Dana Hall School starts classes at 8:00 a.m., every day except Thursday, when we get a precious extra 50 minutes. But what if every day started later—say 8:50 or even 9:00? Students would be better rested, more focused, and mentally healthier. When reevaluating the schedule for the 2025-26 school year, there was no change to start time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high school start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. to align with adolescents’ natural sleep rhythms. Studies have shown that later start times lead to improved attendance, better academic performance, and reduced rates of depression among students.
Maddy Mahoney ’26 shared, “Starting school later would give me more time to sleep and feel better prepared for the day. I think it would really benefit our mental health and academic performance.” We’ve already seen a glimpse of what later start times could look like. On Thursdays, we start at 8:50 a.m., and many students report feeling more alert and less rushed. Why can’t we have that everyday? This small shift in schedule could create major improvements in energy, engagement, and even classroom behavior.
Research done by VeryWell Mind shows that teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night but with homework, extracurricular, and early mornings, that’s rarely happening. Dana Hall students are ambitious and highly involved, often juggling sports, theater, clubs, and AP classes. When we’re not getting enough rest, our ability to concentrate, retain information, and perform at our best takes a hit.
While the push to start school later has gained momentum, it’s not without its drawbacks. Adjusting school start times can create ripple effects across a community, impacting everything from transportation schedules to after-school sports and commitments. Parents who rely on early start times to align with their workday may struggle with new childcare needs. Districts may also face logistical challenges and increased costs in rescheduling bus routes and coordinating extracurricular activities. For some students, a later dismissal time could mean less time for homework, family responsibilities, or sleep if evening activities run late. While the benefits of more sleep are compelling, these trade-offs must be carefully considered by school officials, families, and communities alike.
Implementing later start times isn’t just about comfort—it’s about setting up students for long-term success. Rested students are healthier, more productive, and better prepared to meet academic challenges. Dana Hall should be a leader in student-centered scheduling, and that begins with giving us the sleep we need.
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