A Day in the Life of a RPS Student

What’s your typical weekday like?

Amilia, 11th grader from New Jersey

I like to get up around 7 a.m. and get ready for the day. If I get up that early, the bathroom is mostly empty and I can get ready quickly.

Breakfast - 8:00 a.m.

I head down to breakfast around 8 a.m. I like to eat a good breakfast so I have the energy for the day. Typically I make oatmeal for myself and have a banana and peanut butter, but I also love it when our chef makes eggs.

Classes Start at 9:00 a.m - Electives

At 9 a.m. I start my electives class. This quarter I’m taking photography which I like because we get to go outside and take photographs and go on field trips. It’s a good way to ease into the academic day with something fun and low pressure.

9:30 a.m. - English Class

I have English first period and it is my favorite class because we have a lot of interesting class discussions. I find I learn best with lots of discussions and I end up getting a lot of insight into the books we are reading. Our class periods are 45 minutes long and we have four classes before lunch.

Lunch is at 12:45 p.m.

After classes, I head to lunch. Lunch is usually the best meal of the day. I love having the option of the salad bar, and homemade soup and bread. We have assigned seats at lunch, which I don’t really mind. It means I don’t have to think about where to sit and we end up having random conversations at the table with staff. It can be entertaining.

1:15 p.m. Work Crew

At 1:15, we have work crew. That means we are assigned to an area of the school to clean. It’s not my favorite part of the day, but it goes quickly and it’s not hard.

Afternoon Classes

After lunch, we have one more academic class, and a supported study hall. Starting at 3:30, we have P.E., which can be anything from a walk on the bike path to a game of ultimate frisbee. I like that we have a lot of different options and we can talk to staff about what kind of activities we want to do.

Because I was doing well at Rock Point, I felt like I was ready to take on more responsibility, so I worked with my advisor to get a job. Twice a week when I’m finished with work crew, I work at an afterschool program at a local elementary school. I really like working with kids and so it’s perfect for me. On Thursdays, I get to go rock climbing with them at a local gym, and on Wednesdays we do arts and crafts together. I like having a job because it makes me feel more mature. 

Dinner & Study Hall

When I get back, I have dinner, another work crew, and then head to study hall. Having study hall at night is important for me because I miss study hall in the afternoon when I’m at my internship. It helps to have the structure to make sure I get my work done. Sometimes I get the option to take study hall in my dorm room and I like that flexibility.

Evening Open Time

We end the night with some open time. A lot of times I read or hang out with friends on the dorm floor. Sometimes there is an activity in the lounges, like board games or pool, that can be fun. And I usually go to the kitchen to make a snack before bed.