> The reason for the absurd starting times was always explained that bussing schedules forced it.

This sounds yet another problem created by urban planning, or lack thereof.

Being forced to do a 2 hour commute each day is not normal, regardless whether you are a kid going to school or a grownup going to work. It's not school that has a demanding schedule. It's requiring a 60 minute drive to attent said school that creates a demanding schedule.