August 6, 2026 | 1:03 PM
From a new recess requirement to personal finance classes, Pa. students will see several changes when they return to the classroom.
Brynn Anderson / AP Photo
Central Pa. students will return to school in the next few weeks.
Students across Central Pennsylvania will be heading back to school over the next few weeks. While much of the school year will look familiar, there are several statewide changes – and a few issues to watch – that could affect students and their families.
Here are four changes to be aware of this year.
Recess is now mandatory for K-5 students
A provision in the new state budget requires schools to provide at least 30 minutes of recess every day for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The law says that time should happen outside when possible and shouldn’t involve digital devices. Notably, though, teachers can still withhold recess as a disciplinary tool.
More state money for schools
Pennsylvania’s public schools are getting a boost in this year’s $50.8 billion state budget, including $565 million in new “adequacy funding” to help the state’s poorest district. That extra money is tied to an education spending plan the legislature created after a 2023 Commonwealth Court ruling found Pennsylvania’s education funding system unconstitutional.
A new personal finance requirement
Starting this year, Pennsylvania high schools must offer a standalone, half-credit personal finance course as a graduation requirement. The course will cover budgeting, saving, credit management, investing and understanding loans and interest rates. Pennsylvania becomes the 25th state to guarantee students a personal finance class before they graduate.
Still no statewide cell phone ban
Despite the passage of two separate, bipartisan phone ban bills – one in each chamber of the legislature – and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s support, Pennsylvania did not ban cell phones in schools this year. Still, most states have bans, so expect another push this year to have classrooms free of cell phones. Many districts have already tightened restrictions on student phone use, with some requiring phones to stay in lockers or pouches throughout the school day.
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