Most kids across the U.S. had a couple of months off from school this summer. But students at Ballentine Elementary School in North Carolina had a much shorter break. It was only three weeks long!
Ballentine Elementary is one of a growing number of schools that have a balanced, or year-round, calendar. These schools are in session for about 180 days each year. That’s the same as most other schools. But instead of a long summer vacation, they spread out their days off throughout the school year. They have more frequent breaks or vacations that last several weeks.
Officials at schools with balanced calendars say their schedule helps kids do better. They point out that teachers don’t have to spend time reviewing lessons kids forgot during a long summer break.
But others argue that students and teachers need a longer break to recharge. They also say kids should get more time to enjoy the summer weather.