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Windmill School LaureL Education Center 
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Construction was completed in January 2018, and classroom doors opened end of February 2018.

 

The new home of Windmill School LaureL Education Center is a beautiful 1.7 acre property at 900 Portola Road.

 

Our vision for the new site originated from Windmill’s heritage - spanning more than 60 years - by providing families with play-based preschool education while cultivating deep social connections that support our greater community. We are excited about the amazing new indoor spaces as well as the site’s natural elements including a redwood grove and spacious gardens, which will be maintained for open-ended exploration and innovative play.

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Development of the new site was guided by three goals:

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  • Expand the educational opportunities for both preschool and K-8 students and the broader community (e.g., art, music, gathering spaces)

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  • Maximize the benefits of the site’s natural setting and Windmill’s play-based philosophy to foster a lifetime love of nature and learning while our children are in their most formative years.

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  • Secure a permanent home for Windmill School, which has served families in this community for over 60 years. 

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building background 

In September 2016, we received entitlements to operate

the center at our new location. We were zoned commercial

and had our permit to operate a preschool with

extended days. We will offer enrichment programs
for children K-8, and the broader community.

 

We also will be able to offer additional programs and

space for other groups, such as boyscouts,

speaker’s series, and a place for families and for our 

community to gather. This is thanks to our new school's

largest donor and supporter, Laure Woods of the LaureL Foundation.

 

Windmill School LaureL Education Center is: 

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  • Three large classrooms (for 2/3s, 3/4s and Pre-Kindergarten) with attached outdoor play yards that take full advantage of the wonderful setting

  • Karen Tate Community Hall for after school enrichment programs and large gatherings

  • Our Family Lounge which used to be Al's Nursery and now is a place for our community to gather

  • Welcoming Office Reception and teacher resource area​

  • Farm, organic garden, redwood theater, outdoor gathering space(s) and courtyard (to be completed in 2019)

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This idyllic, centrally located property will allow our school to foster the values shared by our local friends and families: nurturing children through high-quality education, appreciating nature, and building a strong community.

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