Beginning in a child's junior year there are a large number of evening programs specifically geared towards the needs and interests of parents of prospective college students. Research shows that teenagers do not function well in the early morning and learn better when they start school later. Montgomery county has already reversed it school times to let High School students start at the latest time. It would benefit the HS students in Howard county if we were to change to a later school opening time for high school. Kids would also have fewer unsupervised hours after school.
Secondary students ride on one run and elementary on another run.
If we were to reverse elementary and secondary, the middle of winter would see large numbers of elementary students walking to school or the bus stops in the dark. Safety becomes and overriding concern. At the secondary level after school activities, both athletic and co-curricular, would be significantly impacted by a later school start. The fundamental issues particularly as they relate to maximum student learning are constantly being examined. Technology plays a necessary and increasing role in the daily education of students in Howard County.