This week, Alexis and Katie take a look at four-day school weeks in Idaho. What started as an attempt for rural school districts to save money has now spread throughout the state. In 2015, about 27,000 Idaho students attended a four-day school. In 2024, the number was around 100,000.

Some families love four-day school weeks. Others struggle with them. We look at all the pros and cons and help you see what this might look like for your family if you are not already on a four-day school week. Plus, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Alexis gives wise advice about family holiday traditions. 

Here are links we discuss in the episode: 

• The Four-Day Phenomenon – Idaho Education News
• Jefferson Joint District Adopts Four-Day School Week
• RAND Four-Day Report
• Four Years in, Payette gets Comfortable with Four-Day School Weeks

As always, check out The Purple Zone podcast for more information on Idaho education policy. Alexis is working on a four-day school project, which will be out soon.