A survey was conducted by Coastal Carolina University in August 2004 to assess SC parents' views on public school start dates and year-round versus traditional school calendars.

Surveys were mailed out to parents of public school children in every county of the state. The response rate was nearly 12%, exceeding the pre-established criteria for statistical requirements for returns. The survey also exceeded the goal of achieving a 95% level of confidence, and it had a maximum statistical error of +/- 3%.

By accepted measurement criteria, this survey provides a valid and reliable assessment of SC parents' views on school start dates and school terms.

So, what did it find out?

• 45.3% of parents responding preferred a start date after Labor Day. 34.6% preferred a start date between August 20th and Labor Day. 20.1% preferred a start date between August 2nd and August 20th.
  
  This means that 79.9% of respondents preferred a start date of August 20th or later, while only 20.1% preferred a start date before August 20th.
  
  
• 72.1% of parents preferred a traditional school calendar of fall through spring with summers off, while only 27.9% preferred a year-round school calendar.