Why Should Schools Start Later

82% of schools start earlier than the recommended time for starting. Schools for generations have been starting early, but now there is a push to start schools later. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that schools should start at 8:30 or later, but some schools don’t have the money to do it. Schools should start later because students will get more sleep, will improve their grades, and will reduce some risks.

One reason schools should start later, is that it will allow students to get more sleep. Justin O’Neil says in his article called “Should Schools Start Later?” “Teens need at least 8.5 hours of sleep each night.” Students have work, after school activities, and homework that keep them awake longer. They have to get up early to go to school, and they don’t get the 8.5 recommended hours. “The body’s circadian rhythm--that is, its natural sense of time--shifts during adolescence” (O’Neil). Students have a harder time going to bed early, because of this, it makes them exhausted at school. Their tardiness will also go down because they get more sleep, and won’t try to push it to get to school on time. Students will be more rested if schools start later.

“One 2012 study found that students middle schooler’s test scores rose in reading and math” (O’Neil). With school being later students will get more sleep, and they will be more alert. When students are more alert, they learn better. This will improve their test scores and their grades. “‘Well rested kids learn better,’ says Heather Macintosh” (O’Neil). The students don’t want to give up their video game time at night so they stay up late, but they have to get up early to go to school. They are tired and they won’t pay attention to their teacher, so they can’t learn. School starting later will enhance students