Flagstaff High School

Flag High Hits Snooze: Later Starting Time for School

Paige Bia

This year, Flagstaff High School has made a significant change to push the start time from 8:00 am to 8:50 am. The shift was approved by the school board after research showed that secondary students benefit from the later start time. Studies suggest that adolescents who get more sleep perform better academically, show higher focus in class, and even see improvement in their overall health and wellbeing. 

Not only students are benefiting from the late starting time, but so have school staff. One teacher reported that with the new schedule change, they have noticed that students are coming into morning classes more alert and ready to learn. Teachers have also noticed students’ test grades are now higher in earlier classes. Even for the teachers themselves, workloads have been lifted and work performance has improved. For many students, the later start time means a less stressful morning. Some use the extra time to catch up on sleep while others take advantage of the slower pace to eat breakfast, finish homework, or prepare for the day without rushing. 

Not every effect has been positive, however. Some teachers have noticed that students appear to be more sluggish in the afternoon classes, since the dismissal time is later than it used to be. Other teachers say that they haven’t noticed any change in the students at all. The mixed reactions show that the new schedule is still being adjusted to, and its impact isn’t the same for everyone.

The bigger question is whether the later start will prove to be a lasting success. Will the improvements in alertness and grades hold steady, or will the downsides begin to outweigh the benefits? “It’s too early in the year to tell,” states one teacher, leaving the future of the later starting time still up in the air.

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