Andover High School testing stand-up desks

ANDOVER, Minn. (KMSP) - Sit or stand? Some students at Andover High School have the option after social studies teacher Richard Wilkie launched an experiment with stand-up desks.

“I just wanted a different type of stimulus for my classroom,” Wilkie said. “I will say this -- you’re not falling asleep in a stand-up desk.”

Wilkie has been teaching for 27 years and was intrigued by the idea of stand-up desks after reading several articles last year. Soon after Wilkie began researching options, the Anoka-Hennepin School District received a donation of 10 standing desks from the American Heart Association, with 5 ending up in Wilkie’s classroom.

Reaction has been mixed, but some students say they feel more engaged and alert at a stand-up desk and they like having the option to stand for at least one class amid a day that can include 6 hours of sitting.