Early start time means smarter kids?

KETTERING, Ohio (WDTN) - If it seems like back to school started earlier this year, that's because in some districts it did.

We wanted to know why some districts are in a hurry to get back to class.

Everything seemed like just a normal school day at Southdale Elementary in Kettering.

From the kids excited to be back to the crossing guards on alert, it was business as usual.

One thing was very different, the calendar.

"I was kind of shocked they were doing it this way," one parent said.

School started Tuesday for students in Kettering.

That's one week earlier than last year and two weeks earlier than two years ago and it meant summer break went by faster than a student trying to make it to class on time.

While their tans may have suffered, Kettering's superintendent thinks their test scores will sizzle.

That's why he pushed for an earlier start date.

"It's like if your kid took a big test and had two weeks extra to get ready. We think starting early gives Kettering kids a huge leg up," said Dr. Jim Schoenlein, Kettering Schools Superintendent.

Parents seemed pretty open to the idea for a different reason.

"I was happy about it because the child care situation is lessened," said Lindsay Wintersteen, parent.

Not every school can start as early as Kettering because they're missing one key ingredient.

"First you have to have air conditioning in your buildings. Some districts do not."

Without air conditioning, the dog days of August end up turning into the make-up days of June, but they don't worry about June in Kettering now.

The nice thing about starting early is finishing early. The last day for students this year is May 22nd.