The trend, started by the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, of pushing back start times so students can get more sleep is spreading, writes Kathy Boccella for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

There were a lot of naysayers two years ago when the change was first implemented. Today, though, school leaders say that the benefits of starting both high school and middle school later are clear.

“There’s no question of going back,” said Jeff Hellrung, a member of Unionville-Chadds Ford’s school board.

He said that the only question is whether the time can be moved to 8:30 AM, the time recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics.

The district conducted a student survey on 20 wellness factors and found improvements in 17 categories and a decline in just one.

Other districts have also noted the benefits. Phoenixville recently voted to become the second school district in the area to adopt the change. Several more districts, including Radnor and Tredyffrin/Easttown, are also considering it.

Read more about the new trend in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.