Public High School Start Time Analysis

Charles Kendall Adams, an American educator and historian, once said, “no student ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him: it is the amount and excellence of doing the over and above what is required that determines the great and ultimate distinction.” Simply, Charles Kendall Adams meant that no student could excel in school unless they have access to every opportunity and are willing to go beyond what is required of them. The first public high school opened in 1821; however, the structure of schooling has changed drastically since the creation of public school. One of the biggest changes that has occurred since 1821 is the start time of school. Many people do not believe the start time of school has any impact
One example of this is when people claim changing the start time would cost too much money (Morin). The problem with this statement is that it places the emphasis on money rather than the students. This becomes an issue, because schools should always place the student at the center of education. Another issue that can come up when discussing changing the start time is that it will affect the middle school and elementary school start times as well (Morin). Although this might be a problem, it would also help the young children. This is because kids work better later in the day, so all of the benefits would apply to them as well. A final argument one might have is that the students will not spend the extra time sleeping (Morin). This statement might be true for some; however, it gives the students time in the morning to study, time to wake up, or time to prepare for the hard day ahead. When it comes to the time school starts, there will always be differing points of view. Yet one must think of the wellbeing of the students before anything else. Although many people believe that starting school later is a waste of time, there are many benefits, which prove this statement incorrect. The health benefits that starting school later would allow are very important. The student’s would have less stress and would be able to get a better night’s sleep. Having less tardies and greater attendance would also give the student the ability to improve their grades and the students safety. Starting school later has always been an option; schools should make it a priority to improve students’