EDS- FAQs

Here are answers to questions frequently asked by visiting families. If you have other questions, please contact us by phone at (812) 476-3039, ext. 205 or by e-mail at admissions@evansvilledayschool.org

1. How did Evansville Day School begin?
EDS was started in 1946 by a group of parents interested in improving the education of their children. From its "little red schoolhouse" beginnings on Sunset Avenue, the college preparatory school has grown to accommodate over 300 students, providing a wide range of learning experiences at its Green River Road campus.

2. Is your school set up like a regular public school?
Not exactly. To begin with, Evansville Day School has three divisions: the Primary School (Jr. Prekindergarten through fourth grade), Middle School (fifth through eighth grade), and the Upper School (ninth through twelfth grade). Although these divisions are separate, the curriculum is coordinated, culminating in a well-rounded preparation for a successful college career.

3. When does science education begin at EDS?
Science preparation begins with our Preschool, and is provided through planned centers. From first grade on, students carry out experiments with a science teacher in a lab with specialized equipment. Science is active and enjoyable at EDS, inspiring the concentrated effort needed to produce budding scientists, including Science Fair winners at the state, national, and international levels.

4. At what age do students begin to study Art, Music, and Foreign Language?
At age three-when it comes naturally! In the Primary School, the Spanish teacher makes regular classroom visits. For Music and Art, students go to specially equipped classrooms twice a week. Instruction continues through Middle and Upper School at accelerated levels.

5. What if my child enters the Day School at age 10...or 15?
Not all of our seniors started in Jr. Pre-Kindergarten. Students can join EDS at any point - and succeed. This is because our support systems are designed to integrate new students into the curriculum, whether they are advanced or need academic review. Unlike larger, less flexible schools, we schedule classes to accommodate our students' needs. And with our low student-to-teacher ratio, there's time for plenty of individual attention, ensuring that every student does his or her best work.

6. How about sports...what can a school your size offer?
Soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, and more. Our small size means a good chance to participate-everyone's "on the team"-yet we compete successfully against local, regional, and state teams fielded from much larger schools. Following the dictum of "a sound mind in a sound body," Primary School students attend physical education classes four days a week.

7. What about your technology program?
Our students begin hands-on computer instruction beginning in Jr. Prekindergarten. All computer labs are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, there are computers in each classroom. Our Technology program received a special commendation in the school's last accreditation.

8. Are there any other advantages to attending a smaller school?
At every grade level, smaller class sizes are ideal for encouraging full participation and building self-esteem. Especially for our Middle and Upper School students, a small student population encourages a personal relationship between teacher and pupils.

9. What extracurricular activities can my child choose from?
Our extracurricular activities run the gamut from the genial politicking of student government activities to photography, drama, instrumental music, speech, yearbook, and more, reflecting the diverse interests of our students. Intersession experiences allow students to take a break from traditional classes and focus on experimental learning, such as cultural trips, community service projects, outdoor trips, and career exploration.

10. Where do you find your teachers?
EDS faculty are carefully chosen for their academic qualifications, enthusiasm, and the ability to help each student achieve. We cast our net widely. Staff additions have come to us from previous posts in Mexico, France, and even Hong Kong, as well as around the United States.

11. How many students do you have for each teacher?
Overall, our teacher-student ratio is 1:9. Classes average about 12-15 students per teacher. In some of the Upper School's more specialized courses, this can sometimes drop to 4-8 students per teacher. Preschool classes are limited to 18 students, with two teachers in each section.

12. How about SAT scores?
A high SAT score isn't the only thing college admission committees look at but it's worth noting that the Class of 2003 had a median score of 1260.

13. Do you offer any Advanced Placement courses?
Yes, in Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Biology, English Composition, Government, US History, French and Spanish.

14. How many of your Seniors go on to college?
More than 99%. In fact, during the last ten years, only three graduates chose to interrupt their studies-and one of them is now at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

15. Where do most EDS students continue their studies after graduation?
The ten schools which admit EDS grads most frequently are Indiana, Purdue, Vanderbilt, Washington University, University of Evansville, Wabash College, Northwestern, Rhodes College, Washington and Lee, and Butler University. As well, EDS has prepared students for other top colleges and universities nationwide, from Harvard and Princeton to Stanford, University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, and many others.