Does BHCA assign homework?

Does BHCA Assign Homework? A Clear Look at Our Philosophy

By Mrs. Natasha Brady, Head of School

Some families come to Big House because they’ve heard we don’t give homework. Others worry that homework equals academic rigor. Both perspectives make sense—and both deserve clarity.

So let’s answer the question clearly:

What Does BHCA Consider “Homework”?

At BHCA, homework means:

Extra work assigned by the teacher to be done at home and turned in for points or credit the next day.

Under that definition, we do not assign homework.
But that doesn’t mean learning stops when students go home.

What We Do Expect

1. Unfinished Classwork

Younger students almost always complete their work in class.
As students get older—especially in middle school—talking, distractions, or heavier workloads may cause work to roll over into home time. This isn’t “extra homework”; it’s completing what was meant to be finished in class.

2. Studying for Tests

Studying is a lifelong skill.
All grades are expected to study at home using the study guides, review sheets, and resources teachers provide.

3. Long-Term Projects

Occasionally, students will need to work at home on larger projects. This teaches real-life time management and responsibility.

Does Learning Continue at Home?

Absolutely!
We intentionally equip families with tools to support learning beyond the school day:

• 📖 Daily reading practice for primary grades
  
  

• 🧠 IXL access for all students in 1st–8th grade
  
  

• 📁 Full parent access to lesson plans, which include:
  
  

  • video lessons

  • practice links

  • Quizlets

  • study guides
    
    

These tools allow families to confidently support their child’s learning—without busywork.

But What About College Readiness?

Our high schoolers do spend time each night studying for tests, finishing math, working on projects, or catching up on assignments. You can call it homework if you’d like… but it’s always purposeful and never assigned just to fill time.

And when they reach junior year?
They often begin early college courses—and they thrive.

Why? Because instead of relying on repetitive worksheets, our students have learned:

• how to learn

• how to study

• how to think critically

• how to manage their time

• how to read deeply

• how to write effectively
  
  

These are the skills that prepare students for college—not nightly packets of busywork.

At BHCA, the Goal Isn’t More Work. It’s More Learning.