The hottest days of summer vacation are stopped cold in the capital of Virginia.
While most schools nationwide are just starting the academic year, Richmond Public Schools opened the school year for some of its elementary schools on July 22. The city started to experiment with a longer school year in 2023 in an attempt to make up for learning loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
School officials said the first year was so successful that they expanded to more schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
Student and parent reaction
Fairfield Court Elementary is one of the schools already in month two of its 200-day school year. The response has been positive from both parents and students.
Miyonn Williams, a fifth grader, said she enjoys being at school to see her friends.
Kirsten Ingram has a student in second grade. She said she was surprised at first when the school year expanded.
“When I saw that the teachers were actually excited about adding 20 days to their work calendar. I was like, ‘What? Y’all are crazy. OK.’ But their excitement, their excitement kind of spread.”