As our springtime days get longer, many students are heading home from school with homework the last thing on their minds. From spending time with family to playing outside with friends, children can find endless reasons to skip school work and have fun. Should we be listening to our kids’ intuitions? Does homework really help?
Supporting the Whole Child
At San Diego Cooperative Charter School (San Diego Co-op), our approach to “Whole Child” learning extends beyond the school day. We prioritize our students’ connections with family and friends after school over homework assignments. Co-op students are vigorously engaged in learning during their school day, and evening is time to recharge and explore other interests. We proudly say “We are not a homework school”, and our families love it!
“I would like to share how happy we are that our girls are no longer coming home with useless piles of papers!!!” (SDCCS PARENT)
One Size Does Not Fit All
Despite our position on not assigning homework, our faculty and staff understand that a minimal amount of homework can help struggling students stay on track. Our small-school environment enables us to keep a close eye on student learning and reach out to families if we see that some additional support is needed. We can send home activities or exercises to reinforce what they are learning during the school day, with care given to projects that the student enjoys.
Science Speaks
Neuroscientists’ studies show that – especially at the grade school level – there’s not much evidence that homework improves brain functioning and cognitive understanding. In fact, for elementary school-age children, there is no measurable academic advantage to homework at all. Although surveys show that the amount of time American children spend on homework has risen over the last three decades, our country is not anywhere near the top of international academic rankings. A study in the Economics of Education Review reports that homework in science, English and history has “little to no impact” on student test scores.
Proven Outcomes
Our position on homework assignments hasn’t wavered since our founding. And the results speak for themselves. San Diego Co-op students graduate with solid study skills and an education that helps them thrive in high school and beyond. They are achieving these learning outcomes while maintaining a balanced home/school life during their time at our school. That’s something students – and families – can enjoy!
At San Diego Cooperative Charter School, we prioritize learning without the burden of daily homework. Is your child ready to thrive? Contact us and learn more today!
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About San Diego Cooperative Charter School
San Diego Cooperative Charter School is a tuition-free charter school serving TK-8 grade students in the San Diego, CA area. Our warm learning atmosphere and excellent academics inspire empathetic, engaged lifelong learners. Students are supported by a unique co-op model of family engagement. Join our public charter school today! Enrolling now.