Why flip elementary and secondary start times?
Biological factors impact the body clocks of adolescents. The body’s circadian rhythms change during puberty, making it more difficult for adolescents to sleep earlier and get up earlier. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other respected medical organizations have researched the impact school start times have on students. In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a recommendation that middle and high schools begin classes no earlier than 8:30 a.m. for the sake of sleep, health, and learning. The AAP recommendation cites a number of factors, including biological changes for sleep issues in adolescents. (Links to research/news articles)

How would Center Grove change start times?
During the 2016-17 school year, a committee of community members, parents, employees, and administrators recommended to the Board that a change be made. The committee cited improved health, improved sleep, and improved learning that comes with starting classes for Grades 6-12 after 8:30 a.m.

After considering several factors, including the necessary number of drivers, buses, and available funding, the best schedule to move secondary start times later is to flip elementary and secondary start times Currently, our secondary schools begin around 7:30 a.m. and elementary schools begin at 9:00 a.m. Center Grove is also considering whether to keep Early Release time on Wednesdays or move to a consistent schedule five days a week with professional development time outside of the student day. Center Grove will discuss this issue with our teachers and survey families, staff, and students (Grades 6-11) during the week of February 27.

Below are tables with current start times and flipped start times, with and without the early release time on Wednesdays.