CMHS starts earlier than most high schools

By Kemari Thomas

Opinions Reporter

According to Atlas Obscura, as of 2024, the majority of high schools in the United States have an early starting time. Forty percent of American high schools start before 8:00 am, while 20 percent start at 7:45 am or earlier. Only 15 percent of high schools start at or after the recommended early start time of 8:30 am. At Crete-Monee, we begin at 7:25 am, which can cause the school's current troubles.

CMHS is in the minority of start times. The average start time for Illinois is 8:14, according to startschoollater.net

The American Psychological Association, also known as the APA, issued a statement saying, "Research from psychologists and others indicates that later school start times correlate with more sleep, better academic performance, and myriad mental and physical health benefits. Adolescents between 13 and 18 should sleep 8 to 10 hours daily."

Researchers have conducted studies to observe the effects of starting school early. According to the Children's Hospital of Orange County, "Disrupting these circadian rhythms with early start times can cause chronic sleep deprivation, which leads to increased risk for obesity, depression, poor academic performance, and risk-taking behaviors.

Crete-Monee High School starts at 7:25 am, which could contribute to students not wanting to attend school, being tired, and being unable to focus. It may also be why there have been many conflicts in the school. Students may also have a deteriorating mental health status and grow more irritated with unwanted situations.

The majority of high schools that start at these times have the same problem: the bus schedule. When asked 'Why do U.S. high schools start so early?' sources from Atlas Obscura stated, "One large part of the answer is school buses. A lot of school districts use the same buses to pick up students from different schools. First, high schoolers, then middle schoolers, then elementary schoolers."

Some may think a later start time would hurt those things when you have a job or extracurricular activities. However, if you are consistently well rested, have a good mood, and are focused, your days will be productive for a more extended period. 

High School students should be picked up last because they have more responsibility. If they get a later start time, it may make room for younger children to start at a later time and improve the overall well-being of the students not only in Crete-Monee but all over America.