Improving School Hours at DMPS

Des Moines Public Schools is considering a change in school hours designed to better support the needs of students.

Better Support for Students

It’s too early. I’m sleepy. Do I have to get up?

Students throughout history have probably said those words in one way or another. But it raises an important question: when is the best time to start the school day?

At Des Moines Public Schools, we are always looking at how we can do more to support our students, and help everyone succeed. An idea currently being considered is a change in the bell times – or school hours – that we have. The plan would flip the current hours, so elementary students begin the day a little earlier while middle and high school students would start a little later.

Research points to how this change would actually help students as it better matches up with the sleep patterns of children at different ages. 

Des Moines Public Schools realizes that this is a change that would affect nearly everyone in the school district, from students and their families to our teachers and staff.

To read more information about the proposed change, share a comment or question, get information on upcoming community meetings, or take part in a survey on this issue please visit the links in the menu to the right.