School Hours

Infants through age three

For parents of toddlers, Blue Valley offers a comprehensive program called Parents as Teachers. Through parent educators, parents can receive practical information about children in this group and specific information about their child's development. Enrollment in the program is limited.

Kindergarten through fifth grade

The elementary school experience begins with a formal, half-day kindergarten program focusing on developmentally appropriate experiences for academic and social growth. Elementary programs include such basics as reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, physical education, health and technology education. At the elementary level, counselors provide individual, small group and classroom-based guidance through instructional units.

Elementary hours are 8:35 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. The YMCA provides before-school and after-school care at all Blue Valley elementary schools. According to Kansas law, any child who will be five years old Aug. 31 is eligible to attend kindergarten that year.

Sixth through eighth grades

The middle school program is designed to meet the wide range of intellectual, social, physical, and psychological growth occurring in middle school students. In a gradual transition between elementary and high schools, middle schoolers learn in an appropriate social and emotional environment. School hours are 7:45 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. All students are assigned to interdisciplinary teams composed of two to five teachers. These teams of teachers share the same students and the same schedule. Teachers on the team pool their talents and knowledge to help each student develop to his or her best ability.

Academic programs include instruction in the basic subjects of science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, study skills, health, physical education, and reading. In addition, middle school students choose from an extensive exploratory program to expand their base of experiences. Exploratory classes include speech and drama, industrial technology, family and consumer sciences, computer technology, foreign language, art, vocal music, band and orchestra.

An advisement program has been designed to ensure that each student has regular contact with an adult who is knowledgeable about that student's academic progress and adjustment to school.

Ninth through twelfth grades

The Blue Valley high schools are accredited as comprehensive secondary institutions by the North Central Association and by the state of Kansas. High school hours are 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

High school students must successfully complete 24 units for graduation. Basic skills are developed in courses such as art, business, computer education, foreign languages, family and consumer sciences, industrial arts, language arts, mathematics, performing arts, physical education, science and social studies.

The Tech Prep program prepares students to move to Johnson County Community College with advanced standing in many career areas. College credit courses and advanced placement classes are available in selected areas.

A full program of interscholastic, athletic and activity programs is available. Students can join football, softball, basketball, volleyball, track, wrestling, baseball, swimming, golf, tennis and soccer teams. District teams compete in the Eastern Kansas League, and the high schools are ranked by their sizes.

Students can also participate in performing arts, debate and forensics, cheerleading/drill team, student government, clubs, yearbook, newspaper and honor society.

Several Johnson County school districts, including Blue Valley, cooperate in offering extended opportunities through the Johnson County Technology Education Cooperative. This cooperative offers students classes in such areas as industrial arts, early childhood education, graphic arts and exploring medical careers.

In addition, programs like the district's business internships, the Mentorship Academy, Home Economics-Related Occupations and Career Development Opportunities allow students to explore career interests and gain valuable on-site experience for the future.