PONDER, Texas – The Ponder Independent School District in Denton County has become the latest North Texas district to adopt a four-day school week.
School officials announced the decision to make the change after several months of research, discussions, and gathering input from stakeholders. The new schedule will take effect during the 2025-2026 school year.
Students will begin the year on August 6 with a traditional five-day week. However, after the first nine weeks of school, classes will shift to a four-day schedule. To compensate for the reduced days, the school day will be extended by 30 minutes.
What They’re Saying: Ponder ISD believes the new schedule will enhance teacher retention and provide a better work-life balance for both students and staff. According to the district, research shows that a four-day week can improve attendance, discipline, and overall satisfaction in schools.
What We Don’t Know: Details regarding the new start and end times for school, as well as a Friday childcare program for kindergarten through fifth-grade students, are still being worked out. The district expects to release more information in the coming months.
Growing Popularity of the Four-Day School Week: Many rural school districts in Texas have recently adopted a four-day school week to attract and retain teachers. Districts such as Anna, Hillsboro, Mineral Wells, Montague, and Terrell ISDs made the switch a few years ago.
Mesquite ISD considered the move in 2023 to address a significant teacher shortage but ultimately decided against it.
Experts Weigh In: Across the state, 50 districts have transitioned to a four-day week, citing teacher recruitment and retention as primary reasons. However, experts like Dr. Chris Sloan, Associate Dean of the College of Education at Tarleton State University, caution that the change could come with drawbacks.
“Many rural schools are adopting this model because it’s cost-effective,” Dr. Sloan explained. “The district saves on utilities and transportation by closing the buildings one day a week.”
But he also warned that the savings could be offset by longer school days, shorter summer breaks, or reduced instructional time with students.
Nonetheless, districts like San Elizario ISD, near El Paso, have seen positive responses. Students and staff there enjoy “Mindful Eagle Mondays,” dedicated to mental health and self-care, as part of their four-day schedule.
