For many high school students at PCDS, a free period feels like striking gold amid a jam-packed academic day. It’s a time to catch up on assignments, get ahead on studying, or simply recharge. On paper, it sounds like the perfect antidote to academic burnout. But while some students enjoy the luxury of a free period, others are juggling full schedules, either due to extra classes or electives. So the question is: are free periods actually worth the break?
The Benefits of Having a Free
Students who have a free period often say it’s not just helpful—it’s essential. Emma Butler, a sophomore, shares how much she relies on her free time during the school day: “Frees are super helpful for getting ahead on your homework and helping you de-stress. It’s something I look forward to all day.”
She’s not alone in this view. Many students believe that free periods provide them with the space to manage their workload more effectively. Junior Phoebe Kim emphasizes the difference between a free period and a study hall, pointing out how the extra flexibility can make all the difference. Phoebe shares, “Frees are amazing and way better than study halls; study halls are distracting, especially when your friends are in the class. In a free, you can go anywhere you want and you get a lot done.”
Having a free period gives students the chance to slow down their busy lives. It can also be the only time to finish forgotten assignments, review for a test, or even catch a break between difficult classes.
What About Students Without a Free?
On the other hand, some students don’t have any frees at all, either by choice or scheduling. But that doesn’t mean they regret it. Madalyn Paltzik, a junior without a free, admits that it can be difficult, but ultimately feels that it is a worthwhile tradeoff. “I think not having a free is stressful, but it’s worth it to take the extra class,” she says.
For others, the pressure of a fully scheduled day can sometimes take a toll, but with the right mindset, they believe it’s manageable. Sophomore Bridget Gorlin reflected on the experience of not having a break during the day, saying, “I do feel overwhelmed sometimes and find myself wishing I had a free, but at the end of the day, if you have good time management, then you can still do well in school even without a free.”
These students often have to stay up later during the school week or do work during lunch or breaks. But for some, the tradeoff is worth it—they get to explore more interests or take on extra academic challenges. While they may not have the luxury of downtime during the school day, these students often gain a deeper understanding of their chosen subjects or pursue electives that are meaningful to them. For some, that’s an opportunity worth the stress.
So in the End… Is a Free Worth It?
Ultimately, the value of a free period depends entirely on the student. For some, it’s a necessary break that improves focus and mental health. For others, the packed schedule is a small price to pay for the chance to learn more. Whether you’re chasing balance, academic achievement, or just a moment to breathe, one thing is clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
