The History of Pinecroft

The Pinecroft School was established in 1982 as an independent, non-profit elementary school serving students from kindergarten through grade 5. Founders Rick Schwertner, M.Ed., and his wife, Kersti Yllo, Ph.D., professor of Sociology at Wheaton College, had a vision to create a school that offered a more individualized alternative to public education.

In September of 1982, the Pinecroft School opened with an entire population of seven students. The early years were a time of tremendous excitement and experimentation. During the following years, Pinecroft grew slowly, but surely, and developed a collaborative relationship with Wheaton’s Psychology, Art, Education and Athletic Departments. A number of Wheaton College students began to serve as classroom interns.

By the late eighties, The Pinecroft School was bursting at its seams with a student body of 28. Land was purchased at the edge of the Wheaton campus on Pine Street to build a new school. Pinecroft was fortunate to work with noted architect Michael Rosenfeld who specializes in school and institutional design. After observing classes and speaking with students and staff, Rosenfeld designed the building to be open to movement and flow of energy. The school building opened its doors in 1991, and has been home to The Pinecroft School ever since. Without state or federal funding, and without church affiliation, the school has continued to be entirely dependent on tuition. Although Pinecroft remains independent from Wheaton, the location is conducive to the close relationship between the college and the school. To date, Pinecroft has served as an observation site for many Wheaton classes and has employed dozens of Wheaton student interns, many of whom have pursued careers in education.