High School students are at a pivotal point in their growth and development, making the need for sleep paramount in their lives. But how might the need for sleep clash with the average school start time? Data shows that later school start times provide adolescents the opportunity to get the sleep they need on school nights, which optimizes daytime alertness, reduces tardiness, and improves school attendance. 

The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that teenagers 13 to 18 years old should sleep between 8 to 10 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health. However, CDC data shows that 68.4 percent of high school students report typically sleeping seven hours or less during the week. In most cases, this is due to staying up later and then waking up to an early alarm to get to school on time. 

But, it’s not as simple as adhering to an earlier bedtime. During the teen years, the circadian rhythm shifts and delays, creating a desire to go to sleep later at night and wake up later in the morning. With an average high school start time of 7:30 a.m., many students are required to be alert and in school when their bodies are still wanting to be asleep. 

A later school start time supports peak academic performance, more opportunities for learning, better mental health, and even enhanced driving safety. Early school start times, coupled with extracurricular activities and homework, can make it difficult for teens to get enough sleep, but many schools are working with the needs of parents and transportation, often taking talks of starting school later off the table.

At the Rose Academies, we give our students the unique opportunity to choose their own start time. We offer three session times throughout the day, starting at 7 am, 12 pm, or 5 pm, to ensure sleep, work, school, and life can be in better balance. 

If more sleep and a flexible schedule feel like the right choice for you or your student, we invite you to learn more about an alternative high school education at the Rose Academies with a visit to our website.

Small class sizes are often cited as one of the most important factors in a student’s education. But what does that mean for students, and does class size really matter? Here we take a closer look at the benefits of smaller class sizes and how they can help your student succeed.

Contact Rose Academy Charter Schools to learn more about the many benefits of small classes for your student.

10 Benefits of Small Class Sizes

Smaller class sizes offer a more personalized learning experience, leading to increased student confidence and higher rates of academic success. In smaller classes, teachers can spend more one-on-one time with each student and provide personalized educational support.

1. More Personalized Learning

Smaller classes lead to more individualized learning. When teachers have the chance to work with each child, they can ensure the material is taught at an appropriate pace for each student’s skill level and understanding of course concepts.

With fewer students, teachers can become familiar with each child’s learning style, making it easier to connect with students.

2. Greater Focus on Learning

In smaller classes, distractions are minimized, allowing students to focus more on their studies. Teachers can manage the classroom more effectively and promptly address any issues that arise.

This focused environment helps students concentrate better and absorb information more efficiently. This setting is particularly beneficial for students who may struggle with concentration in larger, more chaotic public school classrooms.

3. Faster Learning

When class sizes are small, students tend to learn more quickly. Teachers can tailor their instruction to the needs of each student, providing targeted help where needed. Students can progress at their own pace without the hindrances of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Faster learning also allows for more material to be covered in a shorter period, granting students a more in-depth understanding of each subject.

4. Increased Confidence

Small class sizes increase students’ confidence in their abilities by encouraging them to ask questions. Students are more likely to take risks knowing they won’t be holding up the class, allowing them to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

5. Better Opportunities for Collaboration

One of the most effective ways to learn is by working with others. Small class sizes in charter high schools grant students more opportunities to collaborate with peers on projects, presentations, and other assignments.

When students learn together in small groups, they encourage each other to be creative, fostering a more engaging classroom environment.

6. Encourages More Interaction

Small class sizes encourage more interaction between students and teachers. This increased interaction generates a collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating in discussions.

Engagement helps deepen students’ understanding of course material and develops their critical thinking skills. Moreover, students are more likely to form strong relationships with their peers and teachers, creating a supportive community for educational and social growth.

7. Greater One-on-One Time

With increased one-on-one time, qualified teachers can provide personalized feedback and guide students in overcoming learning challenges. This attention ensures that each student’s unique needs are met, promoting their academic growth and confidence.

The opportunity for one-on-one interaction also allows teachers to better understand each student’s learning style and adjust their teaching methods accordingly.

8. Students Are Less Likely to Be Missed

In large classes, it’s easy for some students to fall through the cracks and not receive the attention they need. Class size reduction ensures that every student is seen and heard, creating a supportive learning environment.

Teachers can closely monitor each student’s progress and intervene if they notice any signs of struggle. This proactive approach prevents students from falling behind and ensures that each child stays on track to meet their educational goals.

