I enjoy celebrating the many things that RISD does right. When school begins August 25, our students will continue the daily schedule proven most effective by several national sleep and learning studies. Our elementary students attend school from 8 am to 3 pm, junior high kids go from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and high schoolers show up from 9 am to 4:10 pm. This three-tier system saves district funds because buses can make three loops each morning and each afternoon. Many other districts, like Duncanville ISD, are moving to a three tier schedule, but they have opted to have the high school kids begin first. In fact, Duncanville kids in grade 9-12 will have a 7:30 am tardy bell this fall. Study after study, including a new one published this summer, says that teens sleep better, learn better, and get along better with a later start time.

My friend who works in the office at Duncanville High says that one factor considered in the change was parents’ dependence on teen siblings to pick younger kids up after school. Teens working jobs after school was another consideration. But I applaud RISD administration folk who stayed focused on education. High school students do better academically with a later start time. Period.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

And the solution for working parents who need someone to pick up their little guy at 3 pm? There’s a cottage industry in Lake Highlands of juniors and seniors who’ve gotten ahead on their credits, get out of school a bit early, and take an after-school job nannying. The kids love it, they pocket a little cash for college, and they’re home in time to study calculus and Shakespeare in the evening. Win-win.

Email this