Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Parish School System
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is taking a bold step to prioritize student health and academic performance by implementing a brand-new school start time initiative.
Beginning this academic year, through a pilot program, the district will shift school start times at two high school campuses from an early 7:10 a.m. to a more student-friendly 8:50 a.m., addressing a critical issue that has long impacted teenage learning and well-being.
“As I’ve listened to families across our district, I’ve heard time and again about children waiting at bus stops before sunrise. It’s clear from our community’s input that this is something we have to address for the well-being of our students,” says Superintendent LaMont Cole.
The science behind this change is compelling. Teenagers’ biological clocks are fundamentally different from those of younger children or adults. Their natural sleep patterns push them to stay up later and wake up later, making early morning classes a significant challenge.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long advocated for high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m., recognizing the profound impact of sleep on adolescent development.
“This isn’t just about giving students a few extra minutes of sleep,” explains Dr. Tatia Prieto, a national education consultant specializing in school start time research and implementation. “It’s about aligning school schedules with students’ biological needs.”
The potential benefits are extensive: improved grades, better attendance, enhanced mental health and even improved sports performance.
The pilot program focuses on six campuses, including Glen Oaks High and Capitol High, with a carefully designed approach that goes beyond simply changing bell times.
Four elementary schools will also see adjustments, starting 25 minutes earlier at 8 a.m. Research suggests younger students are less impacted by early start times, making this a strategic component of the district’s comprehensive approach, Prieto says.
The district has simultaneously implemented measures to streamline transportation changes for students and families – eliminating bus transfers for students at participating schools and introducing an opt-out program that helps the district more accurately predict bus ridership and potentially reduce overall transportation costs.
The initiative addresses multiple challenges facing modern students. Research from the AAP and other leading health organizations has linked chronic sleep deprivation to increased rates of depression, lower academic performance and higher risk of accidents. By recognizing that teenagers can’t simply “go to bed earlier,” the district is taking a scientifically backed approach to student wellness.
Parents and educators have long observed the struggles of sleep-deprived teenagers – students falling asleep in class, struggling to concentrate and experiencing mood challenges. This new schedule aims to transform those experiences, giving students the biological support they need to succeed.
The district plans to closely monitor attendance, tardiness and academic performance during the pilot program. Transportation efficiency and community feedback will also be key metrics in evaluating the initiative’s success.
Here are the schools affected and their new start times:
Capitol Elementary, 8 a.m.
Glen Oaks Park Elementary, 8 a.m.
Melrose Elementary, 8 a.m.
Merrydale Elementary, 8 a.m.
Capitol High, 8:50 a.m.
Glen Oaks High, 8:50 a.m.
“We know this change will require some adjustment from everyone – students, families and staff – but our top priority is putting students first. We’re committed to making decisions that support their health, safety and academic success,” Superintendent Cole says.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is setting a new standard for student-centered education. By prioritizing student health and aligning school schedules with biological realities, the district is demonstrating a commitment to innovative, research-driven approaches to learning.
As other school systems watch closely, this initiative could become a model for educational transformation nationwide. It’s more than a schedule change – it’s a recognition that supporting student success means understanding and responding to students’ fundamental needs. The future of education is here, and it starts a little later in the morning.
