From Year-Round to Summer Bound: Students Embrace the Traditional Schedule

By an 8th grade student

This year marks a significant change for 8th graders as they transition from a year-round school schedule to a traditional one. Instead of the shorter, evenly spread-out breaks they are accustomed to, students can look forward to a long two-month summer break—something that 80% of them express excitement about.

But how will they spend this extended time off?

According to data collected as of April 29, 2025, 40% of students plan to spend their summer hanging out with friends, while 20% are heading off on vacations together. Another 20% intend to relax, and the remaining 20% will engage in “other” activities, such as summer camps or part-time jobs.

The shift in schedules has evoked mixed feelings among students. One student shared, “I think both schedules are great, but I've never experienced a traditional one. They each have their strengths and can be beneficial in different ways.” Another student remarked, “Year-round schooling offers more mental breaks throughout the year, which I appreciate, while the traditional schedule provides one long break in summer, which sounds exhausting.”

While some students feel uncertain or nervous about high school and the accompanying schedule changes, everyone agrees that this summer will serve as an exciting start to four wonderful years filled with new experiences.