About Us
NAYRE is here for you!
One of the fundamental challenges of the American education system is its continued reliance on a rigid school schedule. Most schools operate on a six to seven hour day and a 180 day school year separated by a 12 to 13 week summer intermission. This structure places time, rather than learning, at the center of how schools are organized.
The traditional calendar assumes that all students learn at the same pace and arrive equally prepared each day. It also assumes that a calendar model established in the 1890s still meets the needs of today’s students and families despite significant societal change.
Founded in the 1980s by Dr. Charles Ballinger, Executive Director Emeritus, the National Association for Year Round Education (NAYRE) advocates for improved PK–12 schooling through balanced school calendars. By shortening the long summer intermission and adding periodic breaks throughout the year, balanced calendars support continuous learning while providing families and educators with more consistent opportunities to rest, recharge, and reconnect.
Let’s Shape the Future of Learning Together
We are inviting educators, families, and community members to join us in co-creating a research plan that explores the possibilities of a balanced school calendar. Your insights, experiences, and ideas are essential in building a study that reflects our shared goals for student and staff success. Together, we can design a thoughtful, evidence-based approach that helps us understand what works best for your learning community. Be part of the conversation and let us build this plan side by side. Check out what we do below:
What We Do
Consulting & Advisory Services – Personalized guidance to school districts or boards on implementing balanced calendars, including strategy, planning, and evaluation.
Workshops & Professional Development – Training sessions for administrators, teachers, and staff on calendar design, instructional planning, or student engagement.
Data Analysis & Reports – Research studies, surveys, and impact assessments on student learning, attendance, and community outcomes.
Community Engagement Support – Tools and guidance for engaging parents, students, and local stakeholders in calendar decisions.
Policy Guidance – Advice on creating or updating district policies to support year-round or balanced calendar models.
Resource Development – Templates, guides, and toolkits for schools to manage intersessions, enrichment programs, and flexible scheduling.
Networking Opportunities – Conferences, webinars, or forums to connect districts with similar experiences or challenges.
Media & Public Relations Support – Preparing spokespeople for interviews, press releases, and public messaging about calendar changes.
Evaluation & Continuous Improvement – Helping districts monitor outcomes and adjust calendars for maximum student and staff benefit.