X-Blocks

Student practicing outside during guitar X-Block

X-Blocks at Renaissance

X-Blocks (Exploratory Blocks) are dedicated times for elective activities outside the traditional curriculum. They let students explore interests, try new things, and connect with peers across grades in fun and meaningful ways.

Key Features

Choice & Flexibility: Pick from a variety of X-Blocks that match your interests.
Engaging & Interdisciplinary: From creative arts to STEM, service projects, health and fitness, and more.
Collaboration & Fun: Work with others, build skills, and strengthen our school community.
Extra Support: Some X-Blocks provide additional academic or social-emotional support.

Sample X-Block Offerings

Creative Pursuits: Yearbook, Photography, Choir, Journaling, Improv, Design Lab
Academic Focus: STEM Projects, Essay Writing, Forensics, Grey’s Anatomy,
Community Action: Stewardship, Urban Agriculture, Environmental Initiatives
Health and Fitness: Broomball, Dance, Climbing, Volleyball, Soccer, HITT
Clubs: Speech/Debate, Guitar, Board Games, Student Leadership

Why X-Blocks Matter

Boost Engagement: Pursue your passions and stay motivated.
Build Skills: Collaboration, communication, problem-solving, leadership.
Explore New Paths: Discover academic and career interests.
Strengthen Community: Connect with peers and staff in new ways.

Off-Campus X-Blocks

The term “Off-Campus X blocks” refers to activities not offered by Renaissance during X-Block periods. Students have the unique opportunity to pursue activities offsite through outside organizations through the Off-Campus X-Block option. Eligible off-campus activities can be academic, fitness, or arts-related, and students may receive credit for their participation.

Eligible Activities

To qualify for an off-campus X-Block, activities must:

Take place primarily during school hours.
Be supervised by a coach or instructor other than a parent or guardian.
Require 4–5 hours per week of student participation.

Real-World Examples:

Club sports or sponsored team sports at another school starting during the last RSS X-Block.
Dance, horseback riding, or similar lessons requiring an early departure time.
Participation in a state-wide choir that practices every afternoon at 3:00 PM.

Activities That Don’t Meet Every Day:

If an off-campus activity doesn’t meet daily (e.g., 3 times per week), students may either:

Be picked up at the scheduled time on activity days, or
Be enrolled in a study hall on non-activity days.

How to Request an Off-Campus X-Block:

Submit your request for the upcoming quarter using this form. The registrar will confirm your involvement with your coach or instructor.
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 the form may result in no credit.

Important: All forms must be completed and submitted on time to receive credit for participation.