In the 1997-98 school year, the Minneapolis School District changed the starting time of its seven high schools to 8:40 AM. and the dismissal time to 3:20 PM. Prior to the change, classes began at 7:15 AM and dismissed at 1:45 PM. Researchers evaluated the student benefits, after this change in hours had been in place for five years.

Attendance rates improved for all 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students in the district. The greatest rate of improvement was for 9th grade students.