Does high school need to become less demanding? High school has evolved tremendously from when students first started attending to today’s modern school day. High school is always a monumental time for students to grow into themselves before going out into the real world. Yet, many students feel drained and exhausted from these school days, barely getting any sleep. 

In every early 2000s movie, high school is romanticized so much that we barely see the characters in class learning. Growing up watching these movies, believing this is what high school is going to be like, the first day of freshman year hit us all like a train. High school was not singing around the cafeteria, partying every Friday night with your friends, or being in class. High school has been a treacherous road, and all of us have had to overcome obstacle after obstacle.

Students today are still trying to reel in old pandemic habits, struggling with mental and academic setbacks. Waking up before the sun is up is a struggle enough, then going to school and dealing with endless class work, assignments, friendships, and making high school memories. Many of us students also have sports, extracurricular activities, and even a job. Managing all of this daily and also trying to get seven hours of sleep can become difficult—maybe even impossible. 

Speaking from experience, being an Honors and AP student, dealing with all of my schoolwork can be draining for any student. Every single day I manage all of my AP classes, soccer practice, and working a part-time job. I truly feel like every student who deals with these many commitments, will benefit from a later start time for school. Many studies show how later start times improve a school’s performance levels. 

Being well-rested is another important part of our growing bodies that will be crucial for high school students’ futures. School from 7-3, practicing until 3-5, and then going to work from 6-10 puts a strain on my energy levels throughout the day. Still, I believe that having all of these commitments teaches me time management skills for the future.

I know we all dread getting up in the morning, and walking into school half awake while our teachers are expecting us to be very attentive during class when the sun has just risen. I believe later start times can truly benefit the student body at any school. Later start times can put students in better moods and ready to learn. I know I can genuinely benefit from getting an extra hour or two of sleep so I can perform better in my classes.