Destin High School will implement a hybrid schedule for 2025-2026 that includes shortened Friday sessions alongside full Monday-Thursday instruction, creating a 4.5-day model for the upcoming academic year.
- The school announced in March 2025 that it would transition to a “four-day instructional week” with students attending classes “Monday through Thursday.” However, the schedule approved by the Florida Department of Education maintains Friday attendance with shortened sessions, creating what amounts to a 4.5-day model.
Students will attend full days Monday through Thursday and shortened sessions every Friday, with Friday course content alternating between periods 1-3 and periods 4-6. The approved schedule provides 951 instructional hours, exceeding state requirements by 51 hours, and includes 132 hours of internship time.
2025-2026 DAILY SCHEDULE:
Monday–Thursday:
- School Day: 8:00 AM – 3:05 PM
- All six periods, including lunch and homeroom
1st & 3rd Fridays (A Days):
- 1st–3rd Periods and Lunch: 8:00 AM – 11:55 AM
- Buses depart at 12:00 PM
- 12:00–2:00 PM: Optional internships, tutoring, athletic practices, and clubs
2nd & 4th Fridays (B Days):
- 4th–6th Periods and Lunch: 8:00 AM – 11:55 AM
- Buses depart at 12:00 PM
- 12:00–2:00 PM: Optional internships, tutoring, athletic practices, and clubs
The schedule includes one SAT in March, one PSAT in October, three midterms in December and three finals in May.
“This innovative schedule honors our mission to think differently, support students holistically, and prepare them for life beyond high school,” said Dr. Diane Kelley, principal of Destin High School.
Friday afternoons will provide optional opportunities for internships, tutoring and academic support, athletic practices, and clubs and passion projects, according to the high school.
The school has also announced its 2025-2026 schoolwide theme “ElevAte,” reflecting the school’s commitment to rising higher across all aspects of student life. The capital A serves as a visual reminder of the focus on Academics, the Arts, and Athletics.
- “I’m thrilled to share that our theme for this school year is ElevAte, a word that captures our collective aim to rise higher in every aspect of school life,” Kelley said.
For more information, visit www.destinhighschool.org or contact the main office at (850) 204-4044.
2 Responses
Congratulations!! Sounds innovative and practical for today’s education! Kudos to having decent school hours—8 am-3:05pm.
When Destin HS set the school schedule to start at 8 am instead of 7am like our other county high schools, it shows an effort to provide a healthier environment where students have a better chance to succeed having had 8-9 hours of needed sleep.
Congratulations!