How The College School supports healthy development through experiential, immersive learning
At The College School, we believe childhood should be experienced—not scrolled, swiped, or siloed. In a world where screens are everywhere, we’ve chosen a different approach—one that prioritizes hands-on, child-centered education over digital dependence.
More and more families are asking: How much screen time is too much?
At TCS, our answer is thoughtful, research-based, and clear: technology is a valuable supplement—but never a substitute—for deep, hands-on teaching and learning.
What Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation Tells Us
In his best-selling book The Anxious Generation, psychologist Jonathan Haidt presents data showing the link between early screen exposure and rising rates of youth anxiety and depression.
“The great rewiring of childhood began in the early 2010s, when children’s lives moved indoors and online.”
Haidt identifies two major shifts that have disrupted healthy development:
- A decline in independent outdoor play
- A sharp increase in screen-based social interaction
At The College School, we’ve long protected children from these trends by giving them what’s missing elsewhere: meaningful, real-world experiences and time to be kids.
The TCS Advantage: A Low-Tech, High-Touch Learning Environment
We prioritize what children truly need at every stage of development, grounded in trusting, meaningful relationships.
In Early Childhood and Elementary:
- Learning happens with blocks, paint, mud, and magnifying glasses.
- Daily outdoor play and nature walks support sensory development, emotional regulation, and physical health.
- Social-emotional learning is practiced face-to-face.
In Middle School:
- Technology is intentional and used with purpose.
- Students use digital tools for research, multimedia storytelling, and presentations as an extension of deeper thinking and collaboration.
- We help students learn how to manage technology, rather than letting technology manage them.
The Benefits of Limiting Screens in School
At The College School, limiting screen use helps our students:
- Build stronger focus and longer attention spans
- Develop creativity and problem-solving skills
- Strengthen mental health and reduce tech dependency
- Engage in active, collaborative learning
- Enjoy more time outdoors and in movement
These outcomes aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re what students need to thrive in today’s complex world.
Real Learning Happens in the Real World
As a school rooted in experiential learning, we know that authentic growth happens when students explore, create, and question in dynamic, real-world settings. That’s why our students:
- Conduct science experiments in the woods
- Build marble runs through research and trial and error
- Write and perform their own plays
We focus on building critical thinkers, resilient leaders, and creative learners.
Visit Our Campus and See the Difference
Come discover a school where children can be curious, get messy, climb trees, collaborate face-to-face—and still get into top high schools, ready to lead.
Click here to schedule a tour or register for and upcoming Admissions event.