Year-Round School :: One Year Later

Last spring, we learned that our daughter’s school was switching to a year-round school schedule. The school would have the same amount of school days; however, it would have many breaks throughout the year, and the school year would range from the beginning of August to June. Their schedule typically had 4-5 week school session followed by one week off. Some of these weeks corresponded with traditional holidays that the parish was also off (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mardi Gras, and Spring Break), but others were not typical of school holidays, such as the week of Labor day, Halloween and Memorial Day.

Initially, as a working parent, I had my concerns. I was not thrilled about the start of having to find child care on the off weeks or having two children with two separate school schedules. I knew that studies had been done that this schedule benefitted the children so we were along for the ride.

Now, we are a year in. So far, I have zero complaints. Our school offers enrichment camps during the weeks we are off that do not correspond with traditional schools. These camps are FUN for the kids – they all have different themes, the kids are out of uniform and there is a lot of playing. It is a nice break for the students and it’s a bonus that my daughter still gets to hang out with her friends and I do not have to stress about child care.

My children’s schedules have lined up enough. There are obviously some days where they are different but for the most part, all of the major holidays are the same and they both enjoy going back and forth on who is in school when.

My daughter has made learning an everyday activity. Instead of “today I am in school and working but soon I get a break.” We talk a lot about what we learned whether we are in school or not. Recently, she has been reading books on all of the planets so she tells me random facts as we drive around town.

I appreciate our schedule. I feel that year-round school is better for my daughter. She does not have a large break in the summer, and therefore, going back to school in August isn’t such a huge adjustment. Do not worry, we have plenty of time to get lots of fun in while we learn, too!