During first period, they arrive late or fall asleep at their desks – if they are there at all. Schools have been known to avoid scheduling math classes early on because students are still bleary-eyed.

In fact, one Toronto collegiate looked at its data and found just how tough the early hours are for teens: From attendance to punctuality, test scores to credits earned, period one is by far the worst.

In a unique pilot project, that school – Eastern Commerce – will next fall shift its entire school day so classes start at 10 a.m., about one hour later than secondary students across the city, and close at 4:13 p.m. It's giving nod to the latest research showing once puberty hits, the brain is wired to go to bed late and sleep in.

"There are two main points to this, the first being the adolescent brain and the second, optimal learning time, which is late morning," says Principal Sam Miceli.

Add to that two other facts: More than 80 per cent of Eastern's 500 students live outside the area and may face long commutes; others have part-time jobs working every night – some even work overnights as cleaners – making money their families depend on.

"We are being responsive to the best research on how students learn," said local Trustee Cathy Dandy, who came up with the idea for a late-start school.

"We also have to work with the realities in 21st century Toronto."

Teens need roughly nine hours of sleep per night, although almost three-quarters of them don't get nearly that much. At puberty to about age 20, the chemical that helps induce sleep is secreted later at night, around 11 p.m., and turns off later in the morning, around 8 a.m. Watching TV or being on the computer at night also delays sleep.

In the U.S., studies on the handful of late-start schools report less student depression, fewer dropouts, less absenteeism and better test scores and grades – although a late start there is often 8:30 or 9 a.m.

Closer to home, in York Region, Huron Heights secondary in Newmarket begins at 9:20 a.m., in part because of brain research but also to accommodate busing schedules.

Dr. Judith Owens of Brown University in Rhode Island, who researches delayed-start schools, says 10 a.m. is the latest she's heard of. However, she adds, it's key to educate parents, teachers and especially teens on the importance of sleep so students resist the temptation to stay up later knowing they do have extra time in the morning.

Eastern has already begun to do so.

"The (Toronto) board is trying to identify programs that meet the diverse needs of our students," said Gerry Connelly, the board's director of education.

If successful, she says the model could be expanded to other schools.

However, one trustee, Josh Matlow, says he's not sure this is best for students and would like the move to be debated by the board.

Eastern Commerce, just steps from the Donlands subway station, offers specialty business courses and has a top-ranked basketball program for both boys and girls. It draws students from across Greater Toronto and even Mississauga.

The school has consulted with teachers, parents and students on the changes, addressing their concerns about the shortened lunch period, and about the 4:13 p.m. dismissal, which could interfere with jobs and pose safety issues in the winter when it gets dark early.

Dandy and superintendent Jill Worthy say student achievement and attendance under the new system will be tracked for at least two years to see if it's making a difference.

While the school's student council still has some serious concerns with the idea, members do agree it will be better for some.

"I think people who come from far away should have the fair start that we have without killing themselves," says Nicole Lecka, a Grade 12 student who lives close to the school.

She works at the Eaton Centre, starting at 4 p.m. almost every day, so the new schedule wouldn't work for her – although she won't be back next fall.

She also thinks the 45-minute lunch hour is much too short – right now, she uses the current 65 minutes to finish up homework.

Fitzroy Thompson, 18, doesn't think the new start prepares students for university.

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But there's one bonus: With classes slightly longer Monday to Thursday, students will be dismissed at 2:31 p.m. on Fridays.

The shortened day also gives Muslim students, who comprise one-third of the school's population, time to attend Friday prayers without having to miss classes.

To accommodate the shortened lunch hour and to keep students on school property, the school is offering a free lunch program.

The new schedule is not about going easy on teens or indulging them, says Mergim Shena, who heads Eastern's co-op program.

"We are still starting on time" and students are expected to be punctual, he said.

But the extra time will help. Right now, "students are on their way to school, they're looking at their watch and they're already stressed out," he said. "What a terrible way to start the day."

He liked the idea of the late start "from the word go" as did a majority of his colleagues.

"We as teachers are caught between a rock and a hard place. We want to teach students about punctuality but we don't want to turn them away when they arrive late," he said.

"Even if they are here, they aren't necessarily alert. Some work to 2 a.m."

Wayne Erdman, the school's math department head, said at first he opposed the late start. "I think we have to teach kids punctuality," he said, but was convinced once he saw the research on teens and sleep.

He said sports practices will still be in the morning – possibly later than they are now – and athletes will miss class for afternoon games, as they already do.

Parent Hanif Shaikh, whose son Hamza is in Grade 11, said at first he had mixed feelings: While it will benefit student sleep and learning, he worries they'll just stay up an hour later.

But overall, "it will be very positive," he said. Also, as president of the nearby mosque, he's pleased Muslim students will have time to pray.

"What's happening is that kids are signing out and either not coming to the mosque or they might be leaving an important class," he says. "Now they can fulfill their obligation without missing class."