Local School Changes to a 4-Day School Week

Niagara Catholic High School just passed a proposal for a switch from the traditional 5-day school week to a 4-day week for students. Students will have a 3-day weekend each week, with every Monday off school.

The change comes in part, due to decreased enrollments, higher energy costs, and the support from many current students and parents. Some of the benefits of the new 4-day school week include less energy expenses and the chance for students to balance school, activity, and work schedules better.

In order to switch over to 4 days of school, an hour was added to the school day, and 2 extra hours on Tuesdays. Ultimately, the instruction time equals the traditional 5-day week instruction time.

If I were in high school, I think I would be very happy to have an extra day off each week. Any thoughts? Are there any non-traditional schools where you live?

Comments: 15

Bryan "That 80's Dude" B. Jan 10, 2009, 2:32pm EST

I wish they had had that when I was in school!

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Robin"Buffy's Stunt Double" D. Jan 10, 2009, 2:40pm EST

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking, Bryan.

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Charlie B. Jan 10, 2009, 2:46pm EST

That is a super idea. It only makes sense to do this. It's a win win situation for everybody except the bus company.

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Nana to Seven Cutiepies Jan 10, 2009, 2:48pm EST

I guess the kids just love this. Nothing here like this that I know of.

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Netty B. Jan 10, 2009, 3:06pm EST

HMM not sure if this is a good idea or not. Let us know how it works out.

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Netty B. Jan 10, 2009, 3:06pm EST

PIF>>>

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Lisa C. Jan 10, 2009, 3:26pm EST

If I were the student I would love this!

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Lesli B. Jan 10, 2009, 4:12pm EST

My kids went to a school that had a four day week. It was great.

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Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jan 10, 2009, 10:30pm EST

I wonder how this would impact parents working a five day week outside the house. Bet the kids would love it!

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Jeff H. Jan 11, 2009, 12:43am EST

It would take a Catholic school to apply some common sense wouldn't it? Public schools demand more money and private schools save money. Who would have ever guessed that government does anything but screw things up?

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Visionaerie B. Jan 12, 2009, 12:44am EST

I think there definitely should be a lot more flexibility (namely, freedom) when it comes to schools. For one thing, why not start school later, to synchronize with work schedules? Also kids would be awake more then. I remember having a calculus class in college that met five days a week at 8 a.m., and I ended up having to drop it. I am just not a morning person! I'm definitely with Jeff -- we need a free market in education, where kids' basic rights are protected and they are nurtured to achieve their full potential. Otherwise, like Jethro Tull said, they may just become "part of the machine." Thanks for posting this!

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Janell R. Jan 12, 2009, 12:55am EST

I would have loved it too. I know they were trying to do it in some counties in Oregon a few years back, but a lot of parents complained because they would have to get a babysitter. I can see that perspective too, but as a kid, I'd have loved it.

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