Should Summer Breaks Be Shorter?

Illustration by Leo Trinidad

Many kids are back in school after a couple of months of summer vacation. But kids at Red River Elementary School in Louisiana had a shorter break. Their district switched to a balanced calendar last year. Red River students have the same number of school days they always did. But their summer break is shorter and they get several two-week breaks throughout the year.

More than 3,500 schools in the U.S. follow similar schedules. Red River made the switch, in part, to make up for time lost during the Covid-19 pandemic. School officials also say that frequent breaks help students remember more of what they learn.

“Kids come back after that two-week window with renewed energy,” says Mike Beck, Red River's principal.

But other people argue that having a longer break gives kids a better chance to rest and recharge. That includes having more time to unwind by going to camp or playing outside while the weather’s warm.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

This is my first year following a balanced calendar at Red River Elementary. I like it. With a traditional calendar, I was out of the classroom long enough to forget things I had learned.

This schedule also helps me feel more connected with my classmates and teachers. I used to miss them every summer.

Though the break was shorter, I still enjoyed the summer. I visited my grandparents, went to water parks, and had a big birthday party!

​​After a full year of school, students deserve a long break as a reward for all of their hard work!

Plus, having the summer off gives me more time to travel with my family and explore new places. Summer is also when I get to enjoy my favorite sports—swimming, baseball, and biking. If I were in school, I’d have less time for these activities.

Kids can avoid falling behind. They can read on their own to prepare for the next school year.

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