MARK MARONEY/Sun-Gazette Saint John Regional Academy in Williamsport held a news conference Thursday on its upcoming four-day instructional week set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year for grades 6-12. From left to right, Dr. Chad Greevy, Assistant Principal/Curriculum; Kristen Donohue, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Scranton; Saint John Neumann Regional Academy’s principal, Alisia McNamee, and the Rev. David Bechtel, chaplain SJNRA, and pastor at St. Joseph the Worker

A two-year test run of switching from a five-day to a four-day school week starting in the next school term was publicly announced Thursday by officials at St. John Neumann Regional Academy in Williamsport.

Currently, there are 84 students in grades sixth through 12 enrolled at the school in the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System, according to the news conference held at the junior-senior high school at 901 Penn St.

As the current school year begins to wind down, members of the news media were met by Kristen Donohue, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Scranton; SJNRA Principal Alisia McNamee, Dr. Chad Greevy, SJNRA assistant principal/curriculum and the Rev. David Bechtel, chaplain SJNRA, and pastor at St. Joseph the Worker Church.

A prayer of faith, hope and new beginnings

Bechtel’s prayer led off the conference, summarizing a culmination of several years of strategic review and demonstrated the school’s strong faith-based foundation for its students, faculty, families and administrators.

“Good and gracious God we come before you today with joyful hearts,” he prayed – “thankful for the risen Christ,” and for the “announcement of the introduction of a new educational model that only one other school in the state has introduced.”

“May our school be fruitful, so that not only can our students learn their academic subjects but they can do so in an environment where you are glorified each and every day,” he prayed.

One of the closest schools to the city that has a similar four-day week is Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown.

“We’re here today because of the identified areas of opportunity for our school here,” she said.

“This is an exciting day … it is an exciting day for our students, teachers/faculty and administration,” Donahue remarked.

The model was developed as a result of several years of a strategic growth plan, a study that took many years to complete. It was provided to determine the best opportunities for all of “our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton,” Donahue said.

Identifying areas of opportunities

The strategic growth plan identified areas of strengths in all the schools, and opportunities for the Catholic school system in the diocese, she said.

“While we are the first in our region to adopt this model, this decision is not about doing less – but about doing more for the whole child,” McNamee said.

“In a world that is incredibly fast paced and prone to burnout, we are choosing to prioritize student wellbeing, family time and purposeful learning,” she said.

While formal classroom instruction will occur over four days, the fifth day (Friday) will become a day of enrichment and of opportunity. On Friday, the academy will offer:

Targeted academic support, small group tutoring and individualized instruction.

Professional internships, and real world experiences for upper classmen with local partners.

Campus and career tours, directed sojourns to regional colleges and industries.

A variety of presentations, field trips and experiences.

“We recognize that this is a first for our area,” McNamee said. “However,” she added, “as a private, Catholic institution we have a unique responsibility to lead with courage and innovation.”

“We are moving away from the status quo to create a schedule that honors family as a primary educator, while equipping our students with the spot skills and professional exposure that traditional classrooms, alone, cannot provide.”

“Our rigorous academic standards remain unchanged,” McNamee remarked.

“Our commitment to the Faith remains our foundation,” she said.

By reimagining the calendar, SJRA students graduate not just with a diploma but with a clear sense of purpose and resilience in the 21st Century, she added.

New model with new hours.

In the two-year-long pilot program, students in these grades will still meet and exceed the instructional requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through instruction provided during extended school days Monday through Thursday.

Starting next year, classes will begin at 7:45 a.m. (earlier than the current 8 a.m.) and run through 3 p.m. (longer than the current dismissal time of 2:40 p.m.)

This change comes after several meetings and surveys with students, families, and faculty, who

overwhelmingly supported the transition.

“Of course they’re excited because they are seeing a four-day week,” McNamee said. “But they are excited for the Friday opportunities, whether they go out and work in their jobs, or these opportunities that we are going to provide. The surveys gave a lot of very good feedback. They are very excited,” she said.

There will be quarterly assessments of how it is working, and a review of data, including pre-collegiate data, according to Greevy.

Teachers here are required to work Monday through Thursday.

On Fridays, teachers will have the opportunity to come to work and earn a stipend. Also on Fridays, students will have chances to explore college and/or career options, volunteer places, take school field trips, and participate in their church and its activities, such as participating in Mass.

“This has been an interest of mine for many years,” McNamee said. “Our students are so dedicated to their academic progress and making sure they can set themselves up for success after graduation from high school,” she added.

“I know this change will afford them the time to engage in educational experiences beyond the expected curriculum, as well as to focus on their own well-being,” McNamee stressed.

“At Saint John Neumann, we focus on faith, academics, physical, emotional and mental health, and family,” she said.

Donohue and McNamee credit the commitment of SJNRA students, faculty,

and families who have all contributed to the decision to make this change.

“I feel truly blessed to have a wonderful partnership with our families at Saint John Neumann,” the principal remarked. “We share a vision of success. With their support, wonderful things continue to happen,” she shared in a statement.

“Enrollment is now open and we encourage anyone interested in learning

more, to call and schedule a visit.”

The community is invited to learn more about the benefits of a Catholic education by attending our Spring Open House at SJNRA on Tuesday, May 5, 2026,

from 4-7 p.m.

Families are also welcome to take a tour any weekday by contacting the school

directly at (570) 323-9953.

Additional information on both academic and student life at Saint John Neumann High School is available at sjnra.org.