Benefits Of School Start Early

The time an average high school starts in the United States is before eight in the morning. Even though many are for school starting later, school is still starting early. Research has showed that it affects students waking up early because teens need at least nine and a half hours of sleep. However, many say it is because it is better for the students to go to school early, so the rest of the day is theirs. So, is it better for students to have school early or later? American high schools have not always started before eight in the morning. It went from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to around 7:59 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the 1950’s and 60’s. Before the 1950’s many students would do a chore before going to school like feed the barn animals and then go

The main reason why high schools are still not changing their hours is because of the buses. In the article “What is the Advantage of Having School Start Early” by Marie Anderson, she gives statistics on how it saves schools money starting school early. She says, “ Lubbock ISD in Texas is anticipating saving more than 1 million dollars by utilizing start times prior to 8 a.m. at some campuses. Suffolk Public Schools in Virginia estimates that by starting some campuses at 7:25 a.m. they will be able to save around $680,000 a year”(Anderson). By starting high schools so early it is saving money because the buses pick up high schoolers and middle schoolers first then they pick up elementary students, requiring less buses and bus drivers. It’s been reported by the Legislative Analyst office that in 2011-12 it cost school districts $1.4 billion to transport students. It can also benefit the students because they will have less time on the bus and endure less

The findings that report back improved academics have flaws because each student has different coursework, teachers and other things that factor in student success. The high schools that begin early, still show academic success. For example, the top three highest ranked high school that shows college readiness, and score well in Algebra and English start at 7:25 a.m (Anderson). School starting earlier allows students to have more after school tutoring opportunities. Therefore, helping them in their classes and overall