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.