By  Colton Elsen  |  Jan 5, 2026     SaveTheTrimesters.org

School districts across the country are abandoning trimesters and calling it “stability.” But let’s be clear. Ending trimesters isn’t bold reform, it’s retreat.

When scores dip or systems struggle, trimesters become the scapegoat. They’re different, unfamiliar, and easy to blame. What’s harder is fixing curriculum gaps, improving instruction, and building real student supports. So instead of doing the hard work, districts change the calendar and declare victory.

That choice comes at a cost.

Trimesters give students second chances, flexibility, and momentum. A single bad term doesn’t ruin an entire year. Students can recover, explore new subjects, and move forward without being trapped by one mistake. Semesters may feel familiar, but familiarity is not the same as effectiveness.

Most problems blamed on trimesters aren’t caused by the schedule at all. They’re caused by weak implementation and a lack of leadership. Switching to semesters doesn’t solve those issues; it just hides them.

Fixing trimesters takes courage. Ending them takes a vote.

If school boards are serious about student success, they shouldn’t choose the easiest option. They should choose the one that gives students more opportunities to learn, grow, and recover.

Saving trimesters isn’t about defending a calendar. It’s about refusing to settle for convenience over students.