the problem
In the Saint Louis Public School (SLPS) district, 96% of high schools and middle schools have unhealthy start times, before the 8:30 or later start time recommended by sleep health experts, pediatricians, and the Centers for Disease Control. Nationwide, schools start at 7:59am on average, and 75% of high school students get inadequate sleep. In Saint Louis, the problem is more severe, with start times of 7:10am for the majority of high schools.
The Solution
Restore healthy start times for all SLPS students, to improve physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional health. Learn more about the benefits of healthy start times.
Get Involved
Healthy Start Times is a grass-roots effort to improve the health of SLPS students. Whether you’re a student, parent or staff, you can join the effort to promote healthy start times!
WHy now is a good time for change
SLPS has often cited transportation as being the main reason for early start times. However, they are currently considering major transportation reforms. Transportation experts believe we could cut nearly 1 out of every 5 buses with more efficient routes, moving us to a 2-tier system instead of 3. That means all students would start around 8:00 or 9:00.
School board members have spoken (generally) in favor of healthy start times:
Matt Davis: “I am completely on board with this initiative. I would be happy to speak with anyone in your group if there are things that you would like me to know so that I can better convey the importance of healthy start times.”
Emily Hubbard: “I do support Healthy Start Times. I have a 6th grader at McKinley this year and next year I'll have two kids there. I do not want to have to get them to school at 7:10 every day. The benefits of a later start time are clear.”
Natalie Vowell: “Please consider me supportive of an improved transportation plan and healthier start times for our students.”