Rise and Shine

School Administrator, Sept, 1996

Students at Chagrin Falls High School have an enviable decision this fall--which of three starting times to begin their school day.

In an effort to equalize student load among teachers and cap the class size at 24, the district approved a staggered schedule for the 555 high school students. They can choose from among starting times of 6:35, 7:28, or 8:23 a.m.

The earliest option is expected to be especially attractive to those who play sports or hold jobs, but about three-fourths selected the traditional 7:28 start.

Assistant Superintendent David Abner, who was the school's principal until this summer, said the schedule will be a boon to English teachers, who had cut back sharply on writing assignments to students in recent years as their student load approached 130.