For many families, homework creates more stress than success. Evenings often become a battle of focus, frustration, and fatigue, especially for children with ADHD or learning differences. At The Broach School, home should be a place for rest, connection, and family, not another classroom.
That’s why we are proud to be a no-homework school. Our approach is rooted in Dr. Broach’s long-standing belief: students spend their day working hard in class, so their evenings should belong to family and personal growth. Teachers are the professionals responsible for instruction, and learning should happen under their guidance—not through nightly struggles at the kitchen table.
The Problem With Homework for Students With ADHD
Research shows that homework can cause unnecessary stress, particularly for students with ADHD and other learning differences. Studies have found that excessive homework does not significantly improve academic performance in elementary and middle school students. Instead, it often increases frustration, anxiety, and family conflict.
Children with ADHD already work harder than most to stay focused during the school day. When they come home mentally drained, homework can feel impossible. Parents, in turn, often feel helpless when trying to manage tasks that teachers are better equipped to handle.
We recognize that these challenges often impact the entire family. By removing homework from our expectations, we reduce anxiety, protect family time, and help students associate learning with success rather than stress.
What Research Says About No Homework
Multiple educational studies have challenged the traditional value of homework. Data show that while high school students may gain limited academic benefit, younger children often do not. Instead, the most effective predictors of school success are high-quality instruction, classroom engagement, and emotional well-being.
According to research from the American Psychological Association, homework can increase stress and physical symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue, in children. Other studies published by Stanford University highlight that students who spend excessive time on homework report less time for hobbies, family, and rest, factors that are essential for balanced development.
For children with ADHD, the impact can be even more substantial. Fatigue, frustration, and overstimulation can make it challenging to focus at home, leading to negative emotions that can impact learning. By eliminating homework, we help students end their day feeling accomplished and ready to recharge.
Dr. Tommie Broach’s Philosophy: Let School Be for Learning, and Home Be for Family
When Dr. Tommie Broach founded The Broach School in 1973, her goal was to create a learning environment that encouraged and supported students who struggled in traditional classrooms. She saw firsthand how homework caused tension between parents and children and how it placed an unfair burden on families.
Her belief was simple:
“Students have been at work all day. They need time at home to be with their families—not to continue classroom stress.”
This student-centered philosophy remains at the core of every Broach School campus. Our teachers are responsible for guiding and reinforcing learning during the school day so that parents can enjoy being parents, not homework helpers.
What Happens Instead of Homework at The Broach School
We replace homework with intentional classroom engagement and individualized instruction. Our small class sizes (15:1 student-to-teacher ratio) enable teachers to provide personalized attention to each student’s unique needs.
Each child has an Individualized Success Plan, which includes academic goals, progress benchmarks, and emotional support strategies tailored to their specific needs. This plan ensures that learning happens within the school day, without requiring extra time or pressure at home.
We also use multisensory teaching methods, meaning lessons involve sight, sound, and movement to keep students engaged. This approach is practical for students with ADHD and other learning differences.
The Benefits Families Notice
Parents consistently share that the no-homework policy has transformed evenings at home. Without the tension of unfinished assignments, families spend more time cooking together, going for walks, or simply talking about their day.
Students come to school more rested, focused, and ready to learn. Teachers notice greater participation in class, improved attention spans, and better emotional regulation.
Our focus on social-emotional learning reinforces this balance. Students practice self-awareness, empathy, and responsibility —skills that matter just as much as academics.
Why Choose The Broach School?
For more than 50 years, The Broach School has provided a nurturing and structured environment for students with ADHD, autism, and learning differences. We believe in meeting students where they are and helping them build confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
Families searching for private schools for ADHD near me or private schools in Jacksonville will find that Broach offers more than an education; it provides peace of mind. With campuses in Orange Park, Jacksonville South, and West Campus, we offer a safe and supportive environment that fosters growth.
A Better Balance for Families
Homework has long been seen as a sign of academic rigor, but research and experience tell a different story. For children with ADHD and other learning differences, it often leads to frustration and burnout.
At The Broach School, we believe in innovative learning, where education occurs in the classroom and the home remains a space for family, creativity, and rest. Ready to experience the difference a no-homework school can make? Learn more about our programs and philosophy. Schedule a tour today!
