Going “Old School”: Union Day School Embraces Pen-and-Paper Curriculum, Reverses Classroom Tech Trend

Going “Old School”: Union Day School Embraces Pen-and-Paper Curriculum, Reverses Classroom Tech Trend

Union Day School in Weddington has announced the implementation of new schoolwide screen time restrictions beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, reinforcing the school’s ongoing commitment to student wellness, academic focus, and meaningful classroom engagement. With this initiative, Union Day School becomes the first charter school in the Charlotte region to adopt a comprehensive schoolwide screen time restriction policy.

The initiative comes in response to growing national research surrounding the effects of excessive screen time on students’ focus, sleep patterns, social development, and overall well-being. Recent studies published in journals like 'Cureus' have shown a direct link between heavy classroom device usage and decreased attention spans, lower working memory, and poorer scores on standardized math and English tests due to digital distraction. By returning to a pen-and-paper foundation, we are aligning our curriculum with proven cognitive science  “At Union Day, our mission has always centered on educating the whole child,” Executive Director Joely Lord says. “ As educators, we have seen firsthand how excessive screen exposure can impact attention, communication, and engagement. This decision reflects our commitment to putting students’ long-term well-being first. Our goal isn't to retreat from the modern world, but to reclaim the classroom. We are drawing a line where technology enhances a lesson—but never replaces the human connection that true learning requires.”

While technology will continue to play an important role in instruction, UDS leaders emphasized that the school’s approach will prioritize discussion, collaboration, hands-on learning, and face-to-face interaction.

“We believe technology should enhance learning, not dominate it,” Lord adds. “By intentionally creating more opportunities for authentic connection and active learning, we are preparing students with the interpersonal and critical-thinking skills they need for the future.”

Union Day School will become the first charter school in North Carolina to implement a mandate of this kind, further positioning the school as a leader in innovative student-centered education practices.

School officials acknowledged that families will have questions regarding implementation and expectations. Additional details, including grade-level guidelines and operational procedures, will be shared with families in the coming months.

“Our goal is to partner closely with families throughout this process,” said Lord. “By turning down the digital noise, we are going to see a massive shift in how our students focus, collaborate, and experience school culture every single day.”

About Union Day School
Union Day School is a public charter school located in Union County, North Carolina, dedicated to providing a rigorous, student-centered educational experience that develops leadership, character, and lifelong learning. Union Day School is the first and only North Carolina charter school to be certified as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.