To gauge the impact of after-school student detention on punctual completion of homework, on detained student grades, and on student self-esteem, fourth- through sixth-grade students from a school with an after-school detention policy for late or incomplete assignments were studied. Interviews were conducted with the four fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade teachers; with both detained students and students who had not been detained for late assignments; and with the parents of detained and nondetained students. In addition, the teachers were given a chart to log student detention and grade point averages for 2 weeks in October 1988. Students who were detained within that period completed a questionnaire at the conclusion of their detention. Results indicate that while the teachers were interested in helping students with assignments, they were frustrated with using their personal lunch or after-school work time to stay with students who behaved irresponsibly. The number of student detentions was found not to decrease unless: (1) parents had set guidelines and consequences for their children concerning late assignments; and (2) teachers personally contacted parents. Detainment alone did not prove to be an effective deterrent for late assignments. (KM)