Later School Bells: A New Start for Teens

Baldwinsville High might push its first bell an hour later. The idea isn’t just about buses or teachers’ schedules; it’s rooted in science that says teens learn better when they sleep more. Current classes begin at 7:35 a. m. , but the proposal would move them to about 8:45 a. m. This shift could set a trend for other districts that see the same benefits. The plan would affect all 1, 227 students at Baker High. If high school starts later, elementary and middle kids would begin earlier—around 7:45 a. m. —and finish by about 2:15 p. m. That change raises questions for families, especially around after‑school care. School officials say they’re still debating the details and looking for solutions. Surveys show mixed reactions. Two‑thirds of high schoolers liked the idea, and a little over half of teachers agreed it would help. Parents were split: 58 % supported later starts for teens, but only 37 % backed earlier starts for younger kids. Nearly half worried about scheduling headaches. To address concerns, the district hired a research firm to talk with local child‑care providers. The goal is to understand how families might be affected and what options could ease the transition.Research backs the move. Teen brains naturally stay awake later, so an early start can cut sleep time and hurt learning. Studies in Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Seattle found that schools starting at 8:30 a. m. or later saw better grades, higher attendance, and fewer tardies. Experts say the benefits go beyond school—less drug use, lower depression rates, and safer driving. California already requires high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a. m. , and some Pennsylvania districts have followed suit. Baldwinsville’s proposal comes as the district plans a $242 million expansion, making it an opportune moment to rethink schedules. Decisions will be made by the end of this school year, with any changes taking effect in fall 2028 to give families time to adjust. While the district hasn’t finalized anything, officials are open to learning from other schools that have shifted start times. In short, the debate centers on whether a later bell truly benefits teens and how families can adapt. The evidence suggests it does, but the community must weigh logistics and support for younger students.