One of the main differences between online school and regular school is the amount of homework given and the way students finish it. Freshman Cindy Liu accomplishes her homework in a unique way.

“I usually take a quick break after class and then do as much as I can in one sitting. [Then], I do something else, and [after that], I get back to doing my work,” Liu said. “[One of my biggest issues when doing homework] is getting myself to do [homework] in the way that most benefits me. [I prefer paper work over a computer] because it gets me motivated to get my homework done. [When I use paper], I can see the pile in front of me so I can divide my time up visually. On average, I have one to two and a half hours of homework every day.”

Sophomore Amelia Gorby also has different strategies on how she completes her homework.

“Luckily my classes are pretty lenient; we get to do a lot of [our homework] in class. Even if it is supposed to be homework, I do the rest of it in the ten minutes between my classes and after school. Putting my phone away [helps me finish my homework]. I will put it on ‘do not disturb, or I will shut it off, or I give it to my mom,” Gorby said. “[Homework is easier online] because it’s all [on] a Google Doc. [There are] no papers that I have to keep track of. You can find everything super easy. I definitely prefer computers. It varies depending on tests and quizzes,” Gorby said. “[It takes me] probably around three to five hours [to finish my homework each night].

Junior Mary El Vaughan organizes her school schedule with the motivation of not falling behind.

“I organize [my homework by having] a whiteboard that I write the days assignments are on. I also take breaks between each class. I generally will come up with a plan [such as], ‘I’ll do this class, and then this class,’ and then I’ll read a chapter in my book or get a snack. If I don’t manage to get everything done the night before, then I generally wake up early to finish any last bits,” Vaughan said. “Part of homework is being prepared for the next class. My motivation is based on a fear of falling behind or not wanting to be confused. I probably spend an upwards of two and a half [to] three hours [on homework].

Along with extracurricular activities on the side, senior Emily Nguyen manages her way through her last year.

“I normally struggle with time management because I have practices and work. I also have a little sibling to take care of [and] I have to make sure I get all my priorities and errands done. I also have to make sure my brother is on track with his schoolwork as well as mine. [I have a] lot of things on my plate going at once,” Nguyen said. “I try to get all of my stuff done by noon and a little afternoon because I like to spend time with my family and friends. I get a couple of assignments every week, and it’s about an hour of homework every day.”