Los Angeles, CA -
(CNS) Thousands of students will be heading back to school today, about three weeks earlier than usual.
The reason is that the Los Angeles Unified School District is operating under a new calendar, which officials say could help improve grades.
The early-start calendar allows students to complete their first semester prior to winter break, which has been shown to have a positive impact on final examinations.
Under the early calendar, the last day of the 2012/2013 school year will be May 31st 2013.