Is a Four Day School Week a Good Idea?

Is a Four Day School Week a Great Idea?

In Fort Valley, Georgia schools feeling the economic crush tried to come up with a way to cut costs, without sacrificing teacher's jobs. One district decided to go to a four day school week. The money saved was not the only benefit. It seemed that students were actually performing better academically when they had an extra day off.

Test scores went up. Attendance improved for both students and staff. The graduation rate climbed past 80 percent, the highest it had been in years. Kids were less tired, more focused and appeared to have less school related stress.

The daily schedule on the four day week is a little longer and a bit more packed with activities. Some teachers find it a bit of a strain, which can be a downside. Some parents worried their kids would fall behind or struggle to learn.

To counteract those concerns, the school set up an after hours help program. On Mondays, when the school is closed, community organizations pitch in. Groups like the local Boys and Girls Clubs, and area churches provide centers where kids can get help with their homework.

Those kids who don't need additional help are free to visit Grandma, decompress at home, or enjoy a trip to their local museum.

I think the shortened school week is a great idea. Kids are kids after all, and need unstructured time to play, explore and enjoy the world around them. Children learn by play, not by demanding schedules filled with endless activity, and more stress in the form of homework after they go home. Happy immersion in a task, and fun while learning is what switches on the brain in a child.

So, America, let's be bold and unplug our kids once a week!