August is the month that South Dakota students return to school. For some, it will be an adjustment to getting up early for class five days a week. For others, only 4 days a week. Who doesn't like a 3-day weekend?

Of the 148 South Dakota School Districts, 38 have a 4-day school week schedule.

The required number of school days in a calendar year continues to vary in the United States. The average requirement is 180 school days. In South Dakota, the school year consists of a 160 class day schedule. In Illinois and North Carolina, there are 185 required school days.

South Dakota School Districts can choose between a four-day school week or five days. Typically the schools who choose the shorter week have a longer instructional day.

"Schools practicing this schedule typically hold classes 45-60 minutes longer each day."

The Minnesota school year is 165 days. Iowa stretches the school year out to 180 days.

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The Mitchell Republic published an article earlier this year about South Dakota Schools that have adopted the shorter week. For some districts, the biggest reason for the four-day switch was as a cost-saving measure.

Other factors that play into the four-day week include one day less of the school menu, school buses, and traveling for athletics.

What About Sioux Falls Schools

There are currently no Sioux Falls Schools that have a four-day schedule.