Essay, Term 2 (Why School Should Start at 9 Am)

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Salem Khadadah

Mr. Aslam

10 Red English

20 December 2023

Why Schools Should Start at 9 am

The debate over school start times has been a longstanding one, with proponents arguing

that a later start time is beneficial for students' health and academic performance. This essay

supports the idea that schools should start at 9 am instead of the traditional 7 am. By examining

the impact on students' well-being, academic achievements, and overall school environment, it

becomes clear that a later start time is a reasonable and advantageous adjustment.

Starting school at 7 am poses a significant challenge to students' health and well-being.

Teenagers in particular experience a shift in their circadian rhythm, making it difficult for them

to fall asleep early. The result of this is that, they are often sleep-deprived, leading to a range of

health issues such as impaired cognitive function, weakened immune systems, and increased risk

of mental health problems. A later start time at 9 am allows students to properly rest, promoting

better overall health and well-being. While some say that this prepares them for the harsh reality

of the real world, it’s an irrational argument since teenagers have different sleep cycles than

adults.

A later start time positively influences academic performance. Sleep-deprived students

often struggle to concentrate in class, retain information, and perform well on exams. Shifting

the start time to 9 am allows students to be more alert and engaged during morning classes,

leading to improved academic outcomes. Studies have consistently shown a positive correlation

between later school start times and enhanced academic performance. With that being said,
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according to (Drew, 10 reasons why school should start later (top benefits!) 2023), “a delayed

start might conflict with parents work schedules causing logistical challenges for families.” This

is one of the biggest cons of starting school later. While it is important to prioritize education,

there wouldn’t any point of it if the parents can’t financially support it.

A later start time contributes to a healthier school environment by reducing instances of

sluggishness and reluctance. Students are more likely to arrive on time and attend all their classes

when they have had sufficient sleep. Additionally, a well-rested student body is likely to exhibit

improved behavior and discipline, creating a positive and conducive learning atmosphere. Some

argue that a later start can interfere with a students’ daily life as it finishes later in the evening

and leaves less time for after school activities. While this is a valid point, we need to remember

it’s important to put education first.

In conclusion, shifting school start times from 7 am to 9 am is a practical and beneficial

change. The evidence presented supports the assertion that a later start time positively impacts

students' health, academic performance, and overall school environment. While there are counter

arguments to consider, the long-term advantages of this adjustment far outweigh the challenges.

By prioritizing the well-being and success of students, education systems can take a crucial step

toward creating a more effective learning environment.


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Works Cited

Drew, C. (2023a, August 19). 10 reasons why school should start later (top benefits!). Helpful
Professor. https://helpfulprofessor.com/reasons-why-school-should-start-later/

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