The recent decision by BASIS.ed to extend the school day for seniors by adding an extra period has resulted in students being released two hours later than usual. This change was communicated only a week before the new academic year began, leaving students and parents with little to no time to adjust to the new schedule. This abrupt change is significantly impacting the lives of BASIS students, particularly the senior students who are in their crucial final year of high school.

When addressing the BASIS community at large, BASIS.ed stated that these extra hours are being put in place "to ensure that all seniors are provided with the best opportunity to explore options prior to graduation." However, this change does not bring new classes or opportunities for students, but rather is shifting the classes into the evening which was essential free time that senior students previously utilized to prepare for their futures and explore those "options" that BASIS supposedly values. 

For seniors, the extended school hours are taking away valuable time they would otherwise dedicate to college preparations, extracurricular activities, and essential rest. Preparing and applying for college is a demanding process that requires a substantial amount of time for researching universities, preparing applications, and attending counseling sessions. With the current schedule, seniors are left with limited time to focus on these important tasks, potentially affecting their future educational opportunities.

Research indicates that ample free time in senior year is key to being able to afford college. An economics analysis from Forbes indicates that "to pay for a year of college now, you would need to work 2,438 hours—equivalent to one full-time job plus a part-time job while you are taking a full class load" (Source). Without a senior year that is spacious and flexible, this new policy doesn't just affect students' wellbeing, but also financially strains many families that rely on student earnings to cushion the financial stress of a college education.

The shortened school schedule for seniors has been in place for decades, and research indicates that it has been effective nationwide in promoting academic excellence while also providing students with the necessary time they need. In a journal documenting student-work-life balance, the Urban Institute concluded that fixed school schedules often "work against students who support themselves, help support their families, or need flexibility to handle any number of challenges." At a school like BASIS, the curriculum is so advanced that nearly 95% of students meet the graduation requirements by junior year. Due to this critical factor, it becomes even more unnecessary and burdensome to continue following a rigid schedule during the crucial transition period of senior year, contributing further to academic burnout.

Concerningly, studies show that high-achieving students in rigorous programs (such as BASIS) are particularly vulnerable to academic burnout and mental health challenges. A study from Stanford University found that students in high-performing schools struggle to find balance between homework, extracurricular activities and social time, contributing to elevated levels of burnout by their senior year. (Source). Without adequate time to balance their schedule, the well-being of BASIS seniors is at risk. 

In a time of declining mental health, flexibility is key. A 2023 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized the growing mental health crisis among high school students, citing time pressures, academic load, and lack of rest as significant contributors to anxiety and depression (Source). Ensuring students have adequate personal time to achieve their goals without being burdened by unnecessary school time is essential for their development.

It is crucial that BASIS reconsiders this schedule change and seeks input from both students and parents to create a more balanced approach. Parents and students are requesting a re-evaluation of this decision and propose adding future changes to the already common school survey in order to discuss more favorable alternatives that align with the students' best interests without compromising their academic needs.

Please support our call for a change in the current schedule by signing this petition. Together, we can ensure a balanced and supportive educational environment for all students at BASIS. Let's make it a priority to put students' well-being and future prospects first.