Boy's Chaotic Middle School Timetable Baffles Internet: 'Specific'

The internet has been left baffled by a middle school schedule that features classes starting at overly specific times like 9:02 a.m. and 11:14 a.m.

Last Wednesday a Redditor by the name of mad_cherry posted an image of their younger brother's timetable, writing alongside it: "My little brother's middle school schedule. he's having such a hard time remembering when periods start and end. why are the times this specific?"

The schedule includes an orchestra class starting at 8:15 a.m. and ending at 8:58 a.m., a math class starting at 11:14 a.m. and ending at 12:38 pm., and a science class starting at 2:10 p.m. and ending at 2:52 p.m., among other classes.

On average, American middle-schoolers are required to attend at least 925 hours of "total intended instructional time" a year.

Russia only requires 470 hours per year, while Chile requires over 1,000 hours a year.

The Council On International Educational Exchange (CIEE) says homework is another essential part of the American school system. Most students receive homework almost every day, and they typically spend at least two hours completing it.

The Reddit post, first shared on the r/mildlyinfuriating sub, has received over 34,800 upvotes and 3,500 comments in less than a week.

One user, BadgerinBaltimore23, said: "My middle school was like this too. I'm 48 years old now and yet I still remember waiting for the 3:14 dismissal bell each day.

"It has to do with bus timings, required instructional hours, and [the] use of classroom space. I will note that at least your brother didn't need to write down where lunch was, so he's got that going for him, which is nice."

Lionblaze10 said: "My school was a straight .6mi hallway with a student body of 7100ish and we had 4 min between classes. God forbid you weren't an Olympic speed walker and of course, you got yelled at for running."

Another user, mrsbebe, said: "Wild that his lunch is at 10:30. I remember my lunch being that early one year of junior high and I hated it." And MotoMadic added: "The times are also just as specific as times in increments of 5 minutes. It's just not a usual increment to use so it seems more specific, but it's clear it's a recurring pattern."

GitEmSteveDave said: "My scoutmaster used to have us meet places at 'odd' times, like 10:04, because he said he read somewhere you're more likely to remember a non-standard time than [an] exact one."

Newsweek reached out to u/mad_cherry, for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.