History

The Beginnings of Pine Point

Five Stonington founders, Mrs. Frank F. Dodge, Alfred H. Gildersleeve, Francis J. Hallowell, David D. Knox, and Thomas L. Miller saw a need for a small private school to provide quality education. They bought an old house at 230 North Main Street, a house with good light, a big yard, and a bathroom on each floor. They did some painting and they bought used desks and chairs from the public school. In September 1948 all was ready. Eleven students came.

–With these words, Anna Coit introduced the booklet created in 1973 to honor Pine Point's 25th anniversary.

In the coming years, the School's enrollment would increase dramatically. By 1954, it was clear that the School had outgrown the house on North Main Street. Two generous parents, David and Kate Johnstone, gave the School ten acres of land on Barnes Road to build a new school. In April 1956, ground was broken for Pine Point's new home. Over the years a number of additions have been made to the physical plant to accommodate an increasing student body and the natural expansion of the curriculum.

While adequate facilities are important to a student's experience, the real history of Pine Point is to be found in the close relationships that developed between students, teachers, and parents. This relationship is fostered and strengthened by the School's belief that the best way to build a firm foundation of core academic skills is through hands-on learning. Whether it be in the integration of the arts into the curriculum or conducting tests of local waters aboard the School's 24-foot research vessel, Pine Point students learn by doing. The historic commitment to an active learning environment can be seen in the classroom and in the students' work with the community.

Much has changed since the founding of Pine Point fifty-nine years ago. From a small house holding eleven students under the eyes of one teacher, Pine Point has grown to a school of over 268 students in grades preschool through nine. One thing hasn't changed since 1948; Pine Point is dedicated to building strong minds and caring hearts in each of the children who attend the school.

Heads of Pine Point 

Highlights in Brief