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As students prepare to return to classrooms, Florida school districts face renewed questions about when the academic day should begin. A 2023 measure signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis initially mandated that middle schools open at 8 a.m. and high schools at 8:30 a.m., but the legislation was subsequently repealed, transferring scheduling authority back to individual districts.
Proponents of earlier start times contend that morning openings facilitate student participation in extracurricular sports and activities while accommodating family routines. Conversely, critics raise concerns about students waiting at bus stops in predawn darkness, citing potential safety and well-being issues associated with very early schedules.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association have both endorsed later start times, pointing to research suggesting that delayed school openings may improve academic performance and adolescent health outcomes. The debate continues to divide stakeholders as districts determine their own scheduling policies.
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