LWSD changes school start times
In a significant shift aimed at promoting student health, the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) will adjust its school start times for the 2023-24 academic year. High school students will see their start times pushed back to 8:30 a. m. , while middle school start times will move to 7:50 a. m.
Some elementary schools will experience minor adjustments, with a few beginning as much as 40 minutes earlier or 30 minutes later. The changes were put forward by the 2022 Start Time Committee, formed to explore the detrimental effects of early start times on student health and well-being. The committee considered a range of factors, including transportation logistics, which require careful coordination across different school levels. Scott Beebe, LWSD’s deputy superintendent, described the scheduling process as a "giant puzzle," reflecting the complexities involved in accommodating all students. Extracurricular activities were also factored into the new schedule to ensure that students' overall experience remains balanced.
This decision has generated mixed reactions among parents, students, and educators within the district.