Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, Oxford High School will transition to a new schedule that includes an academic opportunity period, similar to this year’s FLEX, and a new zero period option.

The zero period option would provide students with the opportunity to arrive at school earlier in the day and be dismissed at an earlier time as well.

A considerable number of courses are being offered in the zero period time slot, including Advanced Placement courses. These courses will will begin at 7:21 a.m. in the next academic school year.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for people who want to get out early or take an extra class to get more credits,” said OHS junior Lorelai French.

In an email that principal Bradley Roberson sent to the entire student body, Roberson says that the only students not eligible for a zero period class are football players. This issue is due to a conflict with football practice scheduling.

School-operated transportation will not be available to zero period students, meaning they must have their own form of transportation to Oxford High.

“I don’t think I’ll take a zero period class, but I understand why someone would do it because it gives them a chance to go home earlier in the day,” junior Dennis Driver said.

Having a shorter day is a common motivating factor for OHS students interested in zero period.

“I think it would be pretty cool to go home earlier, but I don’t know if I can get up that early in the morning,” junior Ashton Stewart said.