Located in Portola Valley, California, with a rich history that intertwines with the local community and its commitment to early childhood education.
Origins in the 1950s
The school was founded in 1957 by Irma, a young mother who established the Windmill Day Nursery School in a modest house beside a distinctive windmill on Portola Road. This windmill, constructed atop a well by William Fitzhugh in the early 20th century, has become a local landmark. The nursery school began with simple beginnings, featuring playful elements like a six-foot-long green fiberglass dinosaur and a tan four-foot-tall horse with a white mane
Evolution and Relocation
In 1969, the property was sold, and the school was relocated to a small building on the grounds of the Alpine Hills Swim and Tennis Club. This site had its own history, previously serving as a saloon before being converted into a picnic park. Despite the changes in location, the school's philosophy of learning through play remained steadfast. In 1974, Joan Barksdale, formerly of Stanford's Bing Nursery School, was appointed as the director, further solidifying the school's commitment to quality early childhood education
Windmill School ribbon cutting, May 2018
A New Chapter
In 2015, Windmill School purchased a 1.69-acre site at 900 Portola Road, adjacent to Our Lady of the Wayside Church. This move aimed to provide a permanent home for the school and expand its educational offerings. Plans for the new campus included constructing two new buildings and renovating an existing structure to create classrooms, a family hall, and community spaces. The design emphasized the school's play-based philosophy, incorporating natural elements like a redwood grove and spacious gardens to foster open-ended exploration and innovative play
Legacy and Community Impact
Throughout its history, Windmill School has remained dedicated to nurturing the whole child through play-based learning and nurturing a strong sense of community among families. The school's journey from its humble beginnings to its current state reflects its enduring commitment to providing a warm, welcoming environment for early childhood education.
Al's nursery, founded in 1959
