Later School Start Times Essay Example

High school start times have changed multiple times throughout the years, with people arguing if later start times are better than the current start times. That has been an ongoing debate for years with no clear answer in sight. Choosing a time at which school starts is an important decision since it affects the student's whole day and what activities they can or cannot do after school ends. There are both benefits and disadvantages to the current and later starting times. However, the cons of later start times outweigh the pros. Therefore, high schools should maintain their current starting times because it allows students to participate in after-school activities, and it is better for parent schedules. 

First of all, the time at which high school starts currently allows students to participate in multiple after-school activities, such as sports, band, and jobs. That is evident when the author states, “sports needing more practice outdoors have more daylight, and students walking home from these activities can take advantage of the extra daylight for their safety… High school students also have more time for after-school jobs” (Anderson Source 1). Earlier start times mean that students finish school early, giving them plenty of time for out-of-school activities. Also, it makes it safer for students to come back from these activities. Students could also take advantage of the free time after school to gain some money by working, which could be very beneficial for when they go to college. Furthermore, the current starting time for schools is perfect for students with extracurricular activities since it gives them time to work on their homework after practice, as opposed to later starting times. This is evident when the author states, “Students who participate in sports, music groups, service-learning clubs, and other organizations typically meet several hours after school. If school districts change their start times these activities will be pushed to later in the day. This would make it difficult for students to participate and still have enough time to study, complete homework assignments, participate in social activities and still get to bet at a reasonable hour” (Morgan Source 3). While students who attend schools with later start times might have to cut down on their extracurricular activities to have time to finish their homework, students with earlier start times can participate in multiple after-school activities without having to worry about getting their schoolwork done on time.  

 Second of all, another reason why high school should maintain its current starting times is that it is better for parent schedules. This is evident when the author states, “starting school early may eliminate the need for morning childcare if parents can drop off their kids before work”(Anderson Source 1). Parents who go to work early in the morning will not have to readjust their schedule or go late to work because they had to drop off their child. Parents will also save the money that they have to pay to a babysitter or a daycare.  Earlier starting times means parents will have time to drop off their kids on time and still make it to work on time. show up late for work. Moreover, parents are worried that “since busses, there are double routes, elementary schools would have had to take the early morning shift. Parents of the younger kids complained that in the winter, it meant their 6-year-old would have to stand out in the dark and cold an hour earlier” (Harpaz Source 2). The current starting time for schools ensures that parents will not have to change their schedule to wake up earlier in the day, before sunrise, to drop off their kids. Waking up that early might have negative effects on the parents and the student's mental and physical health since they will be tired from the lack of sleep. Besides, the early starting time for school means that students will get to school at a reasonable hour that gives doesn’t disrupt their parent's work schedule.                              

 Some people might argue that if schools were to start at a later time it would increase attendance. This evident when the author states, “In 1996, high school start times in Edina, Minn., changed from 7:20 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The change improved attendance, and decreased tardiness and left kids more alert" (Harpaz Source 2). However, if high school was to start late, students with afterschool activities might have to miss class and academic work.  For example, a student once said, “as a member of the tennis team, she [Kuhfeld] had to miss sixth and seventh-period classes to compete at other schools” (Harpaz Source 2). So, although students will improve their attendance rates for their first class of the day, they will not be able to attend classes that are later in the afternoon.  This will also put them behind in their academic work.

 In brief, the current high school starting time should continue since it allows students to participate in an extracurricular activity and fits well with the parent’s schedules. Because school starts and finishes early, students are left with a significant amount of time that they can use to join sports, clubs, and even start working. Also, earlier starting times allow parents to drop their children off at school without disrupting their daily plans. For example, parents could drive their kids to school without being late for work. Therefore, current school times must continue and should not be changed. More schools should also change their starting times from later ones to earlier times.