BAKER, La. (BRPROUD) — High school students in Baker will soon be able to opt into a new alternative learning style. “Post-COVID. There's been a, there's been a lack of interest in school in general," said J.T. Stroder, superintendent of Baker Schools. To shift students’ mindset and increase motivation and attendance, Baker will be offering a four-day week with a virtual option starting next school year. “We wanted this option to be available to a broader range of our students. Like, you know, we know we have students that are at risk," said Stroder. Xavier Love, an 11th grade student-athlete, who runs track and plays football, says this incentive will allow him to excel in the classroom and on the field. Free health and wellness seminar for women in Baton Rouge: When, where “It gives you more time to prepare. Especially, football being game day on Friday, you know, it gives more time to chill out, relax and not be so stressed out by school," said Love. The shortened week is for juniors and seniors who meet certain criteria. “You know, if we can change the minds of children, they can govern themselves to see that education is their own work. And that is something that they should buy into," said Joyce Burges, president of Baker School Board. Students must meet LEAP test, GPA, and attendance requirements, and be free of behavioral issues. “It comes with incentives. You know, it’s not just everybody gets a 4-day. It’s a reward," said Love. Other students say this learning method will free up time to explore other hobbies, extracurricular activities and pursue a part-time job. “You know, high school is not easy. Baker is not easy. They put us to work every day," said Makayla Drake, 10th grade student. “I think it'll help us manage our time and like, help us to be able to prepare for what's to come after high school," said Khloe Anderson, 11th grade student. Stroder also says post-pandemic, their attendance rate was in the 60 to 70 percentile. Now, it's at 90%. He says this new opportunity has pushed students to better prepare for the LEAP test. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now BRProud Daily News SIGN UP NOW "A lot of them going into the exam were saying how much time they were going to spend on it this year," said Stroder. The program begins in the fall of 2024. School officials say the new high school will be complete by this summer. “Sometimes gentle changes must take place," said Burges. Latest News Mark Hamill calls Biden 'Joe-B-Wan Kenobi' in White House press room appearance Baker schools to offer 4-day week to juniors, seniors next school year DOJ: Louisiana woman tried to get $1M in COVID help by fraud, got $440K, spent money on cars Baton Rouge blood donors can enter into raffle to win new generator, hurricane essentials kit Austin City Council passes transgender protections