Why change start times?

The idea of starting the high school day later has been brought up in the district many times. A later start time for high school and middle school students aligns with medical evidence and scientific research on the sleep cycles of teens and children. Many districts - including nearly all of our neighbors and most of the schools in our athletic conference - have already made the change to push back high school start times.

Schools that have made the change have seen significantly improved grades, reduced tardiness, reduced absenteeism, and improved graduation rates. Later start times for teens also results in less reported depression, fewer discipline incidents, fewer emotional outbursts, reduced risky behavior, and fewer car accidents. 

Research also suggests an early start for elementary students increases prime morning instructional time, which is advantageous to younger learners, especially children with emotional and behavioral disorders.