When presented with the idea of year-round school, most students would groan or roll their eyes, immediately banishing that unpleasant thought from their minds. Contrary to the name though, a year-round schedule doesn’t necessarily mean more school. Year-round school schedules follow a 180 day requirement, just like the standard school calendar that is employed at LOHS. However, students only attend school for six to nine weeks at a time, with refreshing two-week breaks in between. The main drawback is that year-round schooling reduces summer break to approximately one month instead of the three-month relaxation period typically savored by students. But in perspective, this tradeoff makes sense because all that clumped up vacation time would be redispersed during intervals throughout the year when students actually need the time to recharge and relax.
Everyone has experienced the dread of returning to school after a rejuvenating winter break. With the longest break of the year suddenly over, it seems almost impossible to wait until late March to recharge, especially after the stress of finals week. Then spring break rolls around and it’s just a desperate, monotonous push to get to the finish line of summer break. With year-round schooling, students and teachers have a two-week break to recharge and prevent burnout every six to nine weeks. Imagine having a vacation in sight every time one went to school—no more waiting months just to catch up on a regular sleep schedule.
Not only can students take some time for themselves more regularly, but the opportunity for travel suddenly skyrockets! With hearty breaks injected into each season of the year, families can finally get away and explore Europe in autumn or the Bahamas in February without worrying about missing school. Students could experience and enjoy the golden paradise of autumn and the glorious rebirth of spring first-hand instead of just staring longingly at the seasonal changes through the classroom window.
Year-round schooling could benefit students academically as well. With their two weeks of freedom, they could catch up in classes they are struggling in or take initiative to get ahead in certain subjects. Having clear, designated intervals of work and relaxation would reduce the stress load on students and prevent absences and burnout. Just like when working out, the most effective strategy is to train hard and incorporate regular periods of rest instead of just aimlessly sprinting for nine months of the year with a few measly breaks occasionally. Not to mention the elimination of “summer brain drain,” as the break time during summer would inhibit too much learning loss.
To recap, opportunities for academic progress during off-weeks and emphasis on regular periods of rest and relaxation are just some of the redeeming qualities of year-round school. Before shrugging off the idea of year-round schooling, students should consider the potential for a less-stressful calendar and seasonal get-aways, as well as the underlying learning benefits.
