What research has to say about 4-day school weeks
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Over 2,100 schools in 26 US states have adopted a four-day school week, with mixed results on academic outcomes and varying effects on student behavior and teacher retention. The trend is more common in rural schools, where it is often implemented to reduce costs, although the resulting savings are relatively limited.
Many US school districts are adopting a shortened school week. As of the 2024-25 academic year, over 2,100 schools in 26 states have dropped either Monday or Friday. This is an increase from six years prior, when about 1,600 schools in 24 states had a four-day week. The effects on academic outcomes are mixed. Some studies have found large differences in achievement, while others have shown little difference between four- and five-day weeks. A four-day week has been linked to a drop in bullying, fights, and assaults. However, it has also been associated with less healthy habits among students, including more sugary drink consumption and less physical exercise. Teachers' willingness to work in districts with a four-day week varies. Some are more willing to accept jobs in such districts, while others are less likely to return the following year. Rural schools are more likely to adopt a four-day week for financial reasons, aiming to lower utility and expense costs. However, research has found these savings to be relatively limited.
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