This sounds like keeping up with the Jones' more than anything... these are not middle America public schools or even middle class neighborhoods where this family is residing - these are feeders to the upper echelon of American society. Do I wish my public school rural America kids had different homework? Yes, we could make many points about quality over quantity. But, if this guy and his kids feel the work is too onerous, there are plenty of regular public school options that will be a shocking step down in terms of rigor, but that might be more in line with their expectations.