Schools in metro Atlanta are ending summer break and starting earlier than past generations.
Some districts and charters schools are daring to edge starting days into the month of July this year.
Blame or thank the trend towards school calendars that privilege more or longer breaks during the school year over later start dates.
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While some parents and educators say a longer school year helps children, particularly poor children, from losing ground over the summer, the research isn’t decisive. School calendar decisions often come down to adult preferences, vacation deals and pressure to stay in tune with neighboring districts.
“Some of this could be going under cover of academic performance but it’s really adult preference and convenience,” said Vanderbilt University professor of education Barb Stengel.
Read more in the complete story about the effects of early school start dates on parents and students and what this ends up costing some families more money at myAJC.com.
In other back-to-school news:
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