About Us

Six Point Five to Thrive is an education advocacy group started in October 2011 by concerned parents with students attending Chicago Public Schools.  We support a 6.5 hour school day.  As the debate about an extended school day continues, we want to be sure a strong parent voice is heard.
 
We believe:
-Students can thrive with a 6.5 hour school day. Schools who have implemented this model have retained recess, physical education, art and music, as well as positive test scores. We do not support a 7.5 hour day; it's too long. We think it's extreme and unnecessary for CPS to go from the shortest school day in the state to the longest.
-Sound scientific data and research should support an extended school day, and any changes CPS makes to its curriculum.
-Quality is important, not just quantity. We need to thoughtfully extend the school day where schools don't have a 6.5 hour day, and examine best practices before implementation.
-Children need school-life balance.  There are only so many hours in a day. With a day beyond a 6.5 hour school day, homework and after school programs, there is little time left for family, friends, dinner and sleep--which are critical for academic success and healthy development.

If you believe in a 6.5 hour school day and/or that a 7.5 hour day is too long, we invite you to take action.  Send an email to Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of Chicago Public Schools at longerschoolday@cps.edu. 

To become involved in the Six Point Five to Thrive movement, please contact us.

Make a difference, let your voice be heard today!

Six Point Five to Thrive
Chicago, IL
info@sixpointfivetothrive.org