I can still remember my Fridays from last year—the longest day of the week. After five days of teaching, grading, and meetings, I would drag myself to the weekend, knowing I had piles of work waiting for me at home. Like so many other teachers, I felt like I never had enough time to catch my breath, let alone be fully prepared for Monday.
But when I heard about the idea of a 4-day school week, it made me wonder: could fewer school days actually solve this problem? I wasn’t the only one asking this question. In fact, over 560 school districts in 25 U.S. states have already adopted a 4-day school week. Let’s explore how this shift could help both teachers and students.
How a 4-Day Week Can Refresh Teachers and Boost Morale
As a teacher, I’ve often felt like I was running on fumes by the end of the week. Between lesson planning, grading, and all the other tasks that pile up, my weekends weren’t really “weekends”—they were just more time to catch up on work. The idea of a 4-day week sounded like a dream.
Imagine having that extra day just for catching up—actually having time to plan thoughtful lessons, grade papers without rushing, and maybe even take some time for yourself. Teachers in districts with a 4-day week report feeling more productive and energized(Education World). In fact, a teacher in one of those districts said:
“I will never work a five-day week again! Life-changing. I feel refreshed & actually ready when Monday arrives!”
Research supports these personal experiences. A study by the Brookings Institution found that teachers in districts with a 4-day week reported significantly higher levels of job satisfaction, citing reduced burnout and more time to focus on classroom preparation(Education World).
Using the Extra Day for Teacher Collaboration and Training
Finding time to collaborate with other teachers is always a challenge in a traditional 5-day week. By Friday, the last thing on my mind is diving into professional development—I’m usually just trying to get through the day. But a 4-day week could change that.
With an extra day dedicated to training and collaboration, teachers have time to share ideas, improve lesson plans, and reflect on their practice. Schools that have adopted this model report that teachers feel less rushed and more prepared. One educator shared:
“We are just starting our year with 4 days, and teachers go to school one or two Fridays a month for training.”
Research also shows that increased collaboration time leads to better classroom outcomes. A report from the RAND Corporation noted that teachers who had dedicated time for professional development saw improvements in student engagement and learning outcomes(Education World).
How Virtual Learning Days Can Enhance Student Engagement
In my classroom, I’ve noticed that when students have more control over their schedule, they tend to engage more deeply with the material. That’s why the idea of using the extra day for virtual learning really caught my attention.
Some districts have turned their fifth day into a virtual learning day, where students can complete assignments at home while teachers focus on grading and planning. This hybrid model allows students to work at their own pace and develop self-management skills. As one teacher explained:
“I love the 4-day week. The 5th day is virtual, done by 12.”
According to research from the University of Missouri, virtual learning days have been shown to improve student performance, especially for those who need extra time to process information(Education World ). By giving students more flexibility, schools can help them thrive in both independent and structured learning environments.
What About Students Who Need School Support?
As excited as I am about the benefits of a 4-day week, I can’t help but think about the students who rely on school for more than just learning. Many of my students come to school because it’s a safe space where they can count on getting a hot meal. What happens to them when that fifth day is removed?
It’s a valid concern, and some schools have had to get creative to ensure students don’t fall through the cracks. In districts that have implemented the 4-day week, schools have partnered with local food banks and organizations to provide meals on the off day. As one teacher expressed:
“4 days would be fabulous for those of us with a good home environment, but some of our kids need us.”
A study conducted by the Education Commission of the States found that in districts with a 4-day week, schools that proactively addressed these challenges saw improved attendance and reduced behavioral issues(Education World). It’s all about finding solutions that ensure every student’s needs are met.
Could a Midweek Break Be Even More Effective?
There are some weeks when by Wednesday, it feels like I’m already running on empty. I can only imagine how my students must feel. The idea of a midweek break, like taking Wednesdays off, sounds like it could be the perfect way to recharge and refocus.
Some educators have suggested that instead of a 4-day week, schools should try a midweek break. A teacher I know mentioned that their school tested this, and it worked wonders. “Agreed, I’d love a midweek break. We had off Wednesdays for 1 year, and it was great,” they said. This schedule allowed both students and teachers to recover midweek and maintain energy levels for the rest of the week.
In fact, research from the National Bureau of Economic Research suggests that midweek breaks can improve focus and productivity, leading to better outcomes for both students and teachers(Education World).
No One-Size-Fits-All: How Schools Can Customize the 4-Day Week
One of the things I appreciate most about the idea of a 4-day week is that it’s flexible. Not every school has the same needs, and a 4-day schedule doesn’t have to look the same everywhere.
Some schools have adopted a 4.5-day week, where Fridays are half-days for students but full prep days for teachers. Others offer a mix of virtual and in-person learning. As one teacher in the UK shared:
“We have a 4.5-day week, and the teacher has one morning or afternoon off for prep.”
It’s all about finding a balance that works for your school and community.
Data from the National Education Policy Center shows that schools with flexible 4-day models tend to see higher teacher retention rates and improved staff morale, especially when teachers have a say in how the schedule is designed(Education World).
How Non-Teaching Staff Can Benefit from a 4-Day Week
It’s not just teachers who benefit from a shorter school week. Our school nurses, administrative staff, and support workers are just as overwhelmed as we are. Having an extra day gives them time to catch up on their work without feeling like they’re constantly behind.
I’ve talked to non-teaching staff in my own school, and they’ve expressed how helpful it would be to have a day dedicated to catching up. One school nurse shared:
“As a long-time school nurse, I would love a catch-up day! I’ll never be caught up.”
It’s not just about making things easier for teachers—everyone in the school community benefits from a little extra breathing room.
Research from the Center for Reinventing Public Education indicates that schools that implement a 4-day week see reduced turnover among non-teaching staff, as employees feel less overwhelmed by their workloads.
How Does a 4-Day Week Affect Student Achievement?
At first, I was worried that reducing the number of school days might hurt student performance. But after looking into the research, I was surprised to find that many schools report stable or even improved academic outcomes with a 4-day week.
A study by the Oregon Department of Education found that in districts with a 4-day week, students maintained similar or improved test scores compared to their peers in 5-day districts. Schools that made sure the remaining four days were well-structured saw the best results.
It’s clear that with careful planning, the 4-day week can benefit students academically as well as emotionally. As one school discovered, “Our students are performing just as well—if not better.”
Conclusion
The 4-day school week offers significant benefits for both teachers and students, including improved morale, increased planning time, and flexibility for non-instructional tasks. However, schools must carefully address the challenges faced by vulnerable students, and the approach must be flexible to suit different communities.
As more schools explore this model, the 4-day week may become a sustainable solution to the pressures facing modern education, offering a healthier and more balanced environment for everyone involved.
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