By Stephanie Pham
Starting the school day earlier may not be the most appealing prospect for many high school students, but taking a zero period can actually have numerous benefits. Starting earlier means ending earlier.
“It’s better because I can go home early. Even though it’s earlier, it helps me get a lot of stuff done, especially with extracurricular[s]—it really helps me fit in everything. It really helps with my swim schedule,“ sophomore Kayla Nguyen said.
Zero period has a key advantage: It can help students manage their time more effectively. By starting their day earlier, students can fit more activities into their schedule. They can complete their homework and other responsibilities earlier in the day, leaving more time for extracurricular activities or relaxation in the evenings. This can be especially beneficial for students who are involved in multiple extracurricular activities or have a part-time job, as it allows them to balance their responsibilities more efficiently.
“By taking a zero period, I was able to start and end my classes earlier in the day. It gives me more time after school to focus on my extracurriculars and study for my classes,” junior Allyson Le said. “Since I take a zero period, I don’t have to take a sixth which is perfect for my schedule because it would interfere with my swim practices.”
The early mornings can also help prepare students for the college or corporate workforce. Many colleges and jobs require students to be able to manage their time effectively and be self-motivated. By taking a zero period, students can develop these skills and be better prepared for the demands of college or a career.
“While not everyone goes to work at the same time, most of the U.S. labor forces arrives in the office somewhere between 7am and 9 a.m,” Jana Kasperkevic, a digital reporter for Marketplace, said.
With so many diverse classes offered at Fountain Valley High School, it can be difficult to fit all the desired classes and electives into one schedule. A zero period can help create a reasonable schedule that allows students to fit in both extracurricular activities and electives. For instance, Virtual Enterprise is an elective focusing on business and future career skills. One of its classes are offered during zero period, which saves time for all the other educational classes.
While it is true that waking up earlier than necessary can disrupt sleep patterns, it is also possible for students to adjust their sleep schedules to accommodate a zero period. By going to bed earlier, students can get the same amount of sleep as they would without a zero period. Additionally, some research suggests that students who have more structured schedules, including consistent wake-up times, may have better sleep quality.
Of course, taking a zero period is not for everyone, and it is important for students to carefully consider whether it is a good fit for their schedule and lifestyle. However, for students who are able to make it work, the benefits can be significant. By starting their day earlier and taking advantage of the extra time, students can improve their academic performance, manage their time more effectively and better prepare for the future.
