February 8 2024- In Louisiana, high school students begin their school day at an average of 7:30 a.m., notably earlier than in other U.S. states. Despite this, studies suggest that early school start times contribute to sleep debt in adolescents, negatively impacting their physical and mental health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended a start time no earlier than 8:30 a.m. for middle and high school students in 2014, but this advice is often disregarded. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics in 2017 and 2018, 93 percent of American high schools still have start times earlier than the recommended 8:30 a.m.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/usa-school-start-times
