The Definitive Lake Braddock Bell Schedule 2025-2026: Decoding The Purple/Gold Block System
Navigating the daily flow of Lake Braddock Secondary School (LBSS) requires more than just knowing a single start time; it demands a full understanding of the unique Purple/Gold block schedule. As of December 22, 2025, the official bell schedule for the 2025-2026 school year is built upon the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) secondary framework, designed to maximize instructional time and provide students with longer, focused learning blocks. This structure is a significant departure from traditional high school schedules, impacting everything from bus routes to after-school activities and the daily rhythm of both middle school and high school students in grades 7 through 12.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential components of the LBSS schedule, including the standard daily hours, the critical Purple/Gold rotation, and the necessary adjustments for delayed openings and early dismissals. For both new students transitioning from elementary school and long-time Bruins, mastering this schedule is the first step to academic success at the largest secondary school in Virginia.
The Core of the LBSS Day: Regular Bell Schedule and Block Timing
Lake Braddock Secondary School operates on a block schedule, meaning classes are longer and meet fewer times per week. This structure is designed to facilitate deeper dives into subject matter, allowing for more project-based learning and in-depth discussions. The daily schedule adheres to the standard FCPS secondary school hours, which are carefully synchronized across the district for transportation efficiency.
The regular school day for Lake Braddock Secondary School students begins at 8:10 AM and concludes at 2:55 PM. This schedule is consistent for all students, grades 7-12, though the specific class periods and lunch shifts will vary based on the day's rotation (Purple or Gold).
Standard LBSS Daily Schedule (Inferred from FCPS Secondary Standard)
While the exact period times are subject to change and should always be verified on the official LBSS website, the daily structure is built around the following framework:
- First Bell/Start Time: 8:10 AM
- Block 1/2: Approximately 90-minute block
- Block 3/4 (Including Lunch Shifts): This is the longest block of the day, incorporating multiple lunch shifts (A, B, C, etc.) to accommodate the large student body.
- Block 5/6: Approximately 90-minute block
- Dismissal/End Time: 2:55 PM
The time between blocks, known as "passing time," is typically 7-10 minutes, allowing students sufficient time to transition between the vast middle school and high school wings of the campus. Students should pay close attention to the specific bell sequence for their assigned lunch period.
Decoding the Purple/Gold Block Calendar System
The most distinctive feature of the Lake Braddock Secondary School experience is the Purple/Gold Calendar. This is a four-period block schedule that rotates daily, ensuring students do not have the same classes every single day. This system is often referred to as an "A/B Day" schedule at other schools, but LBSS uses the colors Purple and Gold—the school's official colors—to designate the rotation.
The Purple Day Schedule
On a Purple Day, students attend their odd-numbered classes. For a typical 7-period course load, this would be Blocks 1, 3, and 5, plus an additional period that may be an elective or a required study hall/resource period. The Purple Day schedule is essential for the first half of the week, often falling on Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday, depending on the week's calendar start.
The Gold Day Schedule
The Gold Day is when students attend their even-numbered classes (Blocks 2, 4, and 6, plus the additional period). The Gold Day ensures a balance in instructional time across all subjects, preventing any one class from having a significantly different number of meetings over the course of a quarter or semester. Mastery of the Purple/Gold rotation is crucial for students to know which textbooks, notebooks, or athletic gear they need for the day.
Essential Alternate Schedules: Two-Hour Delay and Early Release
Adverse weather conditions, administrative events, or professional development days often trigger an alternate bell schedule. Knowing these alternative times is vital for parents and students to plan transportation and manage class attendance. The two most common alternate schedules are the Two-Hour Delay and the Early Release day, both of which follow standardized FCPS procedures.
The Two-Hour Delay Schedule
A Two-Hour Delay is typically announced due to inclement weather, such as snow or ice, to allow extra time for roads to be cleared and temperatures to rise. On a Two-Hour Delay, all school start times are exactly two hours later than the regular schedule. The dismissal time remains the same, which means class periods are significantly shortened to fit the day's curriculum.
- Two-Hour Delay Start Time: 10:10 AM
- Two-Hour Delay Dismissal Time: 2:55 PM (Regular dismissal)
During a delayed start, the Purple/Gold rotation remains in effect, but the block periods are compressed. Morning activities and zero-period classes are canceled to accommodate the late start. Students arriving before 10:10 AM should check the school's main office or a designated area for supervised waiting.
The Early Release Schedule
Early Release days are scheduled throughout the academic calendar for teacher workdays, parent-teacher conferences, or the last day of the school year. On these days, the school day is shortened, and students are dismissed early. For FCPS secondary schools, the early release time is usually around 12:30 PM.
- Early Release Start Time: 8:10 AM (Regular start)
- Early Release Dismissal Time: Approximately 12:30 PM
The FCPS 2025-2026 calendar includes several early release days, such as the last day of the school year, June 11, 2026. On these days, the block schedule is compressed even further, typically running 30-45 minute periods to ensure all classes meet before dismissal. Lunch is usually served as a grab-and-go option before the final bell.
Key Entities and the LBSS Experience
Understanding the bell schedule is intrinsically linked to the broader Lake Braddock Secondary School experience, which is one of the most comprehensive educational environments in the region. The unique 7-12 structure means the schedule must cater to both middle school and high school academic needs, incorporating diverse programs and resources.
The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) district dictates the overarching calendar, including all holidays, grading periods, and standard start times. The school's administration, led by the Principal and Assistant Principals, manages the day-to-day implementation of the block schedule and the Purple/Gold rotation. The Lake Braddock Secondary School PTSA is a vital entity that often publishes schedule reminders and essential back-to-school information for the community.
Other key entities and programs that revolve around the bell schedule include:
- Middle School (MS) After School Program: This program begins immediately after the 2:55 PM dismissal, providing supervised activities and academic support for 7th and 8th graders.
- High School Athletics: Practice and game schedules for the Lake Braddock Bruins (Football, Basketball, Gymnastics, etc.) are dictated by the 2:55 PM dismissal, with most activities starting shortly thereafter.
- Student Services: Counseling appointments, college visits, and testing (such as the PSAT/SAT) are often scheduled during specific blocks or on early release days to minimize disruption to the regular class flow.
- Academy Classes: As a large secondary school, LBSS offers specialized Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses which may have unique scheduling requirements or lab times that extend beyond the standard block period.
Staying informed via the LBSS Weekly News and the official FCPS Calendar is the best way for students and parents to manage the demands of the Purple/Gold block schedule and ensure a successful academic year.
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