While most students spend seven hours at school, part-time students may only be at school for a few hours or may even come every other day. With 57 part-time students currently, there has been a noticeable increase from the 40 part-time students last year.

Senior Kyle Hoener decided to do part-time school in order to work more at his job as a dish washer at Fritz’s.

In addition to working, Hoener also has more time to do things he enjoys.

“[Part-time school] is beneficial because now I have time to do my hobbies like knitting and cleaning,” Hoener said, jokingly.

In order to apply for part-time school, an application must be filled out and approved by administration.

“You fill out a form first semester and write down the classes to keep,” Hoener said. “Then I had to write a letter to the principal. They look it over and then make a decision.”

Senior Jessica Nguyen decided to go part-time in order to spend time with her family.

“I have more time for my siblings now,” Nguyen said. “I take them to school and take care of them.”

Since beginning part-time second semester, Nguyen is only at school for two blocks per day.

“I’m only here for four hours a day, so the school day goes by much faster,” Nguyen said. “I can endure school longer.”

Nguyen also takes classes at Johnson County Community College to get prerequisite credits before attending Rockhurst University to study Occupational Therapy.

“I just have a lot more time to focus on necessary classes,” Nguyen said. “I like being able to focus.”

Nguyen starts her day around 7:40 a.m., taking her sister to school. Nguyen comes home, exercises, then gets ready for school. After school, Nguyen attends JCCC classes three times a week. She likes part-time school because she gets to see her parents more often.

“I like that I get to see my parents and have breakfast with them,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen said the positives of part-time greatly outweigh the negatives. The only downside is not being able to see her friends as often, though she enjoys being with her family instead.

“This morning before school, I helped my dad decorate for Chinese New Year,” Nguyen said. “I love spending time with my family. It’s nice being with them.”