Colombia is debating a law that would prohibit public schools from starting classes before 7 a.m. in order to improve academic performance. Colombia is studying a law that would prohibit schools from starting classes before 7 a.m., as they currently do. Colombia considers law banning school start times before 7 a.m.On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Colombian Senate approved the bill seeking to prohibit educational institutions in the country from starting their school day before 7:00 a.m. The early start of the school day — often before 7 a.m. — stems from a deeply rooted tradition in the country’s social and economic organization. In Colombia, many businesses begin operations at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m., which historically led to aligning school hours with the routines of working parents.