Wondering how 4 days a week can deliver a full academic experience? The answer is in the data.
A Harvard study found that in public schools:
“Transitions, discipline, and administrative tasks reduce focused instruction to just 0–40% of class time,”
This leaves most students with only 90–120 minutes of true academic learning per day. Traditional classrooms also face challenges such as:
- Large class sizes that limit individualized support
- A growing illiteracy rate
- Frequent transitions between subjects
- Disruptive students and not enough teachers to mitigate instructional control
- Lessons paced for the “average” student, leaving some behind or unchallenged
- Limited opportunity to reinforce skills within a single cognitive window
Recognizing these limitations, some charter and private schools in CCSD have successfully adopted a 4-day week model, using shorter, more focused schedules to maximize learning time. At Tarbiya Academic Scholars Institute (TASI), we’ve built a blended-adaptive learning model that ensures your child not only meets Nevada and regional standards, but thrives academically and spiritually.
How Our Model Works
WASC-Accredited Digital Lessons with Classic, Hands-On Learning
Students follow our WASC-accredited online lessons while taking handwritten notes, then reinforce learning through offline workbooks, projects, and exercises. By blending digital instruction with classic, hands-on methods, we build real-world skills, reduce screen time, and balance digital learning with tangible learning.
Research-Backed Daily Structure
Our subject blocks, breaks, and subject placements are informed by neuroscience and educational research to strengthen skills and memory.
Data-Informed Instruction
We use regular diagnostic testing to identify where each student is performing at grade level and where they need additional support. Instruction is then tailored to address gaps, reinforce strengths, and ensure steady academic growth.
Integrated & Focused Instruction
Reading, writing, and vocabulary are grouped to reinforce learning, while math and science enjoy uninterrupted blocks for deep focus.
Energy-Aware Scheduling
Faith-based subjects, including Qur’an and Islamic Studies, are scheduled post-lunch for calm, focused engagement.
Age-Specific Learning Intervals
Sessions match attention spans with short breaks to prevent fatigue and maximize retention.
Supported by Research
- Harvard Study: Much instructional time is lost to non-academic tasks
- Spacing Effect: Short, distributed sessions improve retention
- Attention Cycles: Focused blocks prevent cognitive overload
- Active Breaks: Movement and mindfulness resets enhance learning
- Preservation of Classic Learning: EEG studies show that handwriting notes and reinforcement material engages the brain more than typing notes and material, strengthening memory and supporting deeper learning.
What This Means for Your Child
At TASI, our blended-adaptive model combines digital learning, tangible workbooks, coaching, and Islamic studies to ensure each child progresses at their own pace, maximizes every learning minute, and grows academically and spiritually.
Source: Harvard Education Letter, Vol. 22, No. 6 (Nov–Dec 2006). “Three Thousand Missing Hours: Where Does the Instructional Time Go?” by Richard F. Elmore.