At Arco Iris, we've made a conscious decision to implement a no-homework policy, and families consistently tell us it's one of their favorite things about our small, tuition-free Spanish Immersion school. Here's why we believe this approach best serves our K-5 students and their families.
Learning in Two Languages is Hard Work
Our students spend their entire school day navigating between Spanish and English, processing complex concepts, and building bilingual literacy skills. This cognitive workout is exhausting! By the time 3:30 PM rolls around, their brains need rest.
Just like adults need to decompress after work, children need downtime to process what they've learned. Our no-homework policy encourages students to return each morning refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges in both languages.
More Time for What Matters
We are big fans of educating the whole child – and that requires balance. Without homework hanging over their heads, our students can pursue their passions, whether that's soccer, piano, art, or simply playing outside. All of these activities develop social bonds and crucial skills like creativity, teamwork, and physical fitness that homework can't teach.
While it’s not required, instead of laboring at the kitchen counter doing homework, we do encourage our students and families to get out into the community to practice their Spanish skills. There’s no better way to increase fluency and comprehension than real-world application of what students spend all day learning. It’s key to building those strong, flexible bilingual brains!
Parents report that eliminating homework has transformed their evenings. No more battles over math sheets or tears over spelling lists. Instead, families can enjoy dinner conversations, board games, and bedtime stories. These moments build stronger relationships and create positive associations with learning.
The Research is Clear
Multiple studies confirm what teachers (and parents) have suspected: homework in elementary school doesn't improve learning. A comprehensive 2006 study found no meaningful connection between homework and better grades or test scores, regardless of whether students were working on reading or math (the data was a little stronger in homework’s favor for high school students, however). In fact, research published in 2013 revealed that homework can actually harm young learners. Excessive homework can cause stress, anxiety, and reduce learner motivation.
What does support growth? Quality classroom instruction (which we provide Monday-Friday) and reading for pleasure (which we encourage families to do together each night).
The argument that many schools make for homework in elementary school is its ability to strengthen the connection between home and school. But we’ve already got that part covered. At Arco Iris, we build a strong family-school bond in other ways: cultural events, community-wide celebrations, parent-teacher conferences, field trips, Cafe con el Director and our policy of open communication between families and staff.
At Arco Iris, we always put what’s best for children and families at the center of our decision-making. If no homework means less stress and more growth for everyone (including our teachers!) then we are all in.
The first day of the 2025-26 school year is fast approaching. There’s still time to enroll so you can join us on August 25th for Meet the Teacher Event. Head over to our enrollment page to learn more!
About Arco Iris
Arco Iris Spanish Immersion is a small tuition-free public charter school providing a rich, immersive Spanish language experience and robust academics in a true multicultural setting. Centrally located off 217, between SW Portland and Tigard, we serve K-5 students in the greater Beaverton area to become bilingual and biliterate leaders of the future. Get to know us on Instagram @arcoiris_spanishimmersion and on the web at www.arcoirisschool.org. We’re enrolling for Fall 2025-26. Bilingual Education: A Rainbow of Possibilities