9. A Better Academic Environment

Smaller classes make it easier for teachers to connect with each student, making them feel more comfortable and involved in the classroom. Individualized instruction and personal attention from teachers also encourages students to focus on learning materials and filter out distractions.

10. Improved Academic Performance

Classes with lower teacher-to-student ratios, preferably 1:15, lead to increased rates of student achievement, higher test scores, and on-time graduation in high school students. Individualized attention from teachers allows students to excel academically. Smaller class sizes, such as those in charter high schools, are also correlated with fewer discipline problems at school.

Sources

Achilles, Charles. “Small Classes, Big Possibilities.” The School Superintendents Association. June 30, 2010. https://www.aasa.org/resources/resource/small-classes-big-possibilities

Berger, Eric. “Does Your Child’s Class Size Matter?” US News & World Report. August 29, 2022. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/does-your-childs-class-size-matter#:~:text=Reducing%20class%20sizes%20has%20long,scores%20and%20fewer%20disciplinary%20issues.

Across the United States, students are getting ready for school. What you may not know is that, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 2.8 million students attended charter schools in 2015–16, accounting for 6% of all public school students. Charter school enrollment has only grown since then, with 3.3 million students attending one in 2019 and now accounting for 7% of all public school students. The rise in popularity of attending a charter high school can be due to any number of reasons, but listed here are three important facts about charter schools that you probably didn’t know.

The Enrollment Process is Different

Many people believe that a charter school’s student enrollment process is much like a private school’s. However, that is far from the case. Charter schools are free and publicly funded schools that must have open admission policies that do not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, skin color, or disability. Unlike private schools, which are allowed to reject a student’s enrollment for any number of reasons, charter schools have an open admissions policy that typically relies on a lottery system in order to gain enrollment.

A Charter High School is More Affordable

Charter schools offer a more affordable option than private education because they get their funds from public sources. In other words, there is zero tuition charged to send a student to a charter high school, though there may be fees associated with extra-curricular events, just like in a regular public school environment.

The Curriculum Standards Are Determined By a Charter

Unlike a state public school whose policies, curriculum, testing, and many of the procedural standards are largely created by the district and state, charter schools are governed under the conditions of a legally binding contract called a charter. A school’s charter typically exempts them from certain state and district regulations, but in exchange for this, the school is bound to the terms laid out in their charters. If the school fails to meet the terms of their charter, that school risks being closed. Thus, just because a student chooses to attend a charter high school, does not mean that the curriculum at the charter school won’t be just as rigorous, or more so!

Enrolling in a charter high school may be the right option for your high school student. There are many possible benefits to attending a charter school, and if you have any questions about our charter schools in Tuscon, AZ, make sure to get in contact with our school today.

Getting back to school may be challenging this year. The good news is that it doesn’t have to feel that way. The trick is to have your child ready for the first day of school. In recent years, student enrollment in charter schools grew more than 70% from 2009–10 to 2015–16. That number will keep growing, too. To ensure your child is ready for what charter high schools offer, your teen must be ready for the upcoming school year. Here are a few tips that can help you and your child tackle the upcoming school year.

Carefully Go Through Their Supply List

Most schools will hand out a list of what the students will need for the school year. You can find most of what you need in your local stores. Sit down and look through everything that you will need to get. Sometimes, the problem is that some families can’t afford simple things like notebooks and pencils. Back-to-school drives have been able to help solve the problem. Another thing to keep in mind is that it is easy to overlook the things that you need on the list. Read over everything before you walk into the store for your shopping trip.

Review Safety Precautions and Rules

There are new measures that have to be taken to ensure the health and safety of every student. This may sound overwhelming, but this has to be done. That goes double for charter high schools. Children may think that they are invincible, but you have to be the one to remind them that they are not. Sit your teen down and have a talk about staying safe and healthy while they’re at school this year. It will benefit them in the long run.

Create a Study Space

Charter high schools expect their students to keep up with their studies throughout the school year. To help your teen acclimate to the new school year, create a study space at home together. Whether it’s in a guest room, the basement, the kitchen, or the living room, give your teen a spot where they can tackle their homework, reading assignments, and group projects. Put a desk in front of a naturally lit space, and ensure all of their technology can easily be plugged in and used. This space will help your teen develop a healthy study routine for their after-school time.

School will be here before you know it, and you have to be ready to tackle the first day. Following these tips can help make things much easier for you and your teen before they head to one of the top charter high schools in your area this school year.