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Flexible Learning in a Modern World: The TOPS Program at EDUPRIZE Gilbert

Parents today juggle busy schedules, extracurriculars, and family time – all while wanting the best education for their children. EDUPRIZE Charter School’s Gilbert campus has answered this need with the TOPS program at EDUPRIZE Gilbert, a unique approach that provides a full instructional day in just five hours. In a friendly, flexible format, students get the same high-quality teaching and curriculum – optimized to fit modern family life.

What is the TOPS Program at EDUPRIZE Gilbert?

TOPS stands for Technology Optimized Program & Schedules. It’s an innovative K–6 program that blends academic excellence with a shortened, flexible school day. How does it work? Students attend either a morning or afternoon half-day session, but receive full-time instruction thanks to an efficient schedule and technology-integrated learning. Certified teachers cover the same award-winning EDUPRIZE curriculum as the traditional full-day program, including all core subjects and specials like science lab, music, and art. The difference is in the schedule – and it’s a game-changer for many families. Children still experience a well-rounded education (with plenty of STEM, literacy, and creativity), while enjoying a timetable tailored to their needs.

The TOPS model was built for busy families. By leveraging a 1:1 student-to-device ratio (each child has access to a Chromebook or iPad), EDUPRIZE Gilbert condenses learning into a focused five-hour block without compromising quality. Lessons are delivered in a format optimized for engagement and retention, often using interactive technology. This means students stay on task and cover a full day’s material more efficiently, leaving more free time for life outside of school. Parents have reported that this schedule gives their children a much better balance between school, extracurricular activities, and family time – all while maintaining strong academic growth.

⏰ Flexible AM/PM Scheduling for Every Family

One of the biggest highlights of the TOPS program is its flexible scheduling. Families can choose the session that best fits their routine:

  • AM TOPS: Monday – Friday, 7:15 AM – 12:15 PM
  • PM TOPS: Monday – Friday, 10:40 AM – 3:40 PM

Both options deliver a complete, five-hour instructional day. How can a full day fit into 5 hours? The TOPS schedule omits lunch period and one recess, streamlining the day while still including short breaks and all essential academics. More isn’t always better – by reducing transitions and downtime, TOPS maximizes learning efficiency. Students remain focused and engaged, then have the rest of the day free.

For morning-session students, the afternoon opens up for family time, sports practice, or relaxation. For the afternoon group, the morning can be used for appointments, hobbies, or extra study. Either way, children receive an enriching education and families gain valuable time back. Imagine your child finishing their academic day by lunchtime or starting at mid-morning – whichever suits your schedule, TOPS makes it possible.

Technology-Integrated Curriculum in a 5-Hour Day

A shortened day doesn’t mean any less learning. In fact, the tech-infused curriculum helps ensure every minute counts. Classrooms in the TOPS program are equipped with modern learning tools like interactive Smart Boards, document cameras, Apple TVs, and student devices. Each child engages with technology daily – whether it’s practicing math on a tablet app, researching a science topic on a Chromebook, or collaborating on a digital project. This not only makes lessons more interactive and fun, but also prepares students with important tech skills.

Despite being half-day, TOPS includes all the subjects and enrichment activities of a full day. Students rotate through “specials” (like Science Lab, PE, and Music) on a regular schedule, getting hands-on experiences beyond the core academics. For example, a TOPS class might spend part of their block observing a science experiment or creating art, just like a traditional class would – but with lessons carefully timed to fit the five-hour window. Because each child has their own device, learning can happen efficiently: teachers can leverage online resources, educational software, and creative apps to cover material faster and in deeper depth. The result is a tech-forward learning environment where children remain highly engaged. Many students thrive in this focused setting, benefiting from fewer distractions and more direct instruction time.

Benefits of the TOPS Program for Busy Families

The TOPS program at EDUPRIZE Gilbert offers a host of benefits that resonate with today’s families. Here are some key advantages of this flexible, high-quality model:

  • Full Academic Experience, Half the Day: Students get the complete K–6 curriculum (math, reading, science, social studies, etc.) plus electives and labs – all in a compact schedule. No academic content is cut; it’s simply taught in a more efficient format.
  • No Tuition Cost: As a public charter program, TOPS is tuition-free. Families pay no fees to enroll, making it an accessible option for any student who is accepted.
  • 1:1 Device for Every Student: Every child uses their own Chromebook or iPad provided by the school, ensuring equal access to digital learning tools. This robust use of technology keeps students engaged and learning continuously.
  • More Family and Extracurricular Time: The shortened day frees up either the afternoon or morning for other activities. Students in sports, dance, or clubs love having extra hours to practice. Families appreciate more time for homework, chores, or simply being together without evening burnout.
  • Reduced Stress, Better Balance: Parents often report that TOPS dramatically simplifies the daily routine. There’s less rush to pack lunches or endure long pickups. Kids come home earlier (or go in later), which can reduce fatigue and stress for everyone. Home life and school life feel more balanced.
  • Daily Parent-Teacher Interaction: With drop-off or pickup happening mid-day, parents in TOPS have more frequent face-to-face contact with teachers than in a typical schedule. Quick check-ins at pickup time help parents stay informed about their child’s progress.
  • Personalized Attention & Support: Classes are led by certified, experienced teachers who use the latest tech and teaching methods. They can differentiate instruction (with online programs and small-group time) to meet each student’s level. Research shows increased time on task – and TOPS leverages that focused time to boost retention and understanding for all learners.
  • Easier Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Staggered schedule options mean less crowding during school drop-offs/pick-ups. If you’ve ever sat in a long car line, you know this is a plus! Many parents find the flow of their day improves when they aren’t navigating the busiest traffic times around the school.

Supporting Modern Family Needs

EDUPRIZE Gilbert’s TOPS program is truly tailored for the modern family. It recognizes that many households today need flexibility – whether due to parents’ work hours, multiple kids in different activities, or simply wanting more quality time together. By offering early or late school times, TOPS lets you choose what works best for your family. For instance, if your child is an early bird, the AM session might let them learn when they’re most alert and then relax in the afternoon. If your mornings are hectic, the PM session could ease that rush by starting school later. There’s a built-in adaptability that many traditional schools can’t match.

Importantly, this flexibility comes without sacrificing education. You don’t have to choose between a great school and a schedule that fits your life – TOPS gives you both. Students in the program are thriving academically. They follow the same proven curriculum that has made EDUPRIZE a top-rated school, so you can be confident in the academic rigor. The difference is, your child is experiencing that learning in a tech-rich, efficient environment that also respects their time and energy levels.

Parents often describe their experience with TOPS as a relief. With less time commuting or waiting in after-school care, families can have dinner together, kids can attend that soccer practice, or evenings can start earlier. Homework time can be earlier in the day when kids aren’t exhausted from a long school day. The life balance this program creates can lead to happier, more well-rested kids who are ready to learn each day. And because the classes are engaging and interactive, students remain excited about school – it doesn’t feel like a grind. They get to use cool technology, move through lessons briskly, and then get on with the rest of their day.

In summary, the TOPS program at EDUPRIZE Gilbert is redefining what a school day can look like. It’s a friendly, forward-thinking option for families who want to maximize both learning and life outside of school. If you’re looking for a way to give your child an outstanding education and more time in their day for other pursuits, TOPS might be the perfect fit. It’s flexible, fun, and future-ready – just like our students!

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