Late nights and early mornings are staples of high school life. But what if they don’t have to be? According to various studies, later start times for school can help increase a student’s grades and attendance at school. Students are more likely to be on time to school, be healthier and have better grades if they get more sleep; later start times can give them that. According to a University of Minnesota study that reviewed multiple schools across the U. S., 8:30 A.M. or later is the optimal start time.

Schools all across the United States are either seriously discussing later start times or have already implemented later start times. In Minnesota so far, Edina, Mahtomedi School District, Minneapolis Public Schools, Johnson High School and Woodbury have already pushed back their start times.

So what are the chances of Totino-Grace joining those schools in starting later? “We have not discussed this recently,” stated Mrs. Broadhead in an email interview. However, there are consequences to starting school later. “A later start would mean a later finish,” commented Mrs. Broadhead. A later school day means sports and other after school activities would start later; and end later, so people would get home later and start homework later.

Would a late start just mean people wouldn’t have to get up as early, but would still be as tired and sleep deprived? It all depends on how students manage their time. Mrs. Broadhead remarked, “In general, if students did, indeed, get more sleep, I believe they would benefit greatly… Some students (and adults) stay up late watching movies, doing homework, playing video games, texting, reading, etc. Anyone who gets the recommended amount of sleep will hopefully be healthier.”