(Des Moines, Iowa) The Des Moines School District is changing the schedules for students, flipping the current hours so elementary students begin the day a little earlier, while middle and high school students start a little later.
The changes are to go into effect next August.
The district says research has shown the hours would better match up with sleep patterns of children at different ages. Supporters maintain secondary students need more sleep. Des Moines' superintendent of schools emailed parents Friday, informing them of the changes in the 2018-2019 academic year. .
Beginning next academic year, elementary schools including Cowles and Smouse will start at 7:30 a.m. and let out at 2:25 p.m.Middle schools and Ruby Van Meter will start at 8:30 a.m. and let out at 3:25 p.m.
All high schools will start at 8:25 a.m. and let out at 3:25 p.m.
Superintendent Tom Ahart says he recognizes this will mean a shift in scheduling for thousands of families, but he believes it will give students the best chance to succeed.