Most high schools in America start at 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. But students in these schools often struggle with these early times. So high schools should start later because there are many advantageous and necessary benefits if high schools start even 30 minutes to an hour later.

One of these benefits is that if schools start just a half hour later, students’ academic performance will greatly increase. If students get a lot of sleep the previous night, they are more likely to pay attention in class and get better grades on tests. Because when people get more sleep the next day, their concentration, productivity, and memory improve. Alexa Lopez, a junior, said, “Back in middle school, I used to do so much better in school, but now in high school I feel I have done worse, and I think that’s because the early start time interferes with my sleep.”  Also, their attendance rates will improve, and they will be able to have more institutional time if they are present in the class more. Leading to better performance.

Another benefit is that students’ health will be better both physically and mentally. Let’s face it, school/life can be challenging and stressful, and it doesn’t help with sports/clubs on top of homework that are a part of daily life. Cooper Rodriguez, a freshman, said, “If school started later, then I would be able to get way more sleep and I wouldn’t be so tired at night because of basketball.” All of these things, especially when combined, can lead to lots of stress, which isn’t good for your mental health. And students need sleep, so their physical health won’t be bad either. If students can’t get enough hours of sleep, then they might develop unhealthy habits to get through the day because of their lack of sleep.

Some people believe that the delayed start times will mess up with other schools’ schedules. However, they will not. Elementary schools include students aged 5-11, and they often need less sleep than teenagers and, overall, aren’t that busy. So elementary school students won’t be that affected by earlier times because they often need less sleep, and they aren’t that busy.

So, overall, delayed high school start times are a necessity and benefit students in countless different ways. Whether it helps them in school or just helps them overall in life. And with these changes, students can get better grades and could potentially get accepted into their dream college.