The Juneau School District is currently looking at plans to have a later high school start time, largely by flipping times with elementary schools.Juneau School District officials are looking into the possibility of flipping elementary and high school start times, giving high schoolers an extra hour and 15 minutes before classes begin in the morning.
District spokeswoman Kristin Bartlett emphasized that the idea is only in its early stages. Public forums, a thorough public explanation and more research would precede any decisions. No timeline has been set.
According to the article, the High Schools currently have a start time of 8 a.m. and go until 2 p.m. whereas Elementary Schools go from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Many studies have shown that teenagers are biologically wired to stay up later at night and wake up later than younger children and adults. Some experts believe starting school later can improve high school students' performance. There may be other scheduling advantages, too, Bartlett said.
Makes sense, think back to your high school days and all the times you slept in class or your classmates slept in class. What are your thoughts? Do you think high school's should start later?
