East Hill School – a free school 1969-1977

“East Hill is why I like school”

“”It is great to see the love and devotion from all of you for the place, and it is reassuring to confirm that such a school did exist.” – William Jelinek

East Hill school’s building on Stewart Avenue in Ithaca New York dates back to 1881, but it was just an ordinary elementary school until 1969. Then it opened as a free school thanks to the work of Bob Herse and Dan Lee, and many others. The school was open for just eight years. For us it was a magical place, for a short time, long ago. This site holds a collection of our memories, clippings, souvenirs, and photos from our time together there.

Principles

Why we came to East Hill…

Free range

Inside the school

Teaching

Music

The Art Room

The Print Shop

The Wood Shop

Outside

Writing

Theater/television

Reading/library

Electricity and Radio

Chickens

Math

Field trips

Science

History

Closing the school

What we did afterwards…

How we feel about it…