period, even a short one, would be beneficial to academic success and mental health. Freshman Sydney Tothill is among the many students who believe it would be a spectacular addition to North Atlanta. “If someone does not want a free period, they are crazy,” said Tothill.
The decision between distressed teachers or refreshed students is one North Atlanta administrators will most likely not have to make. However, daydreaming about the naps, productivity, and conversations that would occur during a free period surely is amusing!
