The Latest


It might seem early to start thinking about the 2026–27 school year, but at Erie Day School, enrollment moves quickly! With limited space available in many classrooms, now is the perfect time for families to reach out and learn more.


We’re currently welcoming prospective families to schedule private campus tours—each one tailored to their child’s interests and designed to showcase the joy, curiosity, and care that fill our classrooms every day. Families will have the chance to see EDS in action and discover what makes our learning environment so special.


Our next Open House will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, but we encourage families to schedule a tour well before then, as many grade levels are expected to reach capacity before winter.


We’re also proud to share that our Preschool was recently named one of Erie’s Top Preschools by the Erie’s Choice Awards! This recognition speaks to the warmth, quality, and excellence that extend throughout every level of EDS.


If you have friends or family who might be a wonderful fit for our school community, we’d love for you to share this message and encourage them to reach out soon. There’s truly no better time to experience all that makes Erie Day School an extraordinary place to learn and grow.

The Students


Last month, Erie Day School proudly welcomed its newest members into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)—an achievement that celebrates students who exemplify scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

The NJHS is one of the nation’s most respected organizations recognizing middle school students for their accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom. Induction into this prestigious group reflects not only academic excellence, but also a commitment to integrity, community, and positive leadership.


Congratulations to our newly inducted NJHS members! Your hard work, compassion, and dedication make our school community shine.

The Campus


Erie Day School (EDS) is proud to celebrate three remarkable recognitions that affirm its deep commitment to creativity, sustainability, and respect for the natural world. The school has been named an Outstanding Visual Arts Community, recognized as a NOAA Ocean Guardian School, and certified as a Schoolyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.


“These honors reflect our mission to live with wisdom, kindness, and respect,” said Head of School Donald Fuller. “They showcase how Erie Day School nurtures academic excellence while inspiring students to care for their environment and community.”



As an Outstanding Visual Arts Community, EDS is recognized among Pennsylvania’s leaders in arts education. Every student—from PreK through Grade 8—participates in hands-on, studio-based art experiences that promote creative expression, collaboration, and confidence. Student artwork is regularly displayed throughout the school and the community, reinforcing the importance of the arts as a core element of an EDS education.


Environmental stewardship is woven just as deeply into the school’s culture. As the first school in Pennsylvania to be named a NOAA Ocean Guardian School, EDS empowers students to take meaningful action through recycling, composting, and a Zero Waste Lunch program. These projects connect classroom learning with the health of Lake Erie, helping students see how their choices make a tangible impact.


The school’s Certified Schoolyard Habitat is another powerful expression of this commitment. The EDS gardens—including the Vegetable Garden, Butterfly Garden, and Secret Garden—have transformed the campus into a vibrant outdoor learning environment. Students plant, harvest, write poetry, observe wildlife, and discover how ecosystems work right outside their classroom doors. These green spaces have also become a cherished symbol of community, as students, families, and alumni have all contributed to their growth and care.


Together, these designations affirm Erie Day School’s philosophy that education extends beyond the classroom walls. Through art, stewardship, and hands-on exploration, EDS students are growing into creative thinkers, responsible citizens, and compassionate caretakers of the world around them.

The Teachers


Behind every favorite Erie Day School tradition, there’s a group of extraordinary people quietly making the magic happen—our amazing Parent Group.


Just as our teachers and staff work tirelessly to guide and inspire students each day, our Parent Group provides the extra hands, hearts, and energy that keep the spirit of EDS thriving. Together, they form a partnership that makes our community feel like family—where education and celebration go hand in hand.


This likeminded team of mothers and fathers somehow manages to do it all. Between running households, leading businesses, managing teams, and juggling full family schedules, they still find time to volunteer—time they hardly have to spare. They organize the events that make our school community shine, like the Back-to-School Coffee, the Book Fair, classroom celebrations, and beloved traditions like the Thanksgiving Feast.


And they don’t stop there. They lug cases of water and signs through Frontier to prepare for the Fun Run, and they transform into Santa’s Helpers during the Holiday Shop, assisting students as they pick out the perfect gifts for parents, siblings—and sometimes even the family dog.


