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?

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. 

Here’s what two of our readers think.

I like the calendar at my school, Ballentine Elementary. Even though my summer break is short, I still feel refreshed. And my next long break is just a couple of months away. 

A shorter summer break also keeps me more focused. I don’t forget everything I learned in the previous grade.

Plus, having many breaks gives me more time to spend with family and take trips throughout the school year.  

Having a long summer break allows kids to relax. Teachers deserve more time to rest too! I love going to summer camp, where I get to make new friends. The camp lasts seven weeks. If my summer break were shorter, I might not be able to go at all. Or I’d have to leave early, so it wouldn’t be the same. 

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

What does your class think?

Should school be year-round?

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