Let Childhood Be Childhood: A Screen‑Conscious Start at Evansville Day School

If you’ve ever wished childhood would slow down a little, you’re not alone. Many families tell us they want less rushing, less noise, and definitely fewer screens in their young children’s lives. They want their kids to spend their early years exploring, imagining, laughing, and discovering — not managing another device.

At Evansville Day School, we feel the same way.

That’s why our approach in the early years is simple:

Preschool uses screens only on rare, meaningful occasions.
Kindergarten–2nd grade uses screens sparingly and with intention.
Technology grows with your child — never ahead of them.

We believe childhood deserves to be protected, celebrated, and filled with real experiences.

Preschool: A Childhood‑First Environment

Walk into our Preschool classrooms on any given morning, and you’ll notice something right away: children are busy playing, not watching. That’s intentional. Screens don’t play a role in our day-to-day learning here.

But on rare occasions — maybe to watch a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis or peek at a live animal cam — we’ll bring out a screen to spark curiosity. These moments are short, meaningful, and directly connected to something students are already wondering about.

Most days, our preschoolers are engaged in things like:

Hands‑On, Joyful Play

Dramatic play, block towers, sensory tables, painting, storytelling — all the good stuff that builds language, creativity, problem‑solving, and social confidence.

Early Spanish Exposure

Students meet with our native Spanish-speaking teacher in short, playful sessions involving songs, simple stories, movement, and lots of repetition. It’s a gentle, joyful introduction to global learning.

Early Literacy Foundations

Through rhymes, stories, conversations, sounds, and wordplay, children build the language base they’ll use for reading later on.

Exploring Our 39 Acres

We spend a lot of time outdoors — in the woods, on trails, in gardens, and on our natural play spaces. Kids learn about their world by being in it.

A True Sense of Belonging

Our teachers know each child’s personality, interests, fears, quirks, and strengths. They celebrate them all. This connection builds confidence and security — the foundation for everything else.

In short: your child gets the childhood you want for them — active, imaginative, social, and full of wonder.

 

K–2: Purposeful Screens, Strong Foundations

Once children reach Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade, we continue to keep screens in the “occasional” category. Technology might pop in for a brief demonstration or a specific learning task, but the heart of the day is hands‑on and interactive.

Here’s what early elementary looks like at EDS:

Strong Foundations in Reading and Writing

We use structured, explicit phonics based on the science of reading — the kind that builds confident, capable readers step by step.

Singapore Math (our newest addition!)

Families are excited about this change, and for good reason. Singapore Math helps children truly understand numbers, not just memorize them. Kids use manipulatives, draw models, talk through strategies, and learn to think like mathematicians.

Spanish Continues

Language learning grows naturally as children practice new vocabulary and engage in fun, age‑appropriate lessons.

“Let’s Try It and See!” Science

Students ask questions, run experiments, explore natural phenomena, and learn to think like young scientists.

Outdoor Play & Movement

Fresh air, space to move, and time to play make a huge difference in focus and well‑being.

Social‑Emotional Growth

Teachers help children navigate friendships, practice kindness, build resilience, and communicate effectively.

Screens have a place — but it’s a small one, and always for the right reasons.

 

Real Teachers Make All the Difference

One of the things families love most about Evansville Day School is the people. Our teachers are warm, creative, intuitive, and deeply invested in every child. We don’t rely on apps or programs to teach the things humans teach best.

Your child will learn from:

• A native Spanish-speaking teacher who brings language to life
• A science teacher who treats the outdoors as a classroom
• Arts and music teachers who spark creativity and confidence
• Educators who genuinely know and love your child

This human-centered approach is something families feel as soon as they walk in the door.

 

When They’re Ready, We Open the Door to Innovation

Keeping screens limited in early childhood doesn’t hold students back — it prepares them for responsible, creative use later.

By the time students reach our iLab and Upper School, they’re ready for:

• 3D printing
• Robotics and coding
• Design thinking
• Digital media and music production
• Engineering and innovation challenges
• Cybersecurity and forensics

They use technology with purpose, curiosity, and maturity — because they weren’t oversaturated early on.

 

Why Families Choose EDS

Parents tell us they want:

• A childhood-centered approach
• Less screen time and more real-world learning
• Teachers who truly know their children
• Early Spanish exposure
• A math program that builds deep understanding
• Daily time outside
• A calm, joyful learning environment
• A school that reflects their family values

EDS gives them all of that — and more.

Come See the Difference for Yourself

We would love to meet you and show you what learning feels like here — warm, balanced, joyful, and grounded in what children truly need.

Schedule a personal tour.

We’ll walk the campus together, step into classrooms, meet teachers, and help you imagine your child here — thriving, exploring, and discovering with confidence. Start your journey here! 

Childhood only happens once.
Let’s make it wonderful.