At Poker Hill School we belong and persevere, we’re respectful and encouraging of each other.
Our Philosophy
At Poker Hill School, we are a community of families and educators who support and learn from one another. We believe children learn best through play and in environments where they feel safe, valued, a sense of belonging, and respected. We foster trusting relationships among children, families, and staff, and honor the unique cultures and roles each family brings to a child’s development.
We prioritize social-emotional growth as the foundation for all learning, helping children build a strong sense of self. Our approach reflects children’s interests and encourages curiosity, engagement, and joy. We provide experiences that both reflect children’s identities and introduce them to the diversity of the wider world, guided in part by NAEYC’s Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education.
We believe rich environments—grounded in nature, responsive relationships, and varied experiences—support meaningful learning. Children are encouraged to make choices, engage in extended play, and take on responsibilities within the school community. By nurturing independence and collaboration, we help each child grow as a confident individual who understands their place in an interconnected world and their ability to make a difference.
Poker Hill School mission statement:
At Poker Hill School, we cultivate a collaborative community where children learn through play and exploration—guided by their interests, inspired by nature, and grounded in the belief that kindness and a love of learning are the foundations for life.
**We support, rather than direct, learning by providing time, space, and open-ended materials for children to explore through play—both indoors and in nature.
**We believe a rich, inclusive environment fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
**We prioritize time in the natural world, using all areas of our campus to inspire wonder, build respect for the environment, and encourage stewardship.
**We cultivate responsibility and community by engaging children in meaningful work and shared care of our spaces.
**Teachers observe children at play to co-create an emergent, inquiry-based curriculum grounded in their interests.
**We value and encourage creative expression through daily opportunities in art, music, and imaginative play.
**Academic concepts in literacy and math are explored naturally through play and hands-on experiences.
**We support social-emotional development by helping children build relationships, express feelings, and navigate interactions with empathy and confidence.
**We meet each child where they are, supporting growth through individualized guidance, scaffolding, and opportunities to build independence and self-help skills.
**We respect each child’s voice and autonomy by encouraging choice, decision-making, and active participation in their daily experiences.
**We value strong partnerships with families, fostering open communication, trust, and opportunities for meaningful involvement in the program.
