Thousands push for Metro Nashville Public Schools to have later high school start times

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) —Thousands of Metro Nashville Public School students and parents want high school to start later; currently, they have one of the earliest start times in the nation.

Most high school students set their alarms early so they can get to school at 7:05 a.m., but some want that start time to change. Meanwhile, others told News 2 they like the early wake-up call.

“Younger children need structure and consistent sleep, and knowing if they move the high school hours a bit later, the bus rides will change for elementary,” said Kim Matthews, an elementary school parent. “They’re going to move, even the 15-minute change is significant for the little ones, especially during wintertime.”

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Matthews has a daughter in elementary school, and she worries that if the district changes high school times, that would mean elementary and middle school will soon follow…

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