The Pros and Cons of 4-Day School Weeks for Parents

More school districts in the U.S. are adopting four-day school weeks, citing cost savings and advantages for teacher recruitment. However, parents are facing challenges in arranging childcare for the extra weekday, especially for younger children and those with disabilities. While surveys show overall parental approval, support decreases among those with younger children. Some districts offer childcare options, but they may not be convenient or affordable for all families. The academic impact of the shortened schedule is unclear, with some studies showing no negative effects on test scores if the other four school days are lengthened. However, concerns remain about the potential impact on students who have already experienced learning loss during the pandemic.