Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis visited North Wales Elementary School in Montgomery County to highlight a new law requiring 30 minutes of daily recess for every Pennsylvania student in kindergarten through fifth grade.
All Pennsylvania K-5 students must receive at least 30 minutes of recess each full school day beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The Governor ceremonially signed HB 1505 to mark the achievement.
“Quality education is about more than dollars and cents — it’s also about common sense,” said Governor Shapiro. “It’s hard to focus when you haven’t had a chance to move around. Recess gives kids time to exercise, get some fresh air, interact with their classmates, work through conflicts, and come back to the classroom ready to learn.”
The Governor spoke about the daily recess initiative in his budget address in February, calling for schools to provide 30 minutes of recess every day for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The requirement will take effect at the beginning of the 2027-28 school year, giving school entities time to incorporate recess into elementary school schedules.
At North Wales Elementary, students currently receive 20 minutes of recess. Beginning next school year, the school plans to add 10 minutes to meet the new requirement.
Recess provides students with dedicated time for movement, fresh air, social interaction and play. It also gives students an opportunity to practice skills that are critical inside and outside the classroom, including collaboration, conflict resolution and self-regulation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day and notes that schools are uniquely positioned to help students meet that goal. Regular physical activity can help students improve their focus in class, grades, and test scores, while supporting lifelong health and well-being.
