FOR SCHOOLS CONSIDERING THE SWITCH

Thinking about a four-day week?

We are often contacted by schools considering a switch to the four-day week, asking for resources other schools have used to explore the transition. Below are general planning tips, plus real documents shared with us by other districts.

General tips for the planning process

Start with “why.” Explain the reasons for the change early and often — especially to the roughly 70% of community members who do not have children in school and may see no direct benefit.
Involve those most affected. Families of children with special needs, school nurses, social workers, and staff who work with younger students should be at the table from the start.
Keep feedback grounded. Ask families how a four-day week would affect their own routines — not hypotheticals.
Plan the fifth day deliberately. Decide how homework, athletics, and extracurriculars will work, and which activities still meet.
Be clear about professional development. If the fifth day is teacher PD, say so early so it isn’t mistaken for personal time.
Treat the fifth day as an opportunity. Work-study, youth programs, clubs, and community service can all live there.
Communicate openly and don’t dismiss concerns. Some families will be negatively affected; hear them out and work with them.