The New Bedford schooling systems have long been considered to be behind the rest of Massachusetts schools but that could soon be a thing of the past.

Gomes Elementary School has decided to start the trend in longer school days so as to benefit their students thanks to the "Expanded Learning Time" program.

Staring September 1st, students will be staying in school one hour longer than before and all 700 students will be able to utilize the program and hopes are they can in turn benefit their community.

Hopes of improved reading, math and science scores are also what are believed to be the benefit of longer hours at school.

With additional reporting by Madelyn Pellegrino

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107