X-Blocks
Student practicing outside during guitar X-Block
An X-Block (short for Exploratory Block) is an elective course developed around student interests and passions, which can be related to academics, athletics, or interdisciplinary arts. Most X-Blocks are scheduled at the end of the day to allow students to participate in competitive sports (at Renaissance or their home school) or other off-site after school activities.
Examples of X-Block courses that have been offered include:
Indoor Climbing
Drawing
Broomball
Photography
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Chess
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Choir
Basketball
Design Lab
Skateboarding
Guitar
Off-Campus, Non-Renaissance Sponsored Activities
Which activities are eligible for an Off-Campus X-Block?
Students may be allowed to use school time to participate in off-campus activities that are academic, fitness, or arts related – and receive credit for their participation. Only activities that must primarily occur during school hours and that are supervised by a coach/instructor other than a parent or guardian qualify to receive class time and/or high school course credit. Examples include a team sport at another school that starts practice during the last RSS X-block, horseback riding lessons that start at 4pm and necessitate leaving school at 3:30, or participation in a state-wide choir that practices every afternoon at 3pm. These outside activities must require at least 4-5 hours of a student’s time every week.
What if my activity doesn’t meet every day?
If a student is approved for an off-campus X-block for an activity that does not meet every day of the week (such as only 3 times per week), the student may still be picked up at that time or may be enrolled in a study hall for the ‘off’ days.
How do I request an Off-Campus X-Block?
Students must submit a request and proposal, subject to approval by the school counselor, as well as complete the steps outlined below. This process must be followed for each quarter in which a student participates.
Step 1: Initiate your request to take part in an off-campus X-Block activity for this quarter using this Form prior to the start of the quarter. The registrar will reach out to the student's coach or instructor to confirm the student's involvement in the off-campus activity.
Step 2: FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY - Return the completed Attendance and Grade Tracking Form to the front office at the end of the quarter. Failure to return this form prior to the end of the quarter may result in no credit being received for the activity.
Important: If all forms are not completed and submitted when due, the student may not receive credit for their participation in the off-campus activity.