Our Parent Group truly makes things work. They bring people together, support teachers, and help our school thrive in ways big and small. Without their creativity, energy, and dedication, so many of our favorite memories simply wouldn’t exist. Their efforts remind us that community spirit is at the heart of everything we do at Erie Day School.

Pictured above is EDS parent Grayson Patterson with his wife and son — and they’re excited to welcome a new addition soon! On the right is Kyle Strayer, his wife, and their two sons. All of the children are proud Erie Day School students.

The Alumni


Erie Day School alumni Grayson Patterson and Kyle Strayer have carried the spirit of their EDS education—collaboration, creativity, and community leadership—into their adult lives in remarkable ways.


This year, their shared commitment to Erie came together through an extraordinary community effort: the inaugural Runway Fun Run, the first-ever walk/run held directly on the Erie International Airport runway.


Though the event itself was a success—drawing nearly 300 participants and raising over $14,000 for Hamot Health Foundation’s Children’s Care Fund—its true story lies in how two EDS graduates joined forces to make it happen.



As President of North Coast Air, Grayson Patterson sparked the idea, envisioning a family-friendly event that would unite the community for a good cause.


Kyle Strayer, President and CEO of Erie Strayer Company, stepped up as presenting sponsor, rallying his team and their families to participate.

Both Grayson and Kyle serve on the Foundation’s Board of Corporators, embodying the EDS values of leadership and service. Their collaboration is a powerful reminder that the lessons learned at Erie Day School—working together, thinking boldly, and caring deeply for others—extend far beyond the classroom.


Through their partnership, Grayson and Kyle embody the EDS commitment to social responsibility, giving back to the community that nurtured them and inspiring future generations to do the same.


Do you have exciting EDS alumni news to share? To have your story featured in "The Spartan" send information to ckaten@eriedayschool.com

Make a Lasting Impact Through Your IRA


Your generosity can help insure the future of Erie Day School—while also offering you a smart way to give.


If you’re age 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to Erie Day School. This special type of gift allows you to support the school you care about while potentially reducing your taxable income.


A QCD allows you to transfer up to $100,000 per year from your IRA directly to Erie Day School. These gifts can also count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you’re 73 or older—without increasing your taxable income.


How to make your gift:

  • Contact your IRA custodian or financial advisor and let them know you’d like to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution.
  • Provide the following information so your gift reaches Erie Day School directly:

Erie Day School : 1372 West Sixth Street | Erie, PA 16505

  • Your custodian can send the check directly to Erie Day School or to you for forwarding.



Your gift through a QCD helps honor the philosophies of independent education that shaped generations of Erie Day School students. It anchors the traditions and values that make our school family so special and ensures that your children, grandchildren, and future generations can experience the same spirit of discovery, curiosity, and belonging that have defined Erie Day School for nearly a century. Your generosity helps keep that legacy alive—today and for all those yet to come.


For more information, contact Christina Katen at ckaten@eriedayschool.com.

Save The Date


Saturday, January 24th: Prospective Student Open House

1- 3 PM


Saturday, April 18th: The Auction at Erie Day School

Palm Royale

Erie Day School

Spirit Store


Looking for a way to show your Erie Day School pride? Our Spirit Store has everything from cozy hoodies and performance tees to stylish hats, water bottles, blankets, and even tie-dye items. Whether you're a Spartan fan, a proud alumnus, or a family member looking for a perfect gifts, you'll find dedicated sections just for you. Ten percent of all sales from the Spirit Store are donated back to Erie Day School Parent Group and support events like Field Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Founder's Day Ice Cream Social and more.


Shop Now!

Erie Day School Recognition Tree


Erie Day School offers a unique opportunity for families to etch their legacy into the institution's history by purchasing a leaf for our Recognition Tree. Crafted by local artist Adam Stempka of Stempka Designs, this custom piece invites families to honor or remember a student, teacher, philanthropist, or special person or family with a laser-engraved birch leaf. The tree is located on exterior wall at the Griffith Lobby entrance patio. 


Purchase a Leaf

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