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BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

THE PROS AND CONS OF YEAR-ROUND SCHOOLING

QUESTION: As our school district switches to year-round schooling next year, I wonder what the advantages of doing this are as well as the disadvantages. I hate seeing the kids’ long summer vacation vanish. Just how widespread is year-round schooling in the United States? – Unhappy

ANSWER: With all the talk, parents are likely to think that year-round schooling is becoming the norm everywhere. This simply isn’t true. Only about 10 percent of all public schools have year-round schooling. The most common schedule is 45 days of schooling followed by a 15-day break. The usual holidays are built into the schedule, and the summer break is 30 days. The next most common schedule is 60 days of school followed by a 20-day break with a four-week summer break. And some schools have a 90/30 schedule with a 35-day summer recess.

The typical length of the school year remains 180 days. It is usually the same with most year-round schedules, although some school districts may add as many as 20 extra days.

Some year-round schools operate on a multitrack system in which students are assigned to one of four or five tracks. At any one time, one of the tracks is not attending school—thus expanding the capacity of the school. This works smoothly in elementary school but makes it more difficult to schedule high school courses.

The top advantage to year-round school, according to advocates, is that it reduces summer learning loss.

Shorter breaks can help students retain material that they learned during the school year. A significant advantage at some schools is that an enrichment session may be offered between regular sessions that gives excelling students a chance to explore new areas of interest. And at some schools, remediation is offered during the intersession, which can help struggling children build basic skills and reduce their chance of failing. Intersession programs may be just half a day or last all day with morning classes and extracurricular activities in the afternoon. Another advantage to year-round schooling is that it reduces burnout for both students and teachers.

Year-round schooling does have some disadvantages. For parents, it complicates finding childcare and making family vacation plans. For teachers, it limits their time to attend summer school or to get jobs to increase their income. It also makes it more difficult to improve school facilities and costs districts more to operate. Furthermore, it does not give students the opportunity to participate in lengthy summer recreation activities.

Loads of studies have been trying to determine whether year-round schools really have advantages. The results are quite mixed. Overall, the results may be positive—but not significantly so. In addition, the challenge of switching to a year-round school is made more difficult by the need to convince both teachers and parents of the benefits of the plan. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2022

For over 75 years, Oakhill Day School has provided the Kansas City Northland with student-first academic offerings that fit every family's needs. Experience firsthand the variety of options that Oakhill can provide for your family. Whether you need an early childhood program for your child's first years of school, well-rounded K-8 academics, or flexibility for your busy high school student, we will help you find YOUR perfect fit.

Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) has partnered with Patrick Mahomes to encourage kids to volunteer this summer. To participate, fill out the Volunteer for 15 pledge and commit to serving 15 hours in the community between May 1 and Aug. 31. The volunteer opportunities are organized and supervised by YVC, and there are events on the weekends as well as during the week. To learn more and register, visit YVC.org/KansasCity.

Local Coloring Book

A new, local coloring book debuted this spring, City of Fountains. The book celebrates the 50th anniversary of the City of Fountains Foundation, and proceeds help restore and maintain KC’s fountains. Each drawing is by a local artist. In fact, daughter Emily of KC Parent’s very own digital media manager, Kristina Light, is one of the contributing artists. Each drawing is accompanied by information about the fountain including history and interesting stories. Available at Made in KC stores.

Park Passport

Looking for a fun summer activity? Check out Lenexa’s Playground Passport Program (say that fast five times!). To participate, download a copy from Lenexa.com or pick up a copy of the passport at the Lenexa Community Center or Lenexa Rec Center. Visit each of the 22 playgrounds listed to look for a hidden letter to help solve a puzzle. After you solve the puzzle, turn in your Playground Passport to the Lenexa Rec Center by 5:00 on Oct. 31, 2023. A fun way to explore and visit new parks! Lenexa.comAmazon.com