Too Soon For School?

By Andrew Xie Sept. 24 2025

Mingyue Xiao Art

A serene morning is broken by the blares of alarm clocks, signaling the start of the school year for thousands of students across the district. Gone are the countless days of sleeping in to their hearts’ content, late-night gaming sessions and carefree beach days. Now, despite the sweltering heat, students gladly exchange all that fun for the thrill of sitting at a desk, nervously anticipating whether the next test will make or break their GPA. 

Around the nation, public schools’ starting dates have deviated significantly from their roots of post-Labor Day commencement. Historically, the holiday symbolized the end of summer for many families, providing a clear partition between vacation time and school. The later start date also prevented students and faculty from being overwhelmed by the high temperatures of late August—especially at a time when air conditioning was a rare luxury. 

Today, however, the vast majority of schools nationwide are transitioning into calendars that favor earlier starting dates—a sharp contrast to the traditional schedule many parents remember. Schools in California have openly adopted pre-Labor Day starts, with only a single district in the 1,015 school districts starting in September this year. This enables students to receive more instructional time before Advanced Placement (AP) tests in the spring, which some claim improves retention and test performance. It also allows schools to wrap up the semester before winter break, giving students a chance to rest and enjoy their time off without academic pressure lingering over them. 

Yet, starting earlier in August may offer a slight scheduling advantage. It effectively shifts summer break forward, making it feel shorter for students while providing little academic benefit—undermining the very purpose of rest and renewal that summer is meant to provide. Later starting dates better align with the schedules of summer enrichment programs, dual-enrollment courses and part-time jobs, allowing students to return to school refreshed and ready to learn. 

AP tests occur in May, already giving teachers sufficient time to conclude their curriculum and thoroughly prepare students. In fact, later starts actually provide substantial academic benefits for students, particularly those preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. While these exams are offered year-round, students who study for earlier fall test dates often face interrupted review schedules if schoolwork ramps up later in the year. A later start provides an uninterrupted window for focused preparation, potentially improving performance and reducing academic stress. 

“The district’s habit of moving the start date a few days earlier every year is really frustrating. It completely upends the consistency and routine of the school calendar, and it made this summer feel much shorter compared to previous years,” Sophomore Anthony Dung said. 

Moreover, beginning school in the sweltering August heat—especially in low-income districts without adequate air conditioning—can negatively impact focus, attendance and even safety. This is not a minor inconvenience but a direct barrier to offering students a positive educational environment.  

“I usually plan my summer around the school calendar, but I understand how schedule changes it can make it harder for other students to enjoy their break—especially if they have packed schedules with extra classes or programs,” Junior David Zhang said.

While earlier start dates may provide a few academic advantages, the benefits of a later start—such as protecting students’ health and reducing stress—suggest that returning to a post–Labor Day calendar is worth serious consideration. Before schools commit to beginning classes in the peak of summer, they must carefully weigh the potential impacts on student well-being. Chasing higher test scores or quotas should never come at the expense of students’ health and balance. Education should prioritize balanced growth and long-term success. Ultimately, schools exist to serve students—not the other way around. 

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About the Contributors

Andrew Xie

staff writer

Andrew Xie is a sophomore at Leland High School and the Sports and Opinions Page Editor for The Charger Account. When he's not sleeping in on weekends, you can find him playing video games, watching movies, or hanging out with friends.

Mingyue Xiao

artist

Mingyue Xiao is a junior at Leland High School and an artist for The Charger Account. She keeps busy reading, dancing, and drawing designs for her art projects.