"APS Implements Longer School Year and New Bell Schedule, Faces Challenges"

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) will implement a new bell schedule and longer school year, with students starting on August 3 and ending on May 31. High schools will start at 8:40 a.m., middle schools at 9:15 a.m., and elementary schools at either 7:30 a.m. or 8 a.m. The change is based on research showing that earlier start times can negatively impact learning for teenagers. APS is also partnering with community organizations to provide before-school programming for middle school students.