10 Reasons Why School Should Start Later

What if I told you that one simple change—starting school later—could lead to better grades, fewer car crashes, improved mental health, and even happier teenagers?

• Read our blog on 10 reasons school sucks

That’s not a fantasy. That’s what research tells us about why school should start later.

As someone who has worked with both high schoolers and younger kids, I’ve seen the impact of early school start times. Students dragging into class half-asleep. Eyes glazed over during first period. It’s not laziness. It’s biology.

Let’s explore 10 strong reasons why school should start later—and why this shift could benefit students, families, and schools across the board.

1. Teenagers Need More Sleep

Here’s the truth: teenagers have different sleep needs than adults.

• The average teen needs 8–10 hours of sleep
• Their internal clocks (circadian rhythms) shift during puberty
• They naturally fall asleep later and wake up later

Expecting them to be alert at 7 a.m. is fighting nature. Later school start times support healthy adolescent sleep patterns.

2. Better Academic Performance

Sleep is fuel for the brain. Without it, memory, concentration, and problem-solving suffer.

Schools that have pushed back start times report:

• Higher test scores
• Improved focus in class
• Increased homework completion rates

Students learn better when they’re well-rested. It’s that simple.

3. Fewer Car Accidents Involving Teens

Did you know sleep-deprived teens are dangerous behind the wheel?

Studies show that in districts with later school start times:

• Teen car crash rates have dropped significantly
• Drowsy driving is less common
• Mornings are safer for everyone on the road

This one reason alone makes a strong case for why school should start later.

4. Improved Mental Health

Sleep and mental health are deeply connected.

Chronic sleep deprivation in teens has been linked to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts

Giving teens more rest through later school start times can support emotional stability and resilience.

5. Reduced Tardiness and Absenteeism

Early start times often mean kids are:

• Late
• Missing the bus
• Skipping school entirely

In districts that delayed school start, attendance improved—especially for students who previously struggled to arrive on time.

6. Healthier Lifestyle Choices

Sleep-deprived teens are more likely to:

• Eat junk food
• Skip breakfast
• Avoid exercise

With a later start, students have more time in the morning to eat well, move their bodies, and prepare for the day.

It sets a positive tone—physically and mentally.

7. More Equitable Learning Opportunities

Students from lower-income households often face more barriers to sleep:

• Crowded housing
• Late-night jobs
• Family obligations

By starting school later, we level the playing field and give all students—regardless of background—a better chance to succeed.

8. Stronger Family Routines

Families benefit too.

• Parents have more time to get kids ready
• Mornings are less chaotic
• Teens and parents can share breakfast or commute time

Later school starts allow for calmer, more connected mornings at home.

9. Aligns with Scientific Recommendations

Major organizations agree:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics
• The CDC
• The American Medical Association

All recommend that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.. This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a scientific guideline.

10. Better Behavior and Discipline

Tired students are more likely to:

• Act out in class
• Skip school
• Get suspended

Well-rested teens are calmer, more cooperative, and less impulsive. Later school start times can help reduce discipline issues and improve school climate.

Final Thoughts

So, why should school start later?

Because teens aren’t lazy—they’re biologically wired to sleep in.
Because our current system fights against their natural rhythms.
Because every major health and education expert is telling us the same thing: Sleep matters.

We’ve seen 10 clear reasons why this change makes sense:

• Better grades
• Safer roads
• Healthier minds
• Happier mornings
• Stronger families

Making school start later isn’t just about sleep. It’s about respecting what science tells us and giving kids the best shot at success.