by Jupiter Galvus
Most students at the Chicago High School of the Arts start their days at 8 a.m. and remain in class until 5 p.m. Many say this takes a toll on their mental health. With long hours and late commutes, some students struggle with exhaustion, stress, and limited time for homework or personal activities.
“By the time I get home, I’m too tired to focus on anything else,” said Mari Phillips, a senior Musical Theatre student.
Teachers warn that extended school days can impact students’ well-being, raising concerns about burnout and academic performance.
“Most students that I have first period are either asleep or struggling to stay awake.” says Megan Pietz, a ChiArts English teacher. “I’ve noticed a significant decrease in student activity due to these issues.”
As the school year comes to an end, the questions remains: are these long hours helpful or harmful?
