Don’t want to stay in school the whole day? Then don’t!

Early release and late arrival are popular among upperclassmen at EHS. Juniors are able to take 12th period early release if they don’t have a full schedule. Seniors are allowed to take late arrival and early release (with a minimum of 5 classes) if their transcript allows.

Now, what do I mean by ‘if their transcript allows it’?

If a class is necessary for graduation, the scheduling system will automatically reserve a spot on your schedule, and if that class only exists during a certain period, leaving a gap between other classes and this one, you will be given study halls to fill in the periods, or you can choose to take electives. For example, let’s say a student needs to take a certain elective to graduate, but it is only during period 11, and they were hoping for early release after period 8. They wouldn’t get the release they were hoping for. Some classes have set periods, which means you can’t have early release until your schedule allows you to be free for the rest of the day. 

“Early release is never guaranteed,” said Mrs. Sinyee Muglia, a guidance counselor and co-advisor for the class of 2025. Late arrival is similar, you can only ask for this key to sleep in longer if you happen to have a study hall first period on your schedule.

Are There Requirements?

The main requirement for both early release and late arrival are to make sure your schedule is aligned with the timing for early release and late arrival. Seniors need to be taking a minimum of 5 classes which would be math, English, gym/health, and electives. This would make the earliest release period 8.

The only other requirement for early release is to sign the release form. If you are 18 by this time, you can sign it yourself; if not, then you would need a parent/guardian signature. The requirements for late arrival are different. You need to have a GPA (grade point average) of 3.5 or more. You also need to talk to EHS Principal Mr. Charles Ross or a vice principal for approval. Once students are approved for late arrival, they would need to sign in for attendance at the main office every day. You also are not permitted to be inside the school building during the time of your late arrival or early release.

But, students should take a while to think first. Do not get early release or late arrival if you do not have or know a way to get to school and back home. Think about your transcript. Think about your college applications. Is your application looking ready or impressive? enough for an early release? Are there other career/elective options that interest you that you haven’t yet explored? Are there classes you could take to boost your application?

What do EHS Students Have to Say About Late Arrival?

Many students at EHS do not know that late arrival exists.

“I didn’t ask for it originally because I didn’t know that it existed,” said Skylar Pawlik ‘24. “They gave me a study hall first period, and I was talking to my guidance counselor to replace it with something, and she said I could just drop it and come in late.”

If your schedule appears with a study hall first period, seize the moment to take late arrival. What teenager wouldn’t want an extra few minutes of sleep before a tiring school day? Though late arrival is not as common as early release, it is a good opportunity to take, if granted. Students at EHS use the extra time to sleep and de-stress from school and work. 

“I was in that routine of waking up early anyways.” said Rachel Ann Cuison 24’. Some students are used to waking up early and feel they might as well stick that way since it has been built into their daily school life already.

What do EHS Students Have to Say About Early Release?

“You get more time for personal after school responsibilities and you don’t feel as overwhelmed as you would having a full schedule,” says Ridha Mirza 24’ who opted for early release as soon as she saw her schedule. With early release, students have more time to work on homework, or any other school-related work they might not have time to complete with a full schedule or after school responsibilities. Being able to go home quicker can help the students that take more rigorous courses, like AP or honor classes, relax more from the workload. Students can also finish homework for classes earlier which will give them time to spend on themselves, hobbies, interests, or relationships. 

Students that have jobs, or are looking for one, can greatly benefit from early release as they can pick up on hours. 

“I can get home earlier, go to work earlier and work more,” says Saad Niaz 24’. Students that don’t have a job but want one (and can’t find one) can use this time off of school to do so.

Students can also get time to rest and take a quick power nap if they need one after school before going back to being productive. Finishing up your work faster will let you have more time for yourself. “I have way more time to do school work and actually take care of myself,” says Pawlik. Not only does early release have a benefit on the life of a student, but also on their mental health. However, not all students have access to some sort of transportation, and need to rely on buses that only depart at 2:30.

“I would think about whether you really need those extra classes. Is it aligned with your future? If not, then I would consider getting early release,” says Niaz. If early release is an option, it is recommended by seniors to take it as they see the benefits of getting out of school faster are better than those compared to having a full schedule.

What do EHS Students Have to Say About Full Schedules?

Sometimes having a full schedule is helpful as well, especially for those students who do not have transportation, other than the buses, back home. Students can fill up their schedule with electives they are interested in learning more about, or electives that would be helpful for their future career. If a student is still undecided about their future—whether it be college, trade school, or a gap year—taking electives can help them learn more about their interests and grasp a better understanding of what they want to do. Having a full schedule also is beneficial to those who have after school commitments like clubs and sports. Staying in school and not having to come back might be easier for some students who might not have their own car or simply prefer the convenience of staying put. 

Well, What Should I Do?

Before anything, select the classes you want to take, and really think about your schedule for your senior year. Then, see if you are eligible for getting early release and/or late arrival. Do you have a way to get to school and back home? Are you taking all your required classes for graduation with your completed credits? Once you have checked all the requirements you are set. Make sure you think about what you want to take, and think about why and how it will benefit you and that transcript/college application. 

If there’s anything else you need to know, check out the EHS parent student handbook!