Should School Start Early Or Later?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that middle and high schools start

at 8:30 a.m. or later

to give students the opportunity to get the amount of they need, but most American adolescents start too early.

What are the benefits of school starting later?

  • Improved Academic Performance. …
  • Longer, Better Quality Sleep. …
  • Extra Time For a Healthy Breakfast. …
  • Reduced Risk of Vehicular Accidents. …
  • Fewer Behavioral Problems. …
  • Better Physical Health. …
  • Minimized Tardiness and Truancy.

Is it good to start school early?


Better sleep

: Delayed start time could help teens sleep during their natural sleep/wake cycles. Less caffeine: Teens may be less likely to depend on caffeine to stay awake during the day. Better grades: Adequate sleep could help teens be more alert during the school day, which could boost their academic performance.

Would it be better if schools started later in the morning?


Schools should start later

because students have a better chance of improving their sleep, eating a healthier breakfast, and receiving better grades. If schools start later in the morning, students can get more efficient sleep during the night. Kids and teenagers should get around eight to ten hours of sleep a night.

Is it better to start school earlier or later?

Both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that

both middle and high schools begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

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Both organizations want to ensure students get adequate sleep so that they are alert and prepared to learn at school.

What are the disadvantages of starting school early?

Early school start times do not

just affect mental ability and mood

. They also have an impact on physical health. Sleep deprivation increases the risk for diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Researchers believe that a lack of sleep alters hormone levels and puts additional stress on the body.

Is it better to start kindergarten at 5 or 6?

Many children have the social, physical, and rudimentary academic skills necessary to start kindergarten by 5 or 6, but for kids who are born just before the cut-off date or who are experiencing a slight delay,

it may be better to wait a year

.

Why do teens stay up late?

Why Do Teens Have

Sleep Problems

? … The body releases the sleep hormone melatonin later at night in teens than in kids and adults. This resets the body's internal sleep clock so that teens fall asleep later at night and wake up later in the morning. Most teens just aren't sleepy enough for bed before 11 p.m.

Will school ever start later?


California will become the first state in the nation to require later start times for middle and high schools

as part of a new law signed Sunday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. … “We have the science that says this is a public health issue and a public health crisis,” said state Sen.

How early should school start?

According to their research, 70% of the 1500 teenagers they tested who start school earlier that

9 am

experience an absence of sleep and therefore have restrictions on their learning ability and their mental and physical health. Few people realise the risks which a lack of sleep can bring.

Is kindergarten the same as Year 1?

Education from ages 3-5 in the US is

pre-kindergarten

. In England, age 5 corresponds to the first year of compulsory education, and is already Year 1 of primary education, commonly known as first-year infants. Ages 3-5 are known as nursery and reception within infant or junior schools.

Should my child start school at 4 or 5?

In NSW, the enrolment cut-off is July 31 and children must start

school before they turn six

. This means parents of children born January to July must decide whether to send their child to school at the age of between four-and-a-half and five, or wait 12 months until they are five-and-a-half to six years old.

What age is Year 1 in NSW?

Prior to starting school in NSW children attend Preschool. The first year of primary school is known as Kindergarten or Kindy, followed by Year 1. To attend school in NSW the student must be

5 years old by 31st of July

. Students born after this date between August and December will start in the following year.

Why is uniform bad?

One of the main arguments against wearing school uniforms is that

students will lose their identity

, individualism, and self-expression if they are made to wear the same clothes as everyone else. If this happens, then everyone will end up looking the same. … People express themselves through their choice of clothing.

Does starting school later improve grades?

When Schools Start Later, Grades, Attendance, and Sleep Improve. … In addition to more sleep, the study found that later wake-up times were associated with grades that

were 4.5 percent higher

. “This was a huge increase,” says Dr. de la Iglesia.

Why does school exist?

“We have schools for a lot of reasons. … Beyond teaching skills, schools do a lot of other things for us: they take care of children during the day so their parents know they're safe while they're working to earn money, and

schools provide a sense of community

.”

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.