Do Charter Schools Have a Flexible Schedule?

The average start time for high schools in America is 8:00 AM, but growing research suggests that according to circadian rhythm (internal sleep clock) and the sleep hygiene of adolescents, a start time before 8:30 AM may actually do more harm than good. This early start time also often doesn’t account for working students, who may work late shifts and miss crucial sleep as a result. As time goes on, traditional high schools have failed to make the adjustments necessary to optimize the learning schedule of students. Charter schools, on the other hand, may provide a better, more flexible option.

Both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that students in middle and high schools begin no earlier than 8:30 AM in order for students to get adequate sleep and be prepared to learn at school. Biology plays a large factor in the sleep cycles of adolescents beginning in puberty. Most adolescents experience later sleep onset and wake times, also called “phase delay”. This phase delay can shift the body’s internal clock back by up to two hours. As a result, the average teenager cannot fall asleep until 11:00 PM and would do best waking up at 8:00 AM or even later. 

Cultural expectations and extracurricular activities also affect the amount of sleep students are able to get. American high school students often take on a variety of responsibilities including sports, clubs, and jobs — which often extend into the evening hours. High school students also have more homework, late-night technology use, and fewer structured bedtime schedules, all of which may cause students to stay up later than is appropriate for getting adequate sleep. A “one-size-fits-all” approach to the start time of traditional high schools does the student body a disservice as a result.

Experience the Rose Difference!

At Rose Academies, we offer three session times throughout the day to choose from: Morning from 7 AM – 12 PM, Mid-day from 12 PM – 5 PM, and Evening from 5 PM – 10 PM to ensure every student can find a schedule that best suits their needs. Whether you work late nights, or just need the opportunity to catch some extra Z’s before you’re ready to do your best learning, Rose Academies are here to provide an alternative to the traditional high school environment. See the Rose difference for yourself and enroll today!