Students across Aurora Public Schools could see big changes next school year, with the district seriously considering changing start and end times.
Driven by concerns over misaligned schedules and unhealthy early start times, the school board and district committees are exploring options that could better support student well-being and academic success.
Countless studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between later school start times and improved learning and student well-being. School schedules that better align with students’ sleep times present a myriad of advantages for not only the students themselves but for schools as a whole.
When APS teachers were asked about start times, an article published about their input stated, “When schools align their start times with adolescent sleep rhythms, students experience significant benefits. Studies show that students at schools with later start times have better attendance, fewer tardies, and higher graduation rates.”
According to Rangeview High School assistant principal, Jennifer Rahn, APS is, “Currently not following the healthy start time research many school districts and even states are following.”
Despite these studies, APS high schools start significantly earlier than many other high schools in the state. For example, Cherry Creek High Schools start at 8:20, and most Denver Public High Schools start around 8:30 and end at 3:30.
An 8:30 start time could improve student performance, wellness, and engagement, along with helping parents by better aligning elementary, middle, and high school schedules.
“If students are inclined to skip first period because it is just too early, perhaps this will help. I know students have busy lives too, and many have sports, academics, work, and family life all to attend to in the evenings and often results in late nights. A later start time would hopefully help with relieving a bit of the stress and pressure around a late night,” stated teacher and GT facilitator Jonathan Wells.
As APS weighs the potential shift in school start times, the evidence points toward a change that could benefit students academically, emotionally, and physically. Aligning schedules with student needs may be the key to unlocking a healthier, more successful school experience.
