High School Start Times and Early Rising: Navigating Life Skills Early

Many students face the challenge of early rising and structured start times at school, such as starting high school around 7:24 AM. This article explores the reasons behind these early start times and how they contribute to essential life skills, ultimately providing strategies for personal development and success.

Is It Bad to Start High School at 7:24 AM?

The original query, "Is it bad for high schools to start at seven in the morning? My high school started at 7:24 AM every day which makes me wake up at 6:30 every morning," is a common concern among students and parents. In reality, early start times are a standard practice in many educational institutions, reflecting the discipline and organization required in daily routines.

Historical and Contemporary Context

When the author, reflecting on their experience in the 1970s, started class at 7:50 AM, they were expected to be fully prepared upon arrival. This regimen required waking up by 6:30 AM, allowing time to prepare for the day. This early start was not unusual, as most high schools in the USA typically begin between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Similarly, the author's father, a mechanical engineer, had to begin his workday at 7:30 AM, necessitating an early wake-up time of 5:30 AM.

The Importance of Self-Discipline

The true challenge for many students is not the school start time itself, but rather the discipline of establishing a consistent bedtime and waking up sufficiently early. The author highlights the need for at least 9 hours of sleep, necessitating an 11 PM bedtime to ensure adequate rest. This level of self-discipline is crucial, as it represents a vital subset of a broader life skill: self-management.

Waking Up Early: A Necessity and Life Skill

The author emphasizes that waking up early is a necessary life skill that fosters personal and professional success. Benjamin Franklin aptly summarized this in his famous saying from Poor Richard’s Almanac: "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This principle holds true in today's fast-paced world, where punctuality and preparedness are essential.

Historical Perspective: Hardship and Discipline

Reflecting on his father's early start times, the author notes the significant commitment required to wake up at 5:30 AM to tend to farm chores, walk to school, and work. As a college student, his father worked from 5:30 AM, and during World War II, he was roused at 5:30 AM or earlier. These experiences underscore the importance of being self-disciplined and prepared for life's demands.

Conclusion

Early waking and structured start times at school are not inherently bad; rather, they are opportunities to develop crucial life skills. By understanding the value of self-discipline and setting up a routine that includes adequate sleep, students can navigate these early start times effectively. Whether in school or the workforce, the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain a consistent schedule is paramount for success.