Several Utah Schools Shift to Four-Day Week Schedule

A growing number of Utah schools are turning to a four-day school week as a way to save money, attract teachers, and reduce burnout.

On October 17, 2024, the Garfield County School District officially decided to shift to a four-day schedule after a unanimous vote by its Board of Education.

“We all agreed this was the best option—not just for students, but for families and the community as a whole,” said Garfield School District Superintendent John Dodds.

The change aligns with a statewide trend, as the Utah State Board of Education reports that 23 schools have now adopted a four-day school week.

The Rise of the Four-Day School Model

The concept of a shortened school week dates back to the 1970s, with a notable increase in popularity following the 2008 recession, according to EducationWeek. However, the biggest surge has occurred post-2020, with the number of participating schools rising 400% since the pandemic.

Why Schools Are Making the Switch

For most districts, budget concerns and teacher recruitment challenges are the driving forces behind the decision.

Rural school districts, in particular, face lower tax revenues, which limits their ability to offer competitive salaries. The four-day schedule is seen as a way to attract and retain educators who might otherwise choose larger districts with higher pay.

Other benefits cited include:

More family time on weekends
Extra rest for students
Lower teacher burnout

Educators and Parents Weigh In

For Emmeline Padula, whose son attends Elk Creek Elementary, the four-day schedule has been a positive change.

“We absolutely love it. It’s reduced stress and gives us extra time for family activities and appointments,” Padula shared.

At Tintic High School in Eureka, Utah, Principal Jennica Beckstrom says the school has been using a four-day week for over five years with great success.

“Students are more engaged in the classroom, and both parents and teachers appreciate the schedule,” Beckstrom explained.

To continue using this model, school districts must submit a renewal request every three years to the Utah State Board of Education.

Potential Drawbacks of a Shortened School Week

While small schools report minimal academic impact, larger districts have seen a drop in student achievement when reducing classroom hours.

Education researchers stress the importance of offsetting lost instructional time through:

Longer school days
Online learning opportunities
Enrichment programs on the fifth day

The Approval Process

Any Utah school seeking to implement a four-day schedule must submit a formal waiver to the Utah State Board of Education for approval.

As the trend continues to grow, schools will need to balance financial savings with ensuring students receive the education they need to succeed.

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.