Elementary School Homework Study 2026: Nearly 7 in 10 Canadian Parents Support Homework
Key Summary
We surveyed Canadian parents to find out whether elementary school students should have homework. While many school boards have reduced or reimagined homework in recent years, our results show that most parents still believe homework plays an important role in elementary education.
Key findings:
- 69.9% believe elementary school students should have homework.
- 30.1% believe elementary students should not have homework.
- Parents continue to value homework despite growing debate among educators.
- Research suggests that quality matters more than quantity when it comes to homework.
Should Elementary School Students Have Homework?
Homework has long been considered an extension of classroom learning. For generations, students have brought home reading assignments, math practice, spelling lists and projects designed to reinforce what they learned during the school day.
In recent years, however, the role of homework has become increasingly controversial. Some schools have reduced homework in the elementary years, arguing that young children benefit more from play, family time and extracurricular activities. Others continue to view homework as an important way to reinforce learning and develop responsibility.
To understand where Canadian parents stand, we asked one simple question: should elementary school students have homework?
The results show that support remains strong.
- 69.9% said Yes.
- 30.1% said No.
Nearly seven in ten parents believe elementary students should continue receiving homework in some form.
Why Parents Continue to Support Homework
While every family has different experiences, many parents see homework as an opportunity to reinforce what children are learning in school.
Parents who support homework often believe it helps children:
- practice important literacy and numeracy skills
- build responsibility and independent learning habits
- develop routines that prepare them for higher grades
- stay connected to what their child is learning in class
For many families, homework also creates an opportunity to spend time reading together or reviewing concepts that children may have found challenging during the school day.
Our poll suggests that these perceived benefits continue to resonate with the majority of parents.
The Research Says Homework Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Although parents generally support homework, educational research presents a more nuanced picture.
Studies have consistently found that homework becomes more beneficial as students get older. For younger elementary students, however, the academic gains are often modest—particularly when homework is lengthy or repetitive.
Instead, researchers suggest that the quality and purpose of homework matter far more than the amount assigned.
Effective homework is often:
- short and manageable
- closely connected to classroom learning
- appropriate for a child’s age and developmental stage
- able to be completed without causing unnecessary stress
Many education experts now recommend meaningful practice over large volumes of nightly assignments.
The Debate Goes Beyond Academics
Homework isn’t simply an educational issue—it also affects family life.
Supporters argue that homework encourages discipline, reinforces learning and teaches children to manage responsibilities.
Critics point to several potential drawbacks, including:
- increased stress for students
- less time for physical activity and free play
- family conflict over completing assignments
- unequal access to parental support and learning resources
Research has also shown that students from higher-income households often receive more homework support at home, raising important questions about educational equity.
These competing priorities help explain why homework continues to generate passionate opinions among both educators and parents.
Key Insight: Parents Support Homework—But That Doesn’t Mean More Homework
One of the most interesting findings from this poll is that parental support for homework does not necessarily mean parents want large amounts of it.
Many education experts now advocate for a balanced approach that focuses on:
- daily reading
- brief math practice
- purposeful learning activities
- projects that encourage curiosity rather than repetitive worksheets
Our results suggest parents value homework when it serves a clear educational purpose—not simply because it’s part of tradition.
Expert Commentary
“Our poll shows that Canadian parents haven’t abandoned homework—but the conversation has changed. Rather than asking whether homework should exist at all, many families are asking what good homework actually looks like. The challenge for schools is finding that balance between reinforcing learning and protecting family time.”
— Cory Arsic, Founder, CanadianParent.ca
Related Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about homework, child development and supporting your child’s education at home, these evidence-based resources are a great place to start:
External Resources
- TVO Mathify – Homework Help – Free online math support for Ontario students in Grades 4–12, including live tutoring, videos and practice questions.
- Government of Canada – Positive Parenting Tips – Practical guidance on supporting children’s learning, development and well-being at every stage.
- OECD – Does Homework Perpetuate Inequities in Education? – An evidence-based analysis of how homework affects academic achievement and educational equity around the world.
- American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org – Expert advice for parents on helping school-age children build healthy routines, manage stress and develop lifelong learning habits.
Related Canadian Parent Articles
Methodology
This study is based on responses collected through the Canadian Parent polling platform.
- Audience: Canadian parents and caregivers
- Data collection: CanadianParent on-site poll
- Survey question: “Should elementary school students have homework?”
- Results: 69.9% Yes, 30.1% No
- Field period: 2026
Cite This Study
CanadianParent.ca (2026). Elementary School Homework Study 2026: Nearly 7 in 10 Canadian Parents Support Homework.
Final Note
The conversation around homework continues to evolve as schools balance academic achievement with student well-being. While educational research increasingly emphasizes quality over quantity, our poll demonstrates that most Canadian parents still believe homework has an important role during the elementary years.