In Europe students go half a day on Sat as well. As it stands now most Americans go only 180 days a year. We lack behind many courtries in Science & Math a change needs to be made. Going year round with maybe two weeks at Christmas and two weeks in the spring is plenty of time off. Students spend the first semester reviewing what they forgot durning the summer, three months is far too long.
Doesn't it seem like half of the Dr's in this country are from India?
School from 8 to 5 sounds ok, home by 6 for dinner with the folks. An hour for dinner, an hour homework and then free time.
Sports are great but not if the child cannot read or write, sports should never come before grades. That however is what it has come too. And that is one reason our kids are not doing as well as those in other countries.