Al-Ahsa school hours during Ramadan: times and class schedules
The General Directorate of Education in Al-Ahsa Governorate announced the official school calendar for the holy month of Ramadan this year, which includes all educational levels in the governorate. This decision comes as part of early preparations for the holy month, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the educational process.
Details of public education hours
The Education Department has set 9:00 AM as the start time for students in public schools, kindergartens, and special education institutes, with the first class actually beginning at 9:15 AM. This timing aims to give students and parents ample time in the morning, taking into account the changes in sleep and wake patterns during the holy month.
It was also decided to shorten the school day to five hours daily, with each class period reduced to just 35 minutes in all schools. This measure aims to ensure academic focus and alleviate the physical and mental strain on those fasting, whether students or teaching and administrative staff.
The context of flexibility in the Saudi education system
This regulation aligns with the general approach of the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which grants education departments in regions and governorates the authority to determine the appropriate start time for the school day in coordination with relevant authorities, taking into account the geographical and climatic conditions of each area. This flexibility is a key component of the Ministry's strategy to balance academic achievement with the performance of religious duties, thereby fostering an engaging educational environment and reducing absenteeism and tardiness.
Organization of continuing education (boys and girls)
Regarding continuing education schools, the administration has developed a schedule that takes into account the circumstances of adult learners. Boys' schools have been instructed to shift their classes to the evening, starting at 9:00 PM sharp, allowing them to perform Taraweeh prayers before classes begin. Meanwhile, classes in girls' continuing education schools will begin at 2:15 PM. The decision to shorten class periods (35 minutes) also applies to these schools to standardize class times and ensure the quality of educational outcomes.
Educational objectives of Ramadan timing
Educational leaders in Al-Ahsa confirmed that this precise scheduling aims to preserve essential learning outcomes without compromising the spirituality of the holy month. Reducing school hours also helps alleviate traffic congestion during peak times and considers the health and social well-being of families, thus providing a stable and safe learning environment for all.
