New York Students To Get An Extra Day Off Each Week?

There could be a major change coming to schools in New York and parents may not be happy with it. Childcare is expensive and K-12 schooling not only provides education, it gives parents "free" childcare. But a shift could shake things up for parents in New York. The change could put many parents and guardians in a bad position.

Before we get to the bad news, there is some good news for parents of students in NY. With 59 percent of New York public and charter school students being economically disadvantaged, this change is a step in the right direction. Fortunately, there are compassionate leaders in NY who realize that not only is it cruel to allow children to go hungry, but it also affects their ability to learn. Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature approved the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget, which includes $340 million for free lunches. While many students previously received free lunch, the new plan will provide free breakfast and lunch at school, regardless of a family's income.

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Should New York Schools Move To A Four-Day Week?

A movement to have schools move to a four-day week seems to be gaining momentum around the country. For the past few years many schools have been cutting their schedules short. According to Education Week, as of 2019-20, more than 1,600 U.S. school districts adopted a four-day schedule. It seems to have some benefits, based on a study. Students who attend school only four days a week get more chores done and feel more well-rested. Most districts that adopted the shorter week added around 50 minutes per day onto the remaining four days to make up the time.

However, another study by the HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice at the UO found that a four-day school schedule may harm children. Elizabeth Day, a research assistant professor at the HEDCO Institute who helped produce the report, said,

"Districts often turn to four-day school weeks to address budget and staffing pressures, but the evidence suggests this change may come at a cost to students. There's no consistent evidence that moving to a four-day schedule improves learning outcomes—and in some cases, it may do the opposite."

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While it does seem to be popular among students, does it help or hurt parents? Most parents work five days a week (if not six or seven). For parents of younger children, what are they supposed to do on their child's day off? Sure, you can leave a high schooler at home, but not a younger child. It may be something to consider for rural schools in New York. According to the North West Evaluation Association, around 90 percent of districts that have four-day weeks are located in rural areas. It may be easier for parents living in rural areas to have their children off an extra day than parents who live in the city or suburbs, who commute.

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