PACA Students Struggle Under a Never Ending School Workload.

Homework: Is it really beneficial for students?

Caption: A ninth grade student diligently does her homework at school when she is able, so she does not have to take it home. [by Valentina Porto]

By Valentina Porto

At PACA, the majority of high and middle school students follow a hectic daily routine. In my experience, I know of students who leave home before 7 a.m. and return after 7 p.m. on the late bus. Along with having to get home incredibly late, these students will spend the next two to three hours doing homework from various subjects. In my opinion, this is an excruciating academic schedule, which includes eight full hours of in-school studying. Many people including myself are concerned about the possibility of student burnout and mental health.

According to the National Institution of Medicine, a supportive school environment is crucial to prevent student burnout. Poor school attachment and excessive homework is positively associated with higher burnout among students, suggesting the need for schools to create an environment that supports students’ physical and psychological needs.

Which leads to the question: Why is it necessary to assign homework when students already spend a full-time “work week” in the classroom? Given this doubt, I have a hard time understanding the logic behind assigning extensive nightly work is increasingly difficult to defend. First of all, let’s put into account the level of exhaustion this leads students to have. I think that when one considers this level of exhaustion, this excruciating routine produces, the current homework handing system seems counterproductive.

For many students, the few hours between the end of the school day and bedtime are the only time available for rest, hobbies, and family. According to experts in Allianz, the first step towards achieving a balanced life is to prioritize yourself. It’s to make your mental and physical health a priority, since life shouldn’t only be about academics.

Students also have to learn how to cultivate non-academic skills that matter just as much as schoolwork. I have observed that the current homework system eliminates this personal time entirely. It transforms the after-school period into nothing more than an extension of the school day. When students consistently lack opportunities for rest and interaction, both their motivation and well-being deteriorate.

According to BMC Psychology, “Stress and burnout seem to be a problem in all students. Fostering a supportive environment is key for study engagement, health and well-being of students.”

This statement reinforces what many educators and psychologists have long argued: academic success cannot come at the cost of mental and emotional health. I believe that a supportive environment is one that prioritizes the well being of students and treats them as human beings.

Ultimately, creating a healthier academic environment is not just about limiting homework but about redefining what schools consider meaningful learning. When students have time to rest, pursue hobbies, and care for their mental health, they return to the classroom more focused, engaged and actually feeling a desire to learn. Education should enlighten students, not exhaust them.

My recommendation would be to achieve a healthier environment for students. In my opinion, the first step is to reconsider how much homework is really necessary. May I suggest reducing the quantity of nightly assignments or finding a way for this work to be completed during school hours?

Several countries in Europe set up laws to drastically limit or almost completely eliminate the giving of homework by teachers in schools. For instance, Poland established many regulations in April 2024, where teachers are no longer allowed to give out homework. The education minister believes that the place for education and learning is school, not home.

I believe this would help ensure that students are not overwhelmed. In no situation should students feel they must sacrifice sleep, family time, or personal well-being just to keep up with academic expectations. School should be a place of learning and growth, not a burden of constant stress that follows them home.