Proposed Earlier School Start Times Are Harmful

Riverwest Elementary School, 2765 N. Fratney St. File photo by Dave Reid.

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) recently proposed adjusting Tier 1 elementary school start times from 7:25 a.m. to 7:15 a.m., citing the need to address logistical challenges in transportation, particularly for high school students. While the intent to ensure timely transportation for older students is understandable, the solution—pushing elementary school start times even earlier—harms hundreds of young children and disregards established research on how early start times negatively impact student well-being and learning outcomes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that school start times for all students, including high schoolers, begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m. This recommendation is rooted in the biological sleep needs of children and adolescents, which directly influence cognitive development, physical growth, mental health, brain development, and academic performance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children aged 6–12 require 9–12 hours of sleep each night. With a 7:15 a.m. start time, many students would need to wake up as early as 5:30 a.m. to catch buses. Insufficient sleep has been linked to behavioral issues, difficulty concentrating, poor academic performance, and increased rates of anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, studies highlight how early school schedules disproportionately affect younger students from low-income families who rely on public transportation or caregivers with inflexible work schedules. These children often experience higher levels of stress and face greater barriers to success when sleep and school schedules are misaligned with their developmental needs.

The district’s justification for the earlier start time—facilitating high school transportation—reflects a misguided prioritization of logistical convenience over student health. While it is true that high schoolers also suffer from early start times, shifting the burden to elementary students and their families is not a fair or effective solution. The ripple effects on families, caregivers, and teachers are significant; an earlier start time means that school would end earlier, affecting parents’ ability to work.

Instead of solving the transportation issue on the backs of our youngest learners, MPS should consider alternative strategies. One solution is increasing the number of bus drivers and expanding routes. Many districts across the country have faced similar challenges and found creative ways to recruit and retain drivers, such as offering higher wages, benefits, and flexible schedules. While this requires an investment of resources, the long-term benefits to student well-being and achievement far outweigh the costs. For instance the public school system in New Canaan, Connecticut, effectively adjusted their tiered busing system with later school start times.

We urge district leaders to reconsider this proposal and focus on sustainable, student-centered solutions. Hire more bus drivers. Expand bus routes. Partner with local organizations to address transportation needs. Let’s find a solution that works for everyone without sacrificing the well-being of our youngest learners.

Maggie Kerr is a Milwaukee Public Schools parent.