About

We are a co-educational, independent school.

We teach children from Toddler through Grade 8.

Founded in 1929, and governed by a Board of Trustees. At Erie Day School, our approach to education is founded on a simple but all-important belief — children naturally like to learn.

We call on our students to recognize their potential as individuals, yet expect them to acknowledge their membership in a community. Teachers use opportunities to teach tolerance, integrity, and social responsibility.

At Erie Day School, we believe respect, manners, and social etiquette are an integral part of education.

We are accredited nationally as well as regionally through the National Association of Independent Schools and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools.

Our Goal

All programs planned, supervised, and guided by the school enable students to develop in an atmosphere that is both supportive and nurturing.

Our goal is to stretch and challenge our students academically while having the flexibility to address individual needs. Students grow in terms of self-discipline, confidence, and knowledge through their involvement in academics, athletics, the visual and performing arts, and extracurricular activities. We seek diversity in our student body, for it is this diversity that enriches learning for all.

Frequent communication between home and school is encouraged as parents are viewed as partners in the learning process.

Our Mission

Founded in 1929, Erie Day School is a Toddler through Grade 8 independent, non-sectarian, co-education school. The School’s mission is to provide a challenging education in a nurturing environment. Our community consists of a diverse group of students prepared and inspired to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible leaders and citizens, and lifetime learners.

Revised July 2022

Our Philosophy

Erie Day School believes the needs of the whole child – intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and ethical – are best addressed in an educational community where:

  • Students are enthusiastic about and responsible for their own learning;
  • High expectations are held for students, faculty, and staff;
  • Innovative and qualified teachers respond to the individual needs of students;
  • Students’ natural curiosity is fostered through their active participation in the educational process;
  • Students are given opportunities to succeed in a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment;
  • The visual and performing arts are integrated into the other subject areas to broaden literacy and learning;
  • Athletics and wellness are priorities;
  • Citizenship is inspired and plays an active role in student decisions;
  • Community is supported between home and school as parents are viewed as partners in the learning process (i.e. the learning triangle);
  • Safety and security are commitments;
  • Character is a shared responsibility among students, faculty, staff, and parents; and
  • Critical thinking and creativity are promoted and celebrated.