Hillsborough County has changed the start time of high schools from 7:33 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and the end time from 3 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. 

“The extra time in the morning is perfect for getting some homework done before school,” senior Meghan Gramling said. “Sometimes I do not get enough time to study at night, so it is great being able to find more time in the morning.” 

Students are utilizing their added time in the morning in different ways.  

“I like it because I can sleep in later, and I have longer to get ready in the morning,” freshman Pearson Heim said. “I just do not feel as rushed.” 

The new schedule was influenced by a survey given last year to students, parents and teachers in Hillsborough County regarding six different schedule options. According to WTSP, over 57,000 people answered the survey. 

“It’s nice because traffic is not as bad driving to school an hour later,” junior Olivia Roberts said. “I already have to leave earlier to park, so the extra five minutes I save because of no traffic is amazing.” 

The later start time is also projected to save the district up to $2.7 million per year on buses according to Hillsborough County Public School administration. 

“I think it is great because I get more sleep,” freshman Dylan Valenti said. “I take a public bus to school, so getting on the bus at a later time is much more convenient.” 

This year students have less time at home after school, but the overall length of school has decreased. 

“I actually wished school started earlier this year,” sophomore Ian Curran said. “I would have rather gotten out of school earlier than later. I like having more time after school to study.”