When Mark Trifilio, Principal of the public pre-K-5th grade Orchard School in Vermont, took a good look at his students and the way they were learning, he realized that the inconsistencies with assigning homework might be hindering students rather than helping them. Since different teachers in the same grade often have separate lesson plans and homework goals, the children were being unfairly subjected to varying homework loads that weighed them down.

After considering the issue for quite some time, and taking a look at some studies that suggested that homework might not be necessary, he decided to take it up with the school's 40 educators at a meeting prior to the beginning of the school year. He put the decision up for a vote and was astonished at the response: all 40 unanimously voted in favor of doing away with homework.

They decided to trial the idea by banning homework for all grades but encouraging students to read at home and play outside. Studies showed that the only beneficial after-school work was reading at home, so each grade has a list of suggested books but no mandatory reading log. The rules on the school's website are as follows:

No Homework Policy
Orchard School Homework Information
Student's Daily Home Assignment
1. Read just-right books every night —
(and have your parents read to you, too).
2. Get outside and play —
that does not mean more screen time.
3. Eat dinner with your family —
and help out with setting and cleaning up.
4. Get a good night's sleep.