Princeton School District Implements Some Homework-Free Weekends This School Year

PRINCETON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- It's been a question for decades: should students be overloaded with homework?

Schools across the country are trying to limit the amount of work they give out. And in New Jersey, some schools are even going homework-free on weekends.

As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, Princeton, New Jersey is known for its ivy league university. The need to achieve at Community Park School though, starts early in elementary school.

"I think we can go overboard, especially in a town like this where people are so hyper-focused on education and college acceptance," said parent Laurie Troilo.

But now, Troilo's children are getting a break from homework.

The Princeton School District is instituting some homework-free weekends: after the week-long teachers conference in November; Thanksgiving and Mother's Day weekends; and spring and winter breaks, Sloan reported.

"I think it's a great start. I'd love to see it be more, meaning less homework actually," said Troilo.

No tests or projects will be due after breaks either.

One student said they're spending more time learning in class.

"They want to inspire people to have more extracurriculars, so I play lacrosse and do a couple of other things. So I spend more doing that than homework," said high school student Henry Bartman.

The schools superintendent said it's part of the district's wellness program and that surveys show kids are working too hard.

"The reality is that we know that kids who are well-rested, well-balanced are going to perform better academically, and in every aspect of their lives," said Superintendent Steven Cochrane.

But not everyone likes the idea.

"I am definitely for all homework for the weekend," said parent Blair Ayers. "I think it just keeps that whole discipline factor going throughout the month."

What's happening in Princeton seems to be a national and statewide trend. At least three other districts in the area limit homework on the weekends.

Cochrane said it allows students to do other things.

"To read for pleasure, to play outside," he said.

Princeton plans on expanding homework-free weekends if the policy works out this year, Sloan reported.