Illustration of students at school daydreaming about summer activities like swimming and camping

Illustration by Cole Roberts; Courtesy of families (Landon and Graylie)

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Should School Be Year-Round?

Across the country, most kids enjoyed a couple of months off from school this summer. But students at Ballentine Elementary School in North Carolina had a much shorter break: only three weeks! Their classes ended in June, and they were back in school in July. 

Ballentine Elementary is one of a growing number of schools that have what’s called a balanced or year-round calendar. These schools are in session for about 180 days each year—the same as other schools. Though their summer vacation is shorter, they usually have more frequent breaks or breaks that last several weeks during the school year.

Officials at these schools say kids do better with shorter breaks between school years. Teachers can spend less time reviewing older lessons when students return to class.

But other people argue that students and teachers need a long summer break to rest after a demanding school year. They also say kids should get more time to enjoy the warm summer weather and longer hours of daylight. 

Here’s what two of our readers think.

I go to Ballentine Elementary, and I like our calendar. Even though my summer break is short, I still feel refreshed when I go back to school. And I don’t have to wait long for my next three-week break. It’s just a couple of months away. 

A shorter summer break keeps me more engaged in school because I don’t forget everything I learned in the previous grade.

Plus, having a balanced school calendar gives me more time to spend with family and take trips throughout the school year.

Having a long summer break is important so kids can relax and have fun without feeling rushed. Teachers deserve more time to rest too! 

I love going to summer camp, where I get to make new friends and be adventurous. It lasts seven weeks, so if my school break were shorter, I might not be able to go to camp. Or I’d have to leave early so it wouldn’t be the same. 

Plus, we can read on our own during the summer so we don’t lose our reading skills. That’s what I did over the summer! 

What does your class think?

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