Long school hours are a complex matter, affecting every student whether it is positive or negative. Some like Muez Rajabi think the long hours have some value behind it while others like Ali Yasiri and Ethan Brown, a student in Rocklin High, think you lose personal time with family and friends. As schools extend hours, the debate intensifies over whether the benefits truly outweigh the sacrifices for students’ academic and mental health.
Muez Rajabi, a bright student who values the structure that school offers, said, “I spend what feels like a significant chunk of my day at school, roughly 7 hours, plus the time for extracurricular activities. In total, it adds up to around 35-40 hours a week.” Despite the impact on his social life and family time, Rajabi appreciates the opportunity to learn and the sense of purpose that school gives him. He sees longer school hours as a trade-off for his education and future opportunities.
Ali Yasiri, on the other hand, feels that longer school hours leave him with less time for other activities he enjoys. “I spend about 7 hours at school each day, and when you add in extracurricular activities like clubs and sports, it can be closer to 9 hours each day,” Yasiri said. While he understands the importance of education, he struggles with finding a balance between school and personal life. He misses out on time with friends and disrupted family gatherings.
Ethan Brown, a student who is overwhelmed by the work, said, “I spend a significant amount of time at school, usually around 7-8 hours per day, and I don’t do any extracurriculars.” Brown’s feelings about school hours are mixed, recognizing the importance of education but also feeling overwhelmed. Extended school hours take a toll on Brown’s social life and family relationships, as homework often comes before spending time with loved ones.
While longer school hours can provide more learning opportunities, they also come with their own set of challenges. Rajabi finds that the extra hours at school help him stay focused and complete homework more efficiently. “It’s more convenient to get help from teachers when needed,” he said. However, Yasiri pointed out that more time in school can lead to exhaustion and affect his focus, making homework a difficult task. “It can be a double-edged sword for academic performance,” Yasiri added.
Stress and burnout are common issues among students dealing with longer school hours. Rajabi acknowledged feeling some stress, but he views it as healthy pressure that motivates him to do his best. For Yasiri and Brown, however, stress and burnout are real challenges. Balancing school and personal life becomes a constant juggling act, and the demands can often feel overwhelming.
