What block are we in right now?
The best way to understand the Block Plan is to experience it for yourself. Explore this interactive calendar to learn how to make the Block Plan uniquely your own.
Build Your Block Plan
The Basics
The Block Plan explained in four TEXT blocks.
What’s the history of the Block Plan?
Over 50 years ago, we set out to do something different at CC. At the time, just about every liberal arts college was doing things the same way. But the problem with everybody doing things the same way is that it generates the same kind of thinkers. Instead, we aimed to create a system that would change the way people see liberal arts—and the world.
What is the Block Plan?
Instead of a typical semester, trimester, or quarter schedule—we have eight blocks. Each supercharges a semester’s worth of learning into 3.5 weeks to immerse you at a level traditional higher education structures can’t support. Our students take one class at a time, and our professors teach one class at a time. That means you can fully devote yourself to courses you're interested in without being pulled in different directions.
What’s the benefit of the Block Plan?
Our classes are fast-paced, immersive, and intense. Professors will push you to think deeply, write clearly, and ask better questions. And they’ll expect you to keep up. But here’s the amazing part: when you’re only taking one class at a time, you have the space to dig in, follow ideas wherever they lead, and actually breathe while doing it. That kind of focus is powerful.
What skills does the Block Plan help you develop?
Easy. You’ll develop skills in focus, time management, critical thinking, deep reading, clear writing, public speaking, collaboration, independence, interdependence, adaptability, sustainability, intellectual curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, research, resilience, self-discipline, and so much more.
This could be you.
We offer so many different courses in so many different subjects. Here are some of the fan favorites.
HY200: The History and Future of the Book
Students attend a class for HY200: The History and Future of the Book at The Press at Colorado College during a Half Block.
BE202: Field Botany
Luke Stanley ’25 and Alejandra Mendoza ’24 examine Oxytropis sericea during a BE202: Field Botany class trip to Blodgett Peak in 2023.
FM210: Topics in Filmmaking: Introduction to Animation
Zach Looney ’24 works on a class project in FM210: Topics in Filmmaking: Introduction to Animation, taught by Skye Mahaffie ’15.
Testimonials
‘FOCUS’ is a pretty good way to describe the power of The Block.
But let’s hear it in the words of real people who’ve lived it at CC.
LEARN MORE
Two truths and a lie.
All right, let’s play a game. Two of these fun facts are real. One of them is fake. What do you think?
#1
Each block culminates with a Block Break to give students time to reset and recharge.
#2
Class typically meets 9 a.m.–noon, Monday through Friday, with additional class sessions for studio, labs, discussions, and field trips in the afternoons.
#3
The Block Plan was named after an esteemed alum named “Brock Block.”
Block Plan Builder
Build your schedule
Okay, time to get specific about exactly what your experience with the Block Plan might look like. Explore our interactive builder to see for yourself.