Six public schools that serve much of north Baton Rouge are poised to institute new start times this fall, piloting a potentially districtwide initiative to better match when children learn with research on their sleeping patterns.

Capitol and Glen Oaks high schools would start at 8:50 a.m., 100 minutes later than they do now, and end at 4:05 p.m. Both are F-rated schools with high rates of student absenteeism.

Meanwhile, Capitol, Glen Oaks Park, Melrose and Merrydale elementary schools would start at 8 a.m., 25 minutes earlier than at present, and would end at 3:15 p.m. Instructional days at these four schools would last 15 minutes longer than they do now. Glen Oaks Park has a C letter grade, and the other three schools have Ds.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on Thursday a

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