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Student wellness is one of three pillars, Wellness, Belonging, and Achievement, that guides every decision in Radnor Township School District. In 2019, that commitment led to the implementation of later secondary school start times, an evidence-based change designed to better support the health and well-being of our students
In July 2026, Pennsylvania formally recognized later secondary school start times as an educational initiative through the bi-partisan House Bill 2152, included in the 2026 omnibus school code bill. The law establishes a framework for school districts that choose to adopt later start times, reinforcing decades of scientific research on the importance of sleep for adolescent health, safety, and academic success
Long before this statewide recognition, the Radnor Township School District made the decision to align the school day more closely with the biological sleep needs of teenagers. Research has consistently shown that adolescents experience natural changes in their sleep cycles, making later start times an effective way to improve sleep, increase alertness, and support learning and overall well-being
“Our district has always been committed to making decisions that put students first,” said Superintendent Kenneth E. Batchelor. “Implementing later secondary start times was an investment in student wellness, and it’s encouraging to see the Commonwealth recognize the importance of an approach that supports healthier, more successful learners.”
Nearly 50 Pennsylvania school districts have now adopted later secondary school start times, joining a growing movement supported by leading health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
For our district, the Commonwealth’s action is a meaningful reminder that prioritizing student wellness creates the conditions for students to thrive. As we continue to focus on belonging, achievement, and wellness, we remain committed to decisions that help every student arrive at school healthy, engaged, and ready to learn
