Currently as of 2026, Lindenhurst High School’s passing periods have a duration of four minutes between nine periods. Studies show that students would prefer a longer time period between classes, but would this really be beneficial to students and their class time? There are plenty of benefits in extending passing periods, but the downsides may outweigh these benefits. Looking deeper into the extension of passing periods, students may have a chance of better well being, but schools may also need to either extend the school day and class time, or decrease class time in order to get the students out at the same time as usual.

As studies show, five minute passing periods lead to students rushing to class and an increase of being late. If passing period time was extended two to five minutes, students would have the opportunity to use the restroom between classes without rush, visit their lockers without rushing for anything they need for their next class, and socialize with classmates. Most importantly, students would have reduced stress and anxiety overall because they know they have the time to get to their class on time. Longer passing periods also give teachers the opportunity to set up for their next class, rather than setting up for the first couple minutes of class. Unfortunately, there are still downsides of longer passing periods. Longer periods between classes will force the school to decide on keeping the same time of classes, making the school day longer, or decreasing class time for students. Many also argue that small schools do not need the longer passing period, as students have enough time to roam, get their things from their lockers for the next class, and so on. This discussion is very controversial, as longer passing periods have so many benefits, but the downsides may not be worth it. What do you think? Should students have a longer time period between classes?