BellBookQuick answer: A block schedule calendar marks each school day as an A day or a B day so students know which set of blocks meets. Many schools also keep one weekday, often Monday, as an all-classes day. The example above does exactly that: Monday is “All classes” and Tuesday to Friday alternate A and B, skipping holidays.
Types of block schedules
| Block schedule | What meets | Calendar you need |
|---|---|---|
| A/B block (alternating) | Half the classes on A days, the other half on B days | A/B rotation calendar |
| Modified block | One weekday with all classes in short periods; A/B blocks the rest of the week | A/B rotation with a fixed weekday |
| 4×4 block | Four long classes every day, new classes each semester | Dated calendar, no rotation |
| Odd/even block | Odd periods (1, 3, 5, 7) one day, even periods the next | Odd/Even rotation |
Example: a modified block schedule
With Monday fixed as “All classes”, the A/B rotation only counts Tuesday to Friday. Here are two weeks of the example year, including the Labor Day holiday:
| Mon Aug 24 All classes | Tue Aug 25 A Day | Wed Aug 26 B Day | Thu Aug 27 A Day | Fri Aug 28 B Day |
| Mon Aug 31 All classes | Tue Sep 1 A Day | Wed Sep 2 B Day | Thu Sep 3 A Day | Fri Sep 4 B Day |
Because Monday is fixed, a Monday holiday doesn't change the A/B order at all, while a Tuesday-to-Friday closure follows your snow-day rule.
How to set up your block schedule calendar
- Enter your first and last day of school.
- Choose A/B days (or Odd/Even, or custom labels such as Blue/Gold).
- For a modified block, open Weekday pattern and set the all-classes day to a fixed label.
- Add holidays, breaks, and early-release or testing days. Testing days can be school days with no rotation.
- Print the year at a glance for the front office and monthly pages for classrooms, or share the link with families.
Teachers: plan by block, not by date
The lesson planner under the calendar prints weekly pages with your A-day and B-day classes in the right blocks, and the all-classes day lists every class. When a snow day shifts the rotation, regenerate the planner and the classes move with it.
FAQ
What is an A/B block schedule?
Students take about eight classes but only four meet each day, in longer blocks of roughly 80 to 95 minutes. Classes alternate between A days and B days, so each one meets every other school day.
How do I make Monday an all-classes day?
Open “Weekday pattern” and set Monday to a fixed label such as “All classes”. Tuesday to Friday keep rotating A/B, and Monday doesn't use up an A or B day.
Does a 4×4 block schedule need a rotation calendar?
Usually not, because the same four classes meet every day for a semester. Choose “No rotation (dates only)” to print a dated school calendar with your holidays, or use the dated lesson planner.
Can I print a block schedule calendar on A4?
Yes. Choose A4 or US Letter under Printable calendar. Both the year-at-a-glance page and the monthly pages resize to fit.
More rotation calendars and planners
Last updated · Written by the MiniTools team. Holiday dates are US federal holidays; always check your own district's calendar.