Since 1983 Swan School has been providing creative independent education for families in Port Townsend and the surrounding area. In 2012 Swan School enhanced its strong program by balancing the school calendar. Instead of 3 short school breaks followed by a long summer break, Swan School students have 4 similar length breaks followed by a 5 week summer break. This means that school terms are of roughly equal length and allow learning to take place in all seasons. Research has shown that a balanced academic calendar allows students to experience continuous progress and generally outdistance their peers.

1. BALANCED CALENDAR
Swan School

2. TRADITIONAL SCHOOL
CALENDAR
The school calendar was
originally designed to
allow children to work
on family farms during
the busiest times of the
agricultural year.

3. DEMOGRAPHICS
In Jefferson
County
approximately
5% of the
population is
employed in
agriculture,
forestry,
fishing, or
hunting.
Currently there are over
313,000,000 people living in the
United States. Of that
population, less than 1% claim
farming as an occupation.
In 2013 Swan School had 2
families whose livelihood
revolved around fishing -
representing approximately 3%
of the student body.

4. MEETING CHILDREN’S NEEDS
The question must be
asked,“Does a
traditional school
calendar best support
children’s educational
needs today?”

5. WHAT IS A BALANCED
CALENDAR?
A balanced calendar is
a restructuring of the
school year to provide
balance between
learning and vacation
periods.

6. RESEARCH
Nearly all studies have shown
positive results when schools
instituted a balanced calendar.
Positive academic achievement,
especially in math and reading
Improved overall school climate
Reduced burnout
Improved attendance

7. WHAT TEACHERS NOTICE
There is a better flow of time in school and time out of
school.
Students show increased information retention.
The calendar supports a more individualized education.
There is more flexibility for experiential education, especially
in regards to outdoor education.
A chance to work with community educators and artists
without competing with other school programs.
Provides positive support of children’s social well-being as they
are not separated from their school peers for an extended
summer break.

8. COMPARISON

9. Balanced Calendar
Late Winter Term
March Break
Spring Term
Spring Break
Summer Term
Summer Break
Fall Term
Fall Break
Winter Term
Winter Break
SWAN SCHOOL’S
BALANCED CALENDAR
8 week sessions followed by
2 week breaks.
Winter and summer breaks
are longer.
Winter break is
approximately 3 weeks long.
Summer break is
approximately 5 weeks in
length.

10. BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
A balanced calendar
facilitates continuous
learning as students are
never out of school for a
long period of time. As a
result, children forget less
over the shorter breaks
and teachers spend less
time reviewing pre-
vacation material.

11. BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
A balanced calendar gives
children a chance to learn
in all seasons, not just
during fall, winter and
spring. This is key to Swan
School’s educational
program where learning
experiences away from the
classroom are valued as an
essential part each child’s
education.

12. SWAN SCHOOL
LEARNING IN ALL SEASONS
Fall

13. SWAN SCHOOL
LEARNING IN ALL SEASONS
Winter

14. SWAN SCHOOL
LEARNING IN ALL SEASONS
Spring

15. SWAN SCHOOL
LEARNING IN ALL SEASONS
Summer

16. SWAN SCHOOL
Learning in All Seasons