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Bill

S 360

An Act relative to school start times for middle and high school students

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dylan Fernandes

Massachusetts bill requires public middle and high schools to start classes no earlier than 8:30 AM to improve adolescent sleep and academic performance.

Accompanied a study order, see S2792
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Bill Summary · S 360

Legislative bill overview

S 360 requires public middle and high schools in Massachusetts to begin classes no earlier than 8:30 AM, aligning with scientific recommendations about adolescent sleep patterns. The bill applies to public school districts and charter schools across the state.

Why is this important

Research consistently shows that early school start times conflict with adolescents' biological sleep needs, contributing to sleep deprivation that affects academic performance, mental health, and driving safety. This bill could impact roughly 400,000+ middle and high school students in Massachusetts, with potential ripple effects on school transportation, athletics, and family schedules.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: School districts may face significant expenses to reorganize bus routes, athletics schedules, and facility use, potentially requiring tax increases or budget cuts elsewhere
  • Transportation logistics: Earlier dismissal times could conflict with after-school childcare needs and require extensive busing coordination, particularly in rural districts
  • Athletic and activity schedules: Later start times could push sports practices and extracurriculars into evening hours, affecting student-athletes and coaches' availability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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