The Lafayette School Corporation in suburban Indianapolis announced plans for Vinton Elementary to become the first school in Indiana to move to a four-day school week starting in 2024-25.
The four-day week would run Monday through Thursday from 8am to 3:45pm, with six Fridays designated as professional development days, exceeding Indiana’s minimum instruction time.
“We are pleased to offer learning options that meet all students’ and families’ needs,” the corporation wrote.
While some parents praised the choice offered, others questioned impacts on children who rely on school for needs like food.
District officials said the goal was offering choice rather than financial savings.
“People implement four-day weeks for various reasons, but for us here at Lafayette School Corporation, it was more about offering a choice,” district associate superintendent Dr. Alicia Clevenger said.
Debates over four-day weeks are not new, with some districts and states allowing or pushing the option controversially while saving money, though impacting childcare and activities for families and students.
Reaction has been mixed regarding benefits of longer weekends versus concerns over impacts of reduced school days.
