Meet Francesca Bill, Kindergarten Teacher

It takes a lot of energy to engage a classroom of kindergarteners all day long, so it’s a good thing Francesca Bill has energy in spades. The lead kindergarten teacher loves to hike, mountain bike, and has a passion for cooking.

“I’m someone who thinks about what I’m going to have for dinner as soon as I wake up, even before I’ve had breakfast,” she jokes.

Educated at Vassar College with a degree in art history, Francesca’s first job after graduation was with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She eventually earned her master’s in social work from New York University and practiced for a couple of years in New York before her first child was born.

As her family grew to include two sons, Francesca moved to Los Angeles—where both boys eventually attended Wildwood.

Wildwood students are curious, empathic, collaborative and engaged. I have a deep appreciation for the way Wildwood nurtures curiosity in students. It starts with teachers staying open to what children want to learn and how they want to learn.  - Francesca Bill, KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

“When I was ready to go back to work, I applied to be an associate kindergarten teacher at Wildwood. Thankfully, they said yes.”

Francesca held that position for nine years before becoming a lead teacher for 2nd grade. In 2021, she returned to her kindergarten roots.

“I can’t believe how happy I am and how fresh it feels  to be able to look at things from multiple perspectives,” says Francesca. “I think kindergarten is a sweet spot. The kids are so excited and so open to learning.”

As a kindergarten teacher, Francesca starts children on their Wildwood journey. That may be why All School Meeting is one of her favorite Wildwood traditions.

“I love seeing our 5th graders, most of whom I’ve known since kindergarten, take confident ownership of the meeting,” says Francesca. “They are such a diverse group of students and learners, and a reminder of what a strong community we are.”

Francesca describes Wildwood students as being curious, empathic, collaborative and engaged. She has a deep appreciation for the way Wildwood nurtures curiosity in students. It starts with teachers staying open to what children want to learn and how they want to learn.

“I’m a big believer in the philosophy that everyone can be a master of something,” Francesca says. “It’s just a matter of having a passion for what you’re learning and having sovereignty in your choice of how you want to learn. Mastery is confidence colliding with understanding.”