Back To School in September: Too Late? Just Right?

By Greg Hambrick

History teaches us that Labor Day is a bookend for the summer — mornings sleeping in and days in summer camp continue until August ends. 

But, other areas have a different idea of what can be accomplished before Labor Day.

This past Monday, back-to-school photos filled Facebook walls in the South. 

“I’m crying,” was sometimes found underneath. Others read, “First day of school!” A few times, the message betrayed excitement for a calmer, quieter home.

Some schools in Tennessee had these moments even earlier: Aug. 1. School districts say earlier starts can provide seamless school semesters, getting exams in before Christmas break.

In Virginia, there’s still two more weeks of summer for most students. Meanwhile, D.C. schools have already shucked the Labor Day standard — children head back to school next week.

Virginia and D.C. students will still be found laboring away at school well into June, so a few extra weeks on one end or the other may be an argument over preference.

However, Democratic candidate for Virginia Delegate in Herndon's 86th District, Jennifer Boysko, says starting school after Labor Day for high school advanced placement students actually puts them at a significant disadvantage behind schools that start in August.

"The exam dates are set nationally, so the schools have no flexibility with that. Schools that start earlier have an advantage. Our students, they’re at a deficit; they miss several weeks of instruction, and it puts them at a handicap. As a mom of a daughter that really pushed herself [for those exams], the stress these kids are under is amazing," Boysko told Patch in a recent interview.

What do you think about school start times? Sold on September? Does the calendar need an August adjustment? Tell us in the comments section below.

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