Early release and late arrival have become topics of interest as they are now available course options for rising juniors and seniors. Early release allows students to leave school during the fourth period, while late arrival provides the opportunity to arrive at school after the first period.
Students with early release can seek more educational aid opportunities outside their designated class time.
“If you ever need help, like if you missed or have to retake a test, you can go during the class period you have off to see if that teacher is available,” junior Joshua Varghese said. “You have much more time than what you will have in tutorial or advisory.”
Another driving factor for taking one of these electives is the ability for students to focus on themselves.
“I feel like it helps me with more of my mental health so I’m not constantly overworking myself every day,” senior Nick Jiles said.
Many students are involved in extracurricular activities or off-campus jobs. For those with busy schedules, early release can help lighten the load.
“I usually work for five hours, so I get home by 10 p.m.,” Varghese said. “So, early release helps me get my homework done earlier.”
Late arrival produces its own unique set of benefits, particularly for students in the sports community, making it appealing.
“So I think that the benefits of late arrival are not only more sleep, but also, I’m in color guard, which has very early practice,” sophomore Tessa Krueger said. “After practice, I run around trying to get ready for the fast-approaching school day. With a late arrival, I would have more time to prepare for my first-period class. And maybe even be able to eat and have some me time.”
Reedy High School has provided early release since it opened, and its administration has many thoughts about the opportunities this elective provides.
“If they have an after-school job, I think that’s really beneficial for them because then they get that real-life experience,” counselor Marwina McCormick said. “A lot of colleges like to see students balancing work and school because that means you can be successful in the real world.”
A popular reason for early release is that it gives students more job opportunities and work hours. Many find the extra time beneficial for advancing their professional careers and preparing for the future.
“I want to make sure I am fully prepared for college,” senior Lynn O’Hera said. “So I’m spending as much time as I can with work, which is why I wanted to take two early releases.”
Despite the appeal of early release, students should choose what would be most beneficial for their futures and education.
“I think all students need to make different choices to best suit their educational needs,” senior Eliana Berg said. “I think late arrival is also more helpful for other students. Early release is good for my lifestyle and schedule, but I wouldn’t say that everyone should have it.”
