The Saturday Class Controversy: A Blessing or A Curse

Uncover the unexpected perspective on Saturday classes at Middlesex: are they really that detestable?

Mathematically, seven minus six equals one. This is the reality Middlesex students face: there are seven days in a week, six of them filled with academic stress, and only one day with freedom. After eight months of eavesdropping on student discussions in the Elliot and Dining Hall, yes, I am perfectly aware of the student body’s deep-seated resentment toward the existence of Saturday classes. However, I am here to express a quite controversial view toward Saturday class. I do merely feel indifferent towards this 6th day, however, for attending class at 8:30 on a Saturday morning in fact offers me great pleasure. In my opinion, Saturday classes offer more freedom throughout the week, fosters closer connections between day and boarding students, and helps me to develop my own discipline. 

As a freshman who currently takes five classes, Middlesex’s schedule grants me a free period almost every day, with the exception of Tuesday. Those periods allow me to enjoy freedom all by myself, whether it is walking in the Estabrook woods, taking a nap in my room, or enjoying some real-life application problems from Math 49’s textbook. This daily free time recharges me with energy sufficient for the remainder of the week. I would much rather have the first half of my Saturday morning taken up by classes than give up these moments of rest during the academic day.  

The intimate relationship between day and boarding students of Middlesex results largely from day students having to be on campus for the majority of the week. Indeed, this is precisely why I consider going to school on a Saturday morning a blessing more than a curse. Compared to other prep schools in the New England area, where day students stay at home over the weekend and spend less time on campus with friends and classmates, the existence of Saturday school offers Middlesex’s day students an opportunity to establish closer connections with the boarding population.

However, while I appreciate the advantages of Saturday classes, I am not denying Saturday classes’ downsides either. In fact, even the mere idea of Saturday classes overwhelms me initially. My fear of having school six days in a week stemmed naturally from my experience of attending five-day schooling for my entire life prior to Middlesex. My unfamiliarity with this unique schedule turned immediately into sheer panic. Nonetheless, as I gradually adapted to Middlesex’s school system, I began to recognize the discipline Saturday classes require, especially with assessments taking place on Saturday mornings and numerous homework assignments waiting to be completed on late Friday evenings. The challenges brought on by my Saturday school push me to go outside of my comfort zone and have taught me the discipline it takes to achieve academic success. 

Saturday classes certainly have their pro’s and con’s, but one must recognize they do in fact serve a significant purpose. Love it or hate it, our school would not function as seamlessly as it does without them, and we are ultimately better students and time-managers because of it. 

Sunny Qian