The Padua school day runs from 8:05 AM to 2:35 PM. This creates a fairly standard 6 1/2 hour school day. But should the school day be longer?

Some argue that lengthening school days would provide more time for English, Math, and other core classes. A longer school day would ideally lead to better scores and higher college acceptance rates. American standardized test scores are lower than the global average, according to the Global Post. This could give America a “leg up,” as far as academics and intellect goes.

However, others argue that a long school day deprives students of sleep and time. Because they spend most of their time at school, students have less time for extracurricular activities and social gatherings, preventing them from being well-rounded. With longer school days, work consumes students, even when they go home. They become so caught up in grades and scores, that their social and emotional health suffers.

So, is it worth it? It comes down to a matter of principles. Which is more important, high test scores or well-rounded students? Personally, I think that the six-and-a-half hour school day works well. Students get a strong education and can become well-rounded individuals through extracurriculars and other activities. This helps students get more sleep and stay more alert and healthy during the day.