Kids should go to My Special School because it is lots of fun and you get to play a lot, learn a lot about school and animals, and most of all I liked the friends I made and the Graduation Sleepover.
Testimonials
Parent Testimonial: Amy & Matt Zuchowicz
My Special School Preschool offered our daughter Alegra a safe environment to explore and grow due to the small group setting and the individual attention each child received due to their particular needs. Our daughter, who is shy by nature, learned to find a strong voice and to gain confidence in a group setting. As we are educators by trade (Teacher and Principal), we knew how imperative it was for Alegra to have a solid educational foundation in a Preschool. During the time Alegra was with Alice, we were always very pleased by the education she received. Alice was always very kind, loving, and caring, yet she also balanced this with consistent high expectations of the children. We would highly recommend Alice Tropper and My Special School for a strong educational foundation for your preschooler.
Amy and Matt Zuchowicz
August, 2005
Parent Testimonial: Susie & Ruben Lopez
Anna blossomed under your care and guidance and enjoyed every moment of her time with you and the other children in her class. You so firmly but gently ushered her (and us!) through those early years in a way that reassured us all, and made it so the experience and growing pains were as easy and pleasant as possible. Anna learned not only a very solid educational foundation, and had such wonderful tastes of Yoga, Dance, etc. but learned the more important skills of kindness, honesty, patience and to use and trust her voice and feelings. We are all so grateful for the wonderful experiences we had with you Alice, and know that you will always have a special place in our hearts!
Susie and Ruben Lopez
March, 2012
Teacher Testimonial: Michael Katz
In 1990 when I got started in my profession of telling stories to children, My Special School hired me to tell to their students. It was one of the first schools that saw the value in the Arts and teaching children how to listen. As my friends started their own families, sure enough, most of their children were enrolled in My Special School, and over and over again I heard wonderful reviews.
Michael Katz
Storyteller
2012
Parent Testimonial: Bonnie Hill
My Daughter’s time at My Special School was not only magical and wonderful, it well prepared us both for the Kindergarten year to come.
Bonnie Hill
August, 2012
Parent Testimonial: Sharon Currie
My daughter attended My Special School from 14 months old all the way to kindergarten. From day one, my daughter was loved, cherished and taken care of in a way at least equal to what we would do at home. The way she was introduced to responsibility, ethics, being a good friend, fairness and adventure were all the building blocks that made her the fine young lady she is today at 12 years old.
Sharon Currie
November, 2012
Parent Testimonial: Erin & Ethan Boehme
My Special School is a unique and enriching Preschool program. Being a teacher myself and holding a degree in Early Childhood Education, I am very specific and critical about the care and education my children receive. Alice has been an exceptional teacher, caregiver, and friend to both my children. She has created an environment for children that allows them to build confidence in becoming independent thinkers and doers. Alice is detail oriented and understands the importance of consistency in a young childs life. Through this, the children know that they are safe to trust, try, make mistakes, and try again, even in areas that challenge them. Alice is careful to bring valuable experiences to her students on a daily basis. Alice conveys the importance of human relationships for all ages and supports this by taking her group to weekly meetings in an elder community where the children eat lunch and tell stories with their elders. Through these experiences, the children are gifted with the skills to behave appropriately , to respect people of all ages and cultures, and to contribute to society in a meaningful way. We feel so blessed to have attended My Special School and we have benefited greatly from the quality of care Alice gave our two children.
Erin and Ethan Boehme
April, 2009
Teacher Testimonial: Susan Jackson
My first encounter with Alice Tropper and her children from “My Special School” was in 1990 while co-directing the “Children’s Performing Arts Workshop” at The Music Academy of the West in Montecito. It was here that I learned that this woman who loved dolphins and the ocean, also, was interested in making certain that her children’s imaginations had an opportunity to grow and expand. At the workshop, we encouraged the children to explore and create their own characters and stories to share with each other in a spontaneous fashion and Alice was right there cheering them on. It was later on that I had the opportunity to teach Creative Drama at her school weekly for almost 17 years. During this time I recognized how deeply she cared about empowering her children through play acting, and sharing their own original characters and stories for families and friends through many school performances.
Susan Jackson
Actress/Children’s Drama Specialist
2012
Parent Testimonial: Sabra Weber & Jeff Mills
Our son Trystan attended My Special School for three years. Alice creates a warm, safe and comfortable environment where children develop a passion for learning. This success is mostly due to her unique ability to create strong boundaries and pedagogical structure while always interacting with deep love, caring and understanding for each individual child. Alice’s communication style is always gentle and clear. Each day, Alice establishes and reinforces strong values in all of her students – kindness, compassion for all living things, authentic communication and a vital curiosity about the world. Trystan developed a wonderful sense of confidence and relaxation during his time with Alice. We could not dream of a better place for Trystan to spend his pre-Kindergarten days! We feel lucky to have been a part of her (ever growing) community.
Sabra Weber and Jeff Mills
March, 2010
Parent Testimonial: Rebecca Zendejas & Matthew Thornley
It is with deep appreciation the we give thanks for your participation in our son Morgan’s Preschool experience. While we have had our challenges adjusting to new routines, environments and expectations; Morgan’s transition from Preschool to Kindergarten has been an overwhelming success. By his own account he loves Kindergarten. We believe much of his appreciation is an extension of his first experience of school with you. It amazes me that the first time we visited your school Morgan was just over two years old. Though visits will be less frequent, it is warming to know that you continue to be a part of our lives. Much love and gratitude.