Jeffco Public Schools

CURRENT SITUATION

Currently, there are over 100 different school start and end times across schools in Jeffco. Some of our schools start as early as 7:15 a.m., while others begin their day closer to 9:00 a.m. These varying start times create different lengths of the school day and unequal amounts of in-classroom instruction time for students across the district.

Research shows that healthy school start times result in improved student attendance, more students arriving at school on time, and improved graduation rates.

WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE

Starting in the 2023-24 school year, Jeffco Public Schools will implement new start and end times for schools across the District. The Healthy and Equitable Start Times initiative for next school year is expected to increase efficiency and reliability of transportation and create consistency in instructional time to best serve all students and families. 

• Later school start time for adolescents – particularly high school students – for better mental and physical health
• Establishing an equitable school day length so that all students are receiving the right amount of instructional time for their grade level
  • Elementary - 6:50 hours to 7:00 hours
  • Middle - 7 hours to 7:15 hours
  • High - 7:15 hours to 7:20 hours
• Provide a 35-minute lunch break for all schools
•  More efficient, reliable and cost-effective Transportation services, resulting in fewer canceled routes and cost savings for Jeffco Public Schools