The average starting time for high schools in the United States is 7:15. Recently, many schools though have pushed starting times forward, some as far as 9:30. The University of Minnesota conducted a study in which they delayed the starting times of two local high schools to 8:30.
The study showed that with the later start times, “there was a significant reduction in school dropout rates, less depression, and students reported earning higher grades.” In 2004, several high schools in San Diego moved their starting times as well. Studies completed by the National Sleep Foundation “showed some schools have seen higher student attendance, a decrease in tardiness and an increase in student alertness after implementing a later start.”
While starting school at a later time has many benefits, the later start times result in later dismissal times, some as late as 4:10. Unfortunately, getting out late decreases the amount of time available for athletics and other extracurriculars