OUR MISSION
Restoring traditional school start times, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and the Centers for Disease Control, is a practical and necessary solution with broad and immediate benefits for children of all ages. This is a call to action for educators, health professionals, parents, students and public officials to work together for safe, healthy, and equitable school communities.
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Championing Healthy Sleep and Sleep-Friendly School Hours
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NBC's TODAY:
California's Landmark Law |
Silver Lining: A Message from Start School Later
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"Thanks for all of your work! Organization and raising awareness in the community are key components to success. As others have noted, this is similar to raising awareness about other public health matters such as the dangers of second hand smoking, the importance of seat belts, car seats and many other issues. Change is a challenge....I applaud Start School Later!"
— Terry Tuley, Fairfax County VA
FIND A CHAPTER NEAR YOU
Our many volunteer-led chapters in the USA and around the world are working for developmentally appropriate school start times. We're continuing to grow as more people discover that joining forces is the most likely way to get local districts to set and ensure healthy hours!
Starting school later was the most significant and beneficial decision I made in all the years I was an educator. — Kenneth Dragseth, Ph.D
Retired Superintendent Edina Public Schools, Minnesota |
The Society of Behavioral Medicine recommends school officials start middle and high school classes at 8:30 a.m. or later. 
Start School Later is proud to be among the groups endorsing this new recommendation. Other groups recommending these schedules include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
The AASM Foundation congratulates Start School Later for championing change in school hours so adolescents can achieve healthy sleep and thrive. Coalitions like Start School Later play a vital role in raising awareness about the growing body of evidence that later school start times enhance teen safety, performance and overall well-being. — Anita V. Shelgikar, MD, MHPE, President, AASM Foundation, August 2021
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We've raised three boys. One didn't have the benefit of our switch to 8:30 start times. He suffered the most. The middle one split two years of each. Our last has only gone to school waking up in the light. The difference is profound and difficult to fully describe. His grades and school performance are much higher than his brothers. Also his athletics, mood, behavior, family dynamics, diet, socialization, health, time management, focus, and also much more improved. It's honestly been the single best improvement to my parenting experience having seen all three stages. It is beyond me why all districts don't listen to the medical and academic experts and switch to healthy start times. There is no price tag you can put on this long list of proven benefits.
— Wheatleigh Dunham, Greenwich CT
Weston would not have been able to make the change without the help of SSL [Start School Later]. We utilized many of the resources including their slides, flyers/brochures, and advice on engaging the school system and community. We received a lot of help, assistance, and support from many SSL members. So thank you." — Chun Lim, Chapter Leader, Start School Later Weston, MA
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Once upon a time, I started a Start School Later chapter in my community and now, here we are: — Basey Klopp, Bend, Oregon
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