We believe minimal screen time is central to successful cognitive and academic maturation in children and adolescents. Wolfeboro's academic program is pen and paper, and student cell phone use is limited to 30 minutes per day.

As a result, academic progress is authentic and deeply internalized. Research continues to confirm that extensive screen time limits comprehension and compromises cognitive growth. Wolfeboro's common sense digital policy sets us apart from other summer academic programs and from most schools.

Academic Benefit

Academic focus is best nurtured with pen and paper ... with markedly few exceptions. And this includes progress in writing. Planning and executive function skills benefit from the deliberate focus required by pen and paper.

"Nothing demands focus like a pencil. Nothing distracts like a screen."

Although students must eventually learn to overcome digital obstacles, Wolfeboro's five-week digital break accelerates skills and confidence. Meaningful progress is simply that much more without digital distraction. 

Be assured that student anxiety about screen time is 100% anticipation. It truly takes only minutes for most students to start enjoying a vibrant and robust social life on campus.

This is actually easy for us to implement. Ask us - we can help you better understand how to have this conversation with your son or daughter.

Stay Connected at Wolfeboro

With parent permission, students will have their cell phones for about 30 minutes per day most every day. In addition, land-line campus telephones provide daily opportunities for students to call home. 

Read the Research

Explore the science behind minimal screen time in our updated collection of articles from leading researchers and news outlets.