Should School Start Later?

Across the country, many middle and high schools begin classes as early as 7:30 a.m. However, growing research suggests that early start times may be harmful to students' health and academic performance. Based on this evidence, schools should consider starting the day later to better align with the natural sleep patterns of teenagers.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teenagers need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night for proper development. However, biological changes during adolescence shift teens’ internal clocks, making it harder for them to fall asleep before 11 p.m. When schools start too early, students are forced to wake up before their bodies are fully rested.

Lack of sleep has been linked to numerous issues in teenagers, including difficulty concentrating, poor academic performance, higher risk of depression, and even increased chances of car accidents. In districts that have shifted to later start times, some schools have seen improvements in attendance, test scores, and student well-being.

Opponents argue that starting school later could interfere with after-school activities like sports or part-time jobs. However, many districts that made the switch found ways to adjust schedules while still supporting extracurriculars. More importantly, students’ health and learning should take priority over convenience.

In conclusion, the evidence is clear: teenagers are not getting enough sleep, and early school start times are a major factor. By starting school later, we can support student success not just in the classroom, but in their long-term physical and mental health as well.