When I went to school in Japan the school had an “optional” first class that started at like 7:15 and went until the official start time of like 8:00. Though it was on paper optional, it really wasn’t optional and all students were expected to be there for it except me, the foreign kid. School ran until like 4pm I believe and then you had extra curriculars like clubs and other groups that students were also heavily encouraged to be a part of which could last as late at 7pm or get out by probably 5-6. Also have fun commuting to school, add another chunk of time pre- and post- day for that, took me like 20 minutes one way by bike. There was also sometimes stuff on the weekend too.

You know that middle school starts at a different time in most places than high school does. Middle schools stayed far later so I both went with a later schedule and an early one. I 100% prefer the early morning start

Because I don’t like bumming around all morning?

Not earlier than 9?! No way that is a serious suggestion. I’m basing what I am saying off of my personal life. Starting school or work later means a later release time which means less free time. I think that it is therefore far better to start earlier and get out earlier. That gives people more leisure time. My personal experience has also been that I function more effectively and am in a better mood with the people I am around the earlier we start something. I think that the whole 9-5 thing is way worse than it would be other wise because of the hours. 7-3 is the same amount of hours but soooooo much more tolerable

Ah yes, let’s keep kids in school until really late in the day so they have no free time in the afternoon once they finish their homework