Is a New Push to Change School Hours Coming to Iowa?

With the Make America Healthy Again movement now in full force behind the leadership of Robert Kennedy Jr., schools across the nation are again rethinking long-standing traditions. One of the biggest debates emerging is whether to change school start times. The conversation is gaining more traction as research continues to highlight the importance of sleep for students, especially teenagers. Some experts and policy makers argue that later school start times could improve academic performance, mental health, and even road safety. Meanwhile, others believe changing schedules would disrupt family routines, after-school activities, and jobs.

Let me be one of the first to say that I just want what is best for my kids. Unfortunately, that may mean making some sacrifices in my own schedule for the long haul as I have a current teenager, and twins just shy of 10 years old. Would changes to their school schedule affect me and my family? Sure, but probably not as much as it may affect others, specifically single parent households and families with very young children.

Why Is This Being Brought Up?

Studies show that teenagers need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night, but most don’t get enough due to early school start times. I know my teen gets close to 8 hours each school night, but based on her weekend sleep schedule, I bet she'd like more. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 AM, yet the average U.S. public high school begins around 8:00 AM. Some even start earlier.

California became the first state to mandate later school start times, requiring high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 AM and middle schools no earlier than 8:00 AM. Supporters say Iowa should follow suit, arguing that well-rested students would perform better academically and be healthier overall. However, there are always two sides to every argument.

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The Case for Later Start Times

Research suggests later start times could have significant benefits. A study in Seattle found that when school started nearly an hour later, students slept an average of 34 minutes longer per night, leading to better academic performance. Another study found that delaying start times led to higher grade point averages and improved student well-being.

Supporters also cite safety concerns, particularly for teenage drivers. Studies have shown that drowsy driving contributes to accidents, and shifting school start times could reduce morning crashes involving teen drivers. Additionally, teachers in schools with later start times have reported feeling more rested and less stressed.

The Case for Keeping Things Traditional

Opponents argue that changing school schedules would create logistical problems for families and school districts. If only high schools start later, what do districts do to accommodate the different bus schedules. This could leave parents and young children waking up earlier while their older siblings (who may help get them ready for school) are still asleep.

Additionally, later dismissal times could interfere with after-school jobs, sports, and other extracurricular activities (band, choir, drama). Many students rely on after-school employment, and a later release time could limit their work hours. It may even force them into late-night shifts, negating the benefits of extra sleep. Some also argue that teens won’t actually use the extra morning time to sleep but will simply stay up later, defeating the purpose of the change all together. That's honestly where my main concern lays. Will parents be able to keep their kids on a reasonable bed-time schedule and take advantage of the change. I remember being a teenager and I know I spent many a late night up on the phone when I was supposed to be asleep.

Come to think of it, in my house, my girls both LOVE to sleep in. However, my son is definitely an early bird. I don't even think a change in his school schedule would keep him from getting up early. I'm sure there are families out there just like mine where a change in school hours might benefit some and have no effect on others.

Other Alternatives Being Considered

Beyond shifting school start times, districts nationwide are testing other ways to address student well-being and academic performance. One major trend is the shift to a four-day school week, which hundreds of districts have adopted in recent years. In some places this meant adding extra minutes to each school day to meet instructional requirements. I know this option was originally on the table in Western Dubuque just a couple years ago and will likely be revisited in the future. The decision is largely aimed at improving recruitment and retention amid a nationwide shortage of teachers. It also gives educators an opportunity to continue learning and rework current or establish new curriculum, as there would be a full day to prepare for the next week of classes.

While four-day weeks are more common in smaller, rural districts, larger districts are also beginning to experiment with the idea. However, concerns continue to remain when it comes to childcare for working parents and how it could impact student learning. Across Iowa, at least 18 districts have already adopted this model of 4-day school weeks.

What’s Next for Iowa?

While Iowa hasn't proposed any statewide changes to school start times, the national conversation is growing louder. With research mounting and some states making the change, the issue is likely to come up for discussion in more and more school board and legislative meetings. No matter what, Iowa continues to address student performance, teacher retention, and the mental health challenges of our students. How they tackle the issue may just come down to some extra sleep. That could include a change in start times, along with alternatives like four-day school weeks. So, would a change in school schedules benefit Iowa students, or would it cause more problems than it solves? The debate is far from over.