As we continue to get used to online learning and working remotely, many things continue to change, such as Intensives and LaunchPad. Certainly, however, students will not return to campus.

On April 6, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that all public and private schools will stay closed for the rest of the school year. University Prep plans to continue classes in an online learning format through the last day of school, June 12.

While UPrep students and faculty adjust to an at-home learning routine, administrators continue to work on details for academic plans through the end of the school year. 

Assistant Head of School and Director of Upper School Ken Jaffe updates families on how online learning will continue.

“We don’t anticipate any significant changes to the daily schedule that has worked relatively well thus far,” Jaffe said in an email to families on April 7.

Following the conclusion of spring semester courses, the Intensives program, during which students take only one class, has adjusted to fit the online learning format. Now named Extensions, the courses are now 10 days rather than the usual 13. 

Teachers are planning Extensions with a mix of synchronized and asynchronized meetings. 

“During the month of April, [faculty] teams will re-envision their courses, focusing on the most critical learning and activities, and work through the details of how the days will be structured,” interim Head of School Lila Lohr said in an email to families. 

In addition to Extension courses, faculty is adjusting the senior LaunchPad program, following the coronavirus outbreak. LaunchPad is a two-week program where seniors typically go off campus to pursue internships, job shadowing and independent projects.

“Our priorities are to provide a useful learning experience, consistent with the original themes of LaunchPad, and not put any students in an unfair position,” Assistant Head of School for Academics and Strategic Initiatives Richard Kassissieh said in an April 2 email.