In China, India and Japan the school year is 260 days long. Children go to school eight hours a day, and in many places a half-day on Saturday.

In Maine, our kids go to school 180 days a year for 6 1/2 hours a day, minus time for breakfast, lunch, study halls and homeroom.

At the Hampden Elementary School the kids sort garbage and patrol the halls to ensure compliance with the school’s “green rules.”

You tell me, what country is better preparing its children for the future?

Chris Krause

Stockton Springs