A lot of Catholic schools are facing budgetary challenges, with lower enrollment and higher operational costs. But a school in upstate New York is becoming the first in the state to try something radical: a four-day school week.

From the Buffalo News:

The 145 students returning this week will be the first in the state to try a four-day week when Niagara Catholic unveils its new schedule. Monday is eliminated, but the other days are lengthened by more than an hour. The new hours will be 7:45 a. m. to 3:35 p. m.

It’s a plan that has been adopted by at least 100 public school districts in 17 states, but Niagara Catholic appears to be the first school in New York to do it.

Whether it will set a new standard or fail remains to be seen.

Rural school districts have turned to cutting one day a week as the ultimate way to save on transportation and heating costs. For Niagara Catholic, officials are hoping the experimental plan will attract new students at a time when faith-based school enrollment is suffering.

“No one else is doing it,” said Principal Robert DiFrancesco. “Of course I think this will be an attraction for our school. But we really think this presents a unique and positive opportunity for students and families.”

It’s uncharted territory; DiFrancesco admits research on four-day school weeks is scarce.

In the national discussion over four-day weeks, critics worry students will have trouble learning if they are stuck in classrooms for longer periods of time. Students also could lose out on needed physical education and athletics by missing that fifth day.

Public schools are required to offer 180 days of instruction or face losing millions in state aid dollars. But a legislative hearing in December looked at changes that could open the door for public schools to follow in Niagara Catholic’s path.

The New York State School Boards Association is neutral on the idea, but wants more research before the law is changed to allow it, as some other states have done.

“We want to know, what does research say about how kids will handle it?” said association spokeswoman Barbara Bradley. “How do younger kids endure longer classes? How do parents handle this when they’re working five days a week?”

Niagara Catholic will conduct its own research by partnering with Niagara University to measure academic performance and attendance over the next two years.

“We don’t have a lot of research to go by, but what we do know is four-day school weeks aren’t around here much,” DiFrancesco said. “That’s why we’re tracking it — it’s got to benefit our youngsters.”

You can read more about the innovative plan at the link.

PHOTO: Niagara Catholic High School Principal Robert DiFrancesco has spearheaded the switch to a four-day week with longer days. Photo by Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News