Why do american schools start school so early?

Question

They start late august and stuff, here in UK we start beginning of september.

Answer 1

In Arizona the primary and secondary schools start in early August- some as early as August 2nd. The reason for that is because they have incoporated extra breaks in the schedule here- one or two weeks in the fall usually around October and then usually two weeks in the Spring usually around March or April. Also there is a new focus on AIMS testing (which students have to pass in order to graduate high school) and other standarized tests that take up some of the learning process.

I think it ends up being a good thing. In Arizona temps can exceed 115 degrees so there are not a lot of kids outside playing or taking advantage of the summer break. Even the pools can be too hot to enjoy. This way it gives a school break when the temps are mild enough to play outside and enjoy the weather.

And most schools end up getting out earlier as well- May instead of June if they only have one week fall and spring breaks during the year. It ends up being the same amount of days in class even if students started in September. I would not mind having them in school during Saturday too but thats mostly for the punks who live in my neighborhood.

Answer 2

i don't start until september six or something and i live in the US

Answer 3

the date for starting school here in the US has been moving up gradually for 10 years. there are some places that go to school all year. three months on two weeks off. i think we should all do that. don't ask my 7th grader about it though :) i believe the starting earlier stems from dropping academic scores across the nation. finally our children's education may actually be an issue this year in our presidential election.  

Answer 4

A week is so much early ?   Big Deal.

Answer 5

It dpends on the weather. The schools can't have kids in the extreme heat of summer. By august, its not as bad, but in june, it can get really bad. So if kids in the south start school on, for example, September 2nd, then they willbe in school until the end of June in the blazing heat because the south heats up earlier than the north. Thats why they start ealier, so they can get out earlier and avoid the heat. The weather conditions might not be the same in the UK.

Answer 6

Because we are slow learners so we need a headstart.  LOL.

Answer 7

I think it depends where you live in America and what school you go to. My kids go to a public school (K-8) in Minnesota and start the day after Labor Day..September 2nd. I know some schools in Arizona started in early August.

Answer 8

why do american schools start school so early??

because they do not start so lately..haha.. :p