Our Approach
Maplehill School curriculum blends traditional academics with experiential learning and a course of study tailored to students’ interests and curiosity. Nestled in the hills of central Vermont, with a working farm (vegetables and animals), three campuses, and 230 acres, we are committed to land-based learning that is rooted in milieu therapy and nurturing authentic relationships between students, staff, volunteers and community members.
Land-Based Learning
The Maplehill School Farm plays an integral role in school programming, providing hands-on opportunities to explore alternative methods of education, food production, distribution, preservation, community development, and sustainable systems that support responsible land stewardship.
Vegetable production • beef cattle • laying chickens • bee yard • maple sugaring • forests and trails
Community-Based Learning
Community engagement is core to the Maplehill philosophy. It supports social interaction and connection with the environment. Students are encouraged to bring their knowledge, ideas and enthusiasm into real-world settings. This can be performed for the school itself or in the broader community. Past services have included:
Twin Valley Senior Center/Elder Outreach Program • Student mentoring through Twinfield Union School • Maple Sugaring • Farm chores • Campus-wide service or beautification projects • Central Vermont Humane Society • Plainfield Co-op • Re-Store • Vermont Foodbank • Meals on Wheels Program
Therapeutic supports tailored to the individual student.
Additional therapeutic supports are available, both on and off campus. Past supports have included:
• Music Therapy
• Equine-Assisted Therapy
• Individual or Group Therapy
• Collaboration with Outside Therapists: Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Therapy, Sensory/Somatic Therapy, etc.
Vocational learning to pursue personal interests and develop skills.
Vocational training is a core learning component and occurs both on and off campus.
Carpentry • Forestry • Auto Mechanics • Child Care Culinary Arts • Retail Work • Welding & Blacksmithing • Landscaping & Lawn Care • Computer Programming
Electives based on student interest, the season, and staff skills.
Farm and Gardening • Music • Art • Carpentry • Culinary Arts • Cooperative Games • First Aid & CPR • Foreign Language • Outdoor Survival • Dance • Yoga • Creative Writing • Drama
The Healthy Food Program
We strive to source 60% of all food from our own farm and/or locally. In addition to supporting nutritious eating habits, the Healthy Food Program creates numerous opportunities for practical living experiences: Food Shopping, Budgeting, Menu Planning, Food Prep and Service, Clean up.
Students are offered a light breakfast/snack in the morning, a full mid-day meal, and access to fruits and vegetables throughout the day. At the midday meal, all staff and students sit together. We address where the ingredients came from, learn about healthy eating habits and nutrition, and finally a moment of peace for individual reflection and appreciation.