History
Photo courtesy of Marie-Claude Beaudette
Poker Hill School, founded in 1972 by Lucille Ingalls and Ann Crocker, opened in a remodeled barn. Lucille and Ann shared a commitment to child-directed learning, a philosophy that continues today. In 1978 Beth and David London and Gay Steimle purchased the school and continued to evolve the philosophy of child-directed learning in a farm-based setting. In March 1983, a fire destroyed the original school building, a renovated 100-year-old barn. After reopening in our current building in September 1983, the partnership of Steimle and the Londons was dissolved and a non-profit corporation, Poker Hill School, Inc. was established. During the 2011-2012 school year, the Board of Directors launched a capital campaign to purchase the school building and grounds from Beth and David London.
Poker Hill School has served more than 1500 children, and today many second and third generation students attend. The State of Vermont has recognized Poker Hill School with awards for early childhood excellence. Since 2014, Poker Hill School has participated in Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS), Vermont’s quality recognition system for childcare, preschool, and afterschool programs. Poker Hill School has maintained a 5-star rating since 2022.
Poker Hill School has served more than 1500 children, and today many second and third generation students attend. The State of Vermont has recognized Poker Hill School with awards for early childhood excellence. Since 2014, Poker Hill School has participated in Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS), Vermont’s quality recognition system for childcare, preschool, and afterschool programs. Poker Hill School has maintained a 5-star rating since 2022.
The Building and grounds
The Poker Hill School building includes floor to ceiling windows to the South and East, a library, dance room/ gym, playhouse, full kitchen, woodworking shop, and areas for art, science, music, and dramatic play. Designed for creative play, the two playgrounds have large sand areas, a playhouse, swings, slides, bikes and areas for climbing and running. There is also an extensive garden, a barn and nature trails. On our thirty acres of land, there is a yurt, meadows, woods, stick tepees, a peeper pond, and a low ropes area.
