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 wanes among those with younger children. Some districts offer childcare options, but they may not be convenient or available in every school. Concerns have also been raised about the academic impact of shortened school weeks, particularly in light of the learning loss experienced during the pandemic. Studies have shown mixed results, with some indicating a negative effect on achievement over time. Despite these concerns, the trend of adopting four-day school weeks continues to grow, with both rural and non-rural districts making the switch.