History
Photo courtesy of Marie-Claude Beaudette
Poker Hill School, founded in 1972 by Lucille Ingalls and Ann Crocker, opened in a remodeled old barn in Underhill, Vermont. Lucille and Ann, two experienced educators, shared a commitment to child-directed learning, a philosophy that continues today.
In 1978 Beth and David London and Gay Steimle purchased the school from Lu and Ann 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. The program relocated to St. Thomas Church while the school was rebuilt. 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.
Since its inception, Poker Hill School has served more than 1400 children, and today many “second 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.
In 1978 Beth and David London and Gay Steimle purchased the school from Lu and Ann 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. The program relocated to St. Thomas Church while the school was rebuilt. 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.
Since its inception, Poker Hill School has served more than 1400 children, and today many “second 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
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, greenhouse and areas for art, science, music, and dramatic play. Designed for creative play, the playground has a large sand area, tunnels, a playhouse, swings, slides, tricycles and areas for climbing and running. There is also an extensive garden, a barn and nature trails.
