Anchorage Schools Overhaul Start Times for Better Sleep, Academic Gains | Homepage [Video]

Just a few more sleeps before the first day of school for a lot of kids in Anchorage. And sleep has certainly been a topic of conversation lately. School start times are getting a major overhaul this year because of it.

High school, middle, and elementary school start times will look very different heading into this school year in Anchorage.

Erik Viste is ASD’s Elementary Ed Senior Director. He tells Your Alaska Link that the schedule change is centered around data from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“The study that showed students who, adolescents, and students who go to school later in the day generally benefit from, better mental health outcomes, and academic outcomes.”

Some students and parents we spoke with are ready for the change.

“At least I get to sleep in,” said student Julia Zook.

Added parent Jennifer Pool: “I hope it will go smoothly. He does like …