No Walls, No Limits: A Proposal for Open Campus

Rania Rafiq

The debate over open-campus policies in high schools- especially during lunch, continues in districts across the country. While some schools fear increased disruption or risk of traffic congestion, the benefits to students can far outweigh these potential challenges. Instituting an open-campus policy for juniors and seniors who meet certain criteria could not only help build a stronger, more trustworthy relationship between students and staff but also foster independence and proper time management in students.

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For many students, freshmen and seniors alike, school lunch is hardly appetizing, and the limited selection can make eating a tough affair. With an open-campus policy, students would gain the freedom to choose what they want to eat, catering to their individual dietary needs and preferences. This is especially important for students with dietary restrictions, for whom the existing options may not be sufficient. A study from the School Nutrition Association found that in the 2020–2021 school year, only 42% of students felt that school lunches were “very good” or “excellent” regarding taste and variety, indicating a clear gap between what students want and what schools currently offer. Allowing students to leave campus would empower them to make choices that are healthier, tastier, or simply more aligned with their preferences.

Furthermore, the benefits of an open-campus policy extend beyond the lunch hour. Giving upperclassmen the option to leave during study halls or free periods allows them to use their time more efficiently. Instead of staying on campus with limited access to resources they may need, students could head to local libraries, cafes, or even their homes to complete assignments, rest before their extracurriculars, or focus on personal projects/issues. Additionally, staying on campus during study halls does not ensure a productive time for students. Students are often found lounging around and on their phones during free periods, especially if study hall is at the end of the day. Giving this time back to the students and letting them choose how to spend it ensures that students get a head start in whatever they aim to do- whether they want to head to their jobs early or rest up before after-school practice. Studies show that self-directed time management can enhance focus and productivity, skills critical for future academic and professional success. According to a 2020 report from the University of Chicago, students who practiced independent time management were 30% more likely to retain skills such as project planning and goal-setting into adulthood.

Though, understandably, there is a concern for students abusing this privilege and not prioritizing their school work, plenty of students are not utilizing the study halls they currently have. The argument rather, is that we allow the students to choose what their priorities are and how they use their time for their workload, whether it be school-related or not. That way, they are practicing efficient time management and using their study hall time to pursue something productive and saving extra time after school for doing their school work when they feel like it.

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Image by Kavya B.

An open campus can also relieve the traffic congestion at dismissal, as students leave during study halls or lunch breaks, the pressure will ease on parking lots and nearby roads. Currently, all students leaving at once creates chaos, but allowing staggered departures could help alleviate the end-of-day traffic and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Notably, a study on campus traffic patterns conducted by the Transportation Research Board noted that gradual release times decreased average student wait time by 20% in the schools surveyed.

Moreover, an open campus model builds a foundation of trust between students and school staff, which is vital for fostering a positive school environment. Studies have shown that trust is crucial to adolescent development and self-regulation. When students feel respected and trusted, they are often more responsible and engaged. A survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that students who felt their schools trusted them to make good decisions had higher rates of academic achievement and school engagement than their peers at more restrictive schools. Allowing students the autonomy of their time outside of school demonstrates a vote of confidence in their ability to make responsible choices, enhancing mutual respect.

Critics of an open-campus policy raise valid concerns about potential disruptions and traffic issues, as students may leave and return to campus throughout the day. These challenges, however, can be managed with strategic guidelines and safeguards. Many schools have successfully implemented designated re-entry points and monitored parking lots to ensure a smooth return process. Additionally, having a driving criterion- allowing only licensed juniors and seniors with parental consent to participate- can ensure that eligible students are responsible enough to handle off-campus privileges.

There are, of course, inherent risks with open-campus policies, but studies indicate these can be addressed by proper education and clear rules. According to data from the National Center for Safe Routes to School, teaching teens about pedestrian and driving safety has been shown to significantly decrease accident rates involving young drivers and pedestrians near schools. With a thoughtful approach to this idea, along with necessary safety guidelines and parental involvement, the school can safely implement an open-campus policy that respects students' needs while addressing safety concerns.

Image by Kavya B.

Aurora prides itself on being a well-rounded academic powerhouse, as do other equally, if not more, successful schools nearby. From the Twinsburg Tigers and Solon Comets to Stow Bulldogs and Hudson Explorers, several highly achieved schools within the state have some sort of successful open-campus policy implemented, further proving how this sort of a campus design will not hinder in the nature and progression of our school’s performance.

In conclusion, implementing an open-campus policy for responsible juniors and seniors during lunch, study halls, and free periods can promote independence, build trust, and help relieve school traffic. This policy allows students to practice decision-making, manage their time better, and take responsibility for their choices- qualities that will serve them well beyond high school. By trusting students with this freedom, we not only help them become more prepared for adulthood but also create a school culture grounded in mutual respect and support.