Too Short Summer Vacation

My child's school starts in early August. That is when I wanted to have our family vacation. I'm against this early date. What do other parents think? Why is this happening? -- Want a Later Start
Answer: There are some private and charter schools across the country that would make you happy, because they start the day after Labor Day. However, the vast majority of public schools have changed to a more balanced calendar, with a shorter summer holiday and longer and/or more frequent breaks during the school year. This new calendar limits the time spent in long sessions of instruction and is thought to reduce the learning loss that occurs for many students during a long summer break.
Like you, many parents are not very happy about the change of the start of the school year. They do not like the shorter time for family vacations, nor does the tourist industry. Teachers are not always happy either, because it shortens the time they have for continuing education courses or summer jobs.
You will have to make some alternative vacation plans, because schools decidedly frown on children missing the first days of a new school year. Plus, it would be difficult for your children to miss this time.
A few schools have kept or changed back to a starting date after Labor Day. However, it is believed that the earlier starting date is likely to continue at most public schools. Consider bringing this issue up at a PTA meeting to see if other parents share your view.