I taught at a school -years ago- that switched away from 7:30-2:30 (which is the typical HS time schedule give or take a few in my area) to 8:30-3:30. Our superintendent had read studies about teens and sleep etc. We did it for 3 years…then switched back. Here was why
- Sports. Schools are in leagues, leagues set game times - not necessarily the schools. Our athletes generally has to leave at 2:45 on days with away games, they missed their entire last period class. I kept track one year, and in then180 schools days (and three sports seasons) there were 3 when I had my full last period class in attendance. Make up work etc was a NIGHTMARE.
- After school appointments. Ever try to get something (ortho, Ped, dentist etc) scheduled for after 4:00? 'Nuff said, and MORE kids out of last couple classes. (If appt was after lunch they didn't come back.)
- We found that kids just stayed up later b/c they got up later.....
Overall it was a complete disaster.