High school to shift schedule starting in September

By Leah Tubman

The following story resulted from the Rivertowns Dispatch’s Lab Program, through which professional journalists mentor high school students. The writer is a ninth-grader at Irvington High School.

For the 2026-27 school year, Irvington High School (IHS) will undertake its most significant academic reform in decades. Starting in September, the school-day format will change from nine 42-minute periods to four 80-minute periods. The new plan includes an hour for lunch, and various alternative scheduling, such as “X” days and “skinnies.”