Idaho’s four-day schools phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down.

Three more districts have adopted a four-day schedule this fall — including Nampa, the state’s fourth-largest district. All told, 76 of Idaho’s 115 school districts are operating on a four-day schedule, along with 19 charter schools.

But with that growth has come controversy. In 2024, a far-reaching school facilities bill contained language that could have prevented more schools from adopting a four-day schedule. Lawmakers backed away, after rural educators blasted the language.

In other words, it’s time to take a fresh look at four-day schools.

Senior reporter Kevin Richert will spend the 2024-25 school year digging deep into the four-day phenomenon — looking at how it affects students, teachers and taxpayers. We will look at the national research, which remains inconclusive. We will go on the ground to tell stories from Idaho communities.

We want to hear from students, parents, teachers and school officials. If you have a story to share, or a story idea, you can reach Kevin at [email protected] or (208) 867-1403.

Longtime readers will remember Idaho Education News took a deep dive into four-day schools in 2015. A lot has changed since then.

In 2015, about 27,000 Idaho students attended a four-day school.

This fall, that number is likely to reach or eclipse 100,000.

As we take a second look at this important topic, we look forward to hearing from you.