A significant shift may soon reshape the daily routine of Bridgewater-Raritan students.
The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District (BRRSD) plans to adjust its school start times for the 2026-2027 school year. This decision is part of district-wide changes, including the introduction of full-day kindergarten across all primary schools, the relocation of fourth grade to intermediate schools, and the integration of sixth grade into the Middle School.
Two possible options were presented by Mike Archer, the Director of Transportation Services, at the BRRSD Board of Education’s meeting on September 9. Each option strives to balance the transportation logistics, costs and academic requirements while regaining instructional time that was lost in previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Option One, the high school would retain its current start time of 7:20 a.m., while the middle school would start earlier at 7:35 a.m., followed by all primary schools at 8:35 a.m. and the intermediate schools at 9:05 a.m. This plan closely resembles the district’s pre-pandemic schedule and could improve bus route efficiency, though up to four additional buses may be needed.
Option Two states that the middle school would start first at 7:30 a.m., followed by the high school and intermediate schools at 8:00 a.m., and all primary schools at 9:20 a.m. Unlike Option One, this plan could be put into action without any additional transportation costs.
Challenges still remain. Later primary school start times could inconvenience working parents who rely on early schedules, while later dismissals could complicate the high school’s afterschool activities. The Board of Education plans to make its final decision between December and January, with students and teachers eager to voice their opinions.
Students at Bridgewater-Raritan High School have expressed differing opinions on the two proposed start time options, each noting how the change would significantly affect their daily routine, productivity and well-being.
For some, such as Sophomore Ronald Liu, the sense of familiarity with the current routine and practical benefits make Option One a more appealing choice.
“I would prefer option one because it is the most similar to the current schedule. I also believe it is appropriate for the high school to start earlier than the other schools, as high school students generally have more extracurriculars and clubs after school. High schoolers require more time for their extracurriculars, and starting early means ending early, therefore permitting time for these activities,” stated Liu.
Others, such as Sophomore Emily Thai, believe that Option Two offers a more beneficial schedule for students’ mental and physical well-being, providing more time for sleep.
“I would prefer Option 2 because some students, including me, have activities that run in the evening, and a later start time for school means that I have more time to sleep. Early start times affect my focus, because I’m not that awake so early in the morning, especially after late-night study sessions or extracurriculars,” she explained.
Teachers have also begun reflecting on how the district’s two proposed options may shape their classroom instruction and student performance.
English Teacher Melissa Erickson noted that a later start time may help reduce lateness, especially among older students.
“I see many students arriving late to school, especially seniors, and they miss directions or essential instruction,” Mrs. Erickson said. “I want to think students will use the additional time for sleep, but many have said they can stay up later with a later start,” she added.
When asked which option feels the most practical for the high school, she expressed support for a start time slightly later than Option One but not as late as Option Two. She explained that this small shift would allow first-block classes to watch BRTV without sacrificing instructional time. The need to consider students’ after-school jobs, responsibilities, and athletics was also emphasized.
As the board approaches its final decision date, the community remains divided. For now, BRRSD continues to gather feedback, aiming to adopt a plan that best supports the well-being of both students and teachers.
