4-day school weeks gain popularity across US

During the school year, Mondays in Peach County are for video games, trips to grandma's house and hanging out at the neighborhood community center.



Don't bother showing up for school. The doors are locked and the lights are off.




In Peach County, students attend school just four days a week.



Peach County changed to a 4-day week to save money.



Many counties are doing the same thing.



The results? Test scores went up!



So did attendance — for both students and teachers!



The teachers said that they've seen students who are less tired and more focused, which has helped raise test scores and attendance.



"It makes the children's weekend a little better, so they get more rest," said one parent.



"Teachers tell me they are much more focused because they've had time to prepare. They don't have kids sleeping in class on Tuesday," Superintendent Susan Clark said. "Everything has taken on a laser-light focus."


But in other areas, people are not happy with a 4-day week.



"It was harder on the teachers. We were asking the kids to move at a quicker pace," said Bennie Newton. "We're hoping the four-day week won't come into play next year."



Experts say there is little evidence that a four-day school week improves student performance.
"The broadest conclusion you can draw is that it doesn't hurt academics," said one researcher.