08/31/2026
From Mr. Costa
The following message is also being sent through ParentSquare today:
I am writing to clear up recent misinformation circulating on social media regarding our new high school schedule. While I typically do not engage with social media posts, it is critical to reassure our community that every decision made at CHS is backed by thorough research, careful planning, and a commitment to student success.
There was a claim made that students were placed on modified or reduced schedules without choice.
This is entirely false. No student’s schedule was modified without explicit parental consent. During course selection in late January, every student—including rising seniors—was required to select a full course-load of 7 credits, in preparation for all schedule types.
Students expressed interest in a modified schedule on two separate occasions. The first was a digital form that collected data on post secondary plans and preferred schedule type. This initial form was used to collect data on interest and then plan further conversation with individual students. The second, more detailed form for those interested in a modified schedule again detailed their post-secondary plans, required courses, and schedule plan, also required a parent signature. This form explicitly warned families to check potential impacts on college admissions, financial aid, NCAA eligibility, and military enlistment.
Furthermore, school counselors met individually with every requesting student to ensure their choice aligned with their post-graduation goals. In fact, offering reduced senior schedules is not new to CHS—many seniors last year chose to take schedule with 6 credits. Students are guided by their school counselor to make decisions that both ensure completion of graduation requirements, and meet needs for postsecondary goals. Just as some students are provided with opportunities for reduced course-loads, others are encouraged to take full course-loads or specific course trajectories.
Another claim was made that information about these changes was not clearly disclosed.
We have communicated this process fully and transparently. Beyond weekly bulletins, all 10th and 11th-grade parents were invited to informational meetings on December 15th—well before course selection began.
That meeting was recorded and uploaded to YouTube, with the link sent directly to all parents. At minute 19 of that video, I specifically state that modified schedules are optional, goal-driven, and not appropriate for every student.
Why the New Schedule Empowers Our Students
This schedule was built to match the diverse needs and post-secondary aspirations of all CHS students.
While Rhode Island requires 20 credits for graduation, Cumberland maintains a higher standard of 24 credits. By the end of their junior year, our students can already accumulate 21 credits. Under this new model, seniors can now graduate with anywhere from 24 to 29 credits, well above the state requirement.
We acknowledge that students have outside of school commitments and interests, and want to provide those students who are on track to graduate, and to whom it aligns to their postsecondary plans, built-in time to dedicate to these interests.
This structure allows students to pursue:
- Real-world internships and apprenticeships
- Daytime college course enrollment
- Work-based learning and Advanced Course Network (ACN) experiences
- An optional 8th period for students looking to bolster their academic profiles
High schools across the country are continuously evolving, and our students compete nationally for college placements and career pathways. While college admissions criteria vary, CHS moves thoughtfully and cautiously to ensure our students remain competitive, supported, and fully prepared for life after graduation.
No student has been forced into any schedule change. Every decision remains a collaborative choice between students, parents, and counselors.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we work to better serve our students.
