Starting School Too Early: A Growing Concern for High School Students

As a student, I’m sure you’ve heard the age-old argument: “Why can’t school start later?” This argument has been around for a long time, and now it seems that there may be some scientific evidence to support the idea of later start times.

On April 15, 2021, Dr. Michael Matirano, Superintendent proposed a change to school start times to the Board of Education based on a review of current school start times. This initiative is based on studies that have shown that teenagers’ natural sleep patterns don’t align with the early start times of most schools. Research indicates that teenagers need an average of nine hours of sleep per night to function at their best.

However, most schools start as early as 7:30 or 8:00 am, meaning students are often required to wake up before 6:00 am. This lack of sleep can lead to several negative outcomes, including decreased motivation and focus, decreased overall academic performance, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Later start times could help to resolve these issues by giving teenagers the sleep they need to function at their best.

Under the proposed plan, High School start times would shift from 7:25 am to 9:15 am. Elementary schools would begin in a range of 7:25-8 am. Schools that have already implemented later start times have seen positive results, such as improved academic performance, lower absenteeism, and a decrease in student stress levels. Mohammad Jama said, “It’s a great change to our school and county. I feel like it was needed. The later starting hour will allow students to be rested, therefore making them more productive.” Additionally, research has also shown that later start times can also improve the overall well-being of students by reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.

Furthermore, later start times can have benefits for parents and teachers as well. Parents may no longer need to rush to get their children ready for school in the morning, and teachers may be able to get more sleep, which can improve their overall productivity.

Of course, there are also some potential challenges that may arise with later start times, such as the need to adjust bus schedules and sporting events. There is a concern that activities and after-school such as sports, clubs, and tutoring would be negatively impacted. World Language teacher, Ms. Jarocki said, “I will not be able to help my neighbor who is a nurse take care of her baby boy until her husband gets home. I will also not be able to help students after school, it will be too late, and traffic is horrible.”

There is strong evidence to support the idea of later start times for high schools. Howard County Public School System proposed the change of start time for schools and the decision will be effective in the next school 2023-2024 year. This change could help improve the overall well-being and academic performance of students and make life easier for parents and teachers. There are also challenges that need to be addressed. Parents continue to offer their testimony, and the decision will take place during Spring of 2023.