Why Time Matters

Every child in America deserves an education that prepares them for success in college and career and sets them on a path to a rich, fulfilling life. Unfortunately, our antiquated school calendar is too limiting to provide millions of children with the breadth and depth of educational experiences they will need to thrive.

In contrast, schools that have broken from the bounds of the conventional calendar and schedule offer promising alternatives to the status quo. NCTL has documented the practices of high-performing, high-poverty schools that have expanded time to raise achievement, enrich education, and empower teachers. NCTL also tracks expanded-time schools across the country and studies research to understand the relationship between time and learning.