The Module System
The Module System, also known as the Mod Plan, has been the cornerstone of our distinctive academic approach since 1973. The Mod Plan has always been innovative and continues to evolve in dynamic ways to meet the needs of our students and their education. The module plan offers students the opportunity to take an active part in shaping their educational experience, to experience broadly, and to learn deeply.
Our academic year is divided up into six modules (mods, for short), each lasting six weeks. During each mod, students take three blocks of academic classes that meet every day, usually for 90 minutes. These classes take place during A, B, and C-blocks. To meet our graduation requirements, students take challenging courses in the arts, English, language, history, math, and science. Many of our over 250 courses are offered as single blocks throughout the year, allowing for incredible depth into a specific theme or subject area. Subjects that call for sequential, cumulative learning, such as math or languages, are taught in blocks that span consecutive mods.
Students are also required to take a fourth block, known as D-block, during which they take part in athletics, physical education, community service projects, performing arts, and an array of other electives.
The module system works because of its versatility. With more than 250 courses to choose from, students have countless ways to structure their studies to suit their interests, while taking the foundational courses necessary to prepare for college and beyond. It works because it means taking fewer classes at a time, for longer time periods a day, allowing students to delve deeply into their material through experiential learning. The daily schedule is carefully crafted so that students have time for classes, assemblies, meetings with advisors, extra help, or clubs and activities—as well as some breathing time to recharge and relax.
The Mod System at a Glance
- The Academic Year is divided into six, six-week marking periods called Mods.
- Each day consists of three 90-minute Blocks.
- Most courses are taught in a single block, but a few are taught in double, back-to-back blocks. For each block of instruction, students are awarded one credit. Three blocks of credit is equivalent to a full-year course in a traditional schedule.
- Some courses, particularly those in math and languages, span consecutive mods.
- At the end of the school day, D Block balances the three core academic blocks it follows. In addition to athletics, D Block choices include productions, classes in performing arts, and extracurricular courses.
- With over 250 courses to choose from, no two student schedules are alike.
Sample Schedules
With so many classes to choose from, no two student
schedules are alike. Each schedule created through the Mod
System is designed to balance individual needs and interests of
students with required foundation courses. The graphics below
reflect potential schedules for four individual students.
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.