[rcade]

I thought that recess part was weird too. Bronx Science had recess? There were seven future Nobel Prize-winning physicists pondering the universe on those teeter totters.

[hugh3]

Do high schools in the United States not generally have recess? Classes all morning, then lunch, then classes all afternoon?

Aside from anything else, recess is a much-needed coffee break for the teachers.

[Nate75Sanders]

That is correct.

Teachers have a "planning period" typically where they get 1 full class period off.

[thret]

Up until now I just assumed all schools had both recess and lunch. It is required in Australia.