The Trend of Early School Start Dates and Its Impact on Students
In recent years, a growing number of American students have been returning to classrooms earlier in the summer. This shift has raised concerns about the impact of extreme heat on students, particularly in schools with aging air-conditioning systems. As a result, many students are now exposed to high temperatures during the first weeks of school, which can affect their health, learning, and overall well-being.
One example is the Houston Independent School District (HISD), where school board members voted in 2024 to add two weeks to the school calendar. This change moved the first day of school from August 28 in 2023 to August 12 in both 2024 and 2025. However, this adjustment meant that students were back in classrooms during some of the hottest days of the summer. For instance, there were four days with temperatures above 100 degrees during those initial two weeks of school.
The district’s aging heating and cooling systems struggled to cope with the increased demand. According to data obtained by Straight Arrow News through a public information request, HISD received 1,005 urgent and emergency maintenance requests for its AC systems in August alone. On the four days when temperatures exceeded 100 degrees, there were 196 such requests.
Classrooms That Are Too Hot
Several schools reported issues with their air conditioning systems during the early start of the school year. At Burbank Middle School, educators noted that a special needs classroom was "too hot." Similarly, at Hogg Middle School, multiple classrooms were reported as being too warm. Brookline Elementary also faced problems with an AC unit not functioning in its special education building.
Parents like Lea Kiefer, a working mother in Houston, expressed concern over the conditions. She mentioned that while she understands the challenges, she believes the heat negatively affects the learning environment. Her daughters previously attended Harvard Elementary School, a 98-year-old building where the AC failed during a mid-August heatwave. The school is significantly older than the average American school building, which highlights the broader issue of outdated infrastructure across the country.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 38% of today's schools were built before 1970—well before air conditioning became a standard feature. This lack of modern facilities leaves many students vulnerable to extreme heat.
The Effects of Hot Classrooms on Learning and Health
Research from Harvard University indicates that each 1°F increase in temperature during the school year reduces the amount of learning by 1%. In addition to lower academic performance, absenteeism and discipline referrals also rise in hot conditions. Tony Cattani, principal of Lenape High School in New Jersey, noted that students become more irritable in the heat, which can lead to behavioral issues.
Moreover, hot classrooms pose safety risks for students. A 2020 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that 41% of school districts need to update or replace HVAC systems in at least half of their schools. Without proper ventilation, schools face potential mold and air quality issues, which can further harm student health.
Children are especially vulnerable to extreme heat because they regulate body temperature less effectively than adults. Their higher metabolic rate produces more body heat, and they sweat less, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. August and September, known as the “dog days of summer” in Houston, are typically the hottest months of the year, compounding the problem.
Regional Differences in School Start Dates
School start dates vary widely across the United States, often influenced by regional climate and local policies. In some areas, like Bellevue, Kentucky, school officials delayed the start of the school year due to HVAC concerns. District Superintendent Misty Middleton emphasized that student safety and well-being are the top priorities, and it is not appropriate to send children into buildings with inadequate conditions.
In contrast, many districts in the East South Central U.S. start school in the second week of August, while northern states tend to begin later. Minnesota, for example, mandates that schools start after Labor Day unless a waiver is granted. Virginia had a similar law until 2019, when it was amended to allow schools to open two weeks before Labor Day.
The Debate Over Earlier Start Dates
While some districts have shifted to earlier start dates to gain an advantage in preparing for standardized tests, others argue that the benefits may not outweigh the risks. George LaComb, a senior in Florida, shared his experience of dealing with extreme heat during the early school year. He mentioned witnessing students passing out due to the heat and even visiting urgent care for heat exhaustion.
LaComb questioned why schools would return so early if students might be sent home again due to the heat. He suggested that starting later could be a better solution for both students and staff.
Conclusion
The trend of starting school earlier in the summer raises important questions about student safety, learning outcomes, and the need for modernized infrastructure. While some districts see advantages in an earlier start date, the challenges posed by extreme heat and outdated facilities highlight the need for systemic improvements. As schools continue to adjust their calendars, balancing academic goals with student well-being remains a critical priority.