Longer Summer vs. Shorter breaks. By: James Polacci

Schools around the world debate if students should have multiple breaks throughout the year, or if they should just have a longer summer break. This topic is crucial as it decides how students learn, rest, and manage their time. 

In the traditional school calendar, students receive nearly three months of summer vacation. This extended break gives children time to relax, travel, and spend time with friends and family. Older students may work summer jobs to save money or gain experience. Teachers also use the summer to rest and prepare for the next year. A long summer is very beneficial for these reasons, however it also has flaws. According to the Duluth News Tribune, “There is ample evidence that lengthy summer breaks adversely affect learning. This ‘summer slide’ may cost elementary school students 20 percent of their reading ability and 27 percent of their math skills, according to a 2020 study by educational consultants NWEA.”

Year-round calendars take a different approach. Students have a shorter summer and several breaks throughout the school year. These breaks usually last a week and happen every other month. Supporters argue that this schedule helps students keep knowledge fresh and prevents them from forgetting lessons. Teachers spend less time reviewing old material, which allows for more time on new content. Students also receive more frequent opportunities to rest, which lowers stress and improves focus.

However, this system also has challenges. Families may find it difficult to plan long trips during the year. Sports teams, clubs, and school events may need to adjust schedules. Schools also require time for repairs and building updates, which can be harder with less summer available.

When asked if shorter summers affect how quickly students adjust when returning to school, Armando Ocasio, a sophomore at Hillgrove Highschool explained,” They'd retain more of the info, but most classes just reteach it either way.” He explains that if students had shorter summers, they would probably remember more of what they learned from the previous school year. However, he also points out that it might not make a huge difference because teachers usually spend time reviewing old material at the start of the year anyway.

Ultimately, both choices have clear strengths and weaknesses. A long summer offers one extended break where students can really enjoy life without school, however it may harm learning. Shorter breaks make learning steadier, but they can create scheduling problems. The best calendar depends on the needs of each school community.