I first heard about Alice Tropper in a story that sounded more like fiction than reality. This special lady only took six children and they would follow her around the neighborhood all in a row, always listening to her, engaged and excited. They had mystery outings, visited farms, had yoga in school, learned how to read. The list went on and on. I soon discovered that the stories were true.

Alice Tropper is a gifted teacher and a gentle soul who wins the hearts of the children she teaches. Her Montessori approach worked wonders for our son Ezra. He transitioned from a clingy little baby to a potty trained, socially considerate little boy within just a few months of starting My Special School. My only regret is that Ezra didn’t have more time at My Special School before we moved to the Netherlands. But this leads me to another important point—Alice stays in touch and the children she has had as students also visit her through the years.

If you have made the decision to enter your child in My Special School, then I congratulate you on a wonderful investment in your child’s education, emotional and social health and ability to express herself/himself clearly.

Kristin Anderson & Arie Jan van der Bom
January, 2012

Our daughter McKenzie (Tookie) attended My Special School for a little over 4 wonderful years. The experience that she had with Alice and the nurturing environment of My Special School was marvelous and helped shape her into the fantastic child that she is today. The opportunity to learn Spanish, experience yoga, dance, music and Aikido as well as all of the various theatre plays, and adventures with Kunda and Bam Bam at the ranch were great for her and gave her a wonderful foundation for creativity which she continues today. Alice provided a structured yet gentle atmosphere that allowed Tookie to learn through experience and make choices while having an understanding of the consequences of her actions.

We highly recommend Alice Tropper and My Special School to anyone!

Susan & Chris Baker
April, 2010

When we came to MSS in August 2012, our son was having a difficult time with separation and was very nervous in new situations. Alice walked both my son and myself through the process of adjusting to being in school for the first time with a calm assurance. Her clear and consistent boundaries combined with her kind, loving presence helped our son to feel secure in his new environment and he looks forward to joining his friends at MSS each day. Alice’s personal and communicative style and dedication to the families that she serves, mean that she is more than our son’s preschool teacher, she is an ally that we are very grateful to have.

Gwendolyn Kilfoyle
November, 2012

Alice Tropper is not just someone you pay to take care of your child. Your kids will be delighted to spend every day with Alice, someone who truly loves them and cares about their development at this crucial stage. She teaches them how to share, have fun, put things away, the joys of reading and music, respect animals, have adventures, enjoy a good snack and take a lovely nap. Their day is full of all the things you wish you could do for them but you aren’t able to. I never could have felt good about going to work if I didn’t know in my heart that Alice was taking great care of my precious little boy (who is 16 now and definitely not little!) Just the fact that I am still in touch with her all these many years later proves what an amazing person she was to us, a part of our extended family. Austin still remembers many happy times of being at Alice’s school. She’ll always be special to us!

Linda Woods
November, 2012

Alice, your school culture of inclusivity, compassion and high standards for behaviour helped Roman grow in to the kind and caring human he is today. Your individual attention and work with him was a true high point for us because we knew he was learning how to be patient, how to be a good friend, how to listen to his body, how to focus, in a very dedicated and nurturing environment. From learning how to be potty trained, to riding a sküt bike, then a big boy bike, to comporting himself in public places, he has come so far in these in these few years under your guidance. And the benefits of My Special School don’t end in all the good qualities you have fostered and instilled in Roman. We as parents got the value added benefit of your many years of insight and intelligence. Your depth and breadth of experience and the confidence which this provides you, helped us grow as parents in immeasurable ways. Thank you for always being willing and interested in discussing parenting issues that expanded beyond school issues. That is something we are so grateful for as well. You often refer to the MSS ‘family’ and this is very true for us, we feel so fortunate to be a part of it. Three years ago we entrusted you with the wellbeing of our child when we couldn’t be with him and we have received innumerable benefits to that choice that will last his and our lifetime. Thank you for everything.

The Gislimbertis
August, 2012

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

My Special School was one of the best parts of my daughter’s young life. Alice’s wisdom and kindness made her such a wonderful extension of our family, and Adrienne was as happy at school as she was at home.  We often turned to Alice for advice and inspiration in navigating the preschool years, and she has remained an important figure in Adrienne’s life even as Adrienne grows older.  Today, Adrienne is twelve years old and a straight-A student. She got a great start on her learning journey with Alice, so I’ve told everyone I know that Alice is the best choice for preschool, and I recommend her school wholeheartedly!

Michelle Howard
Development Director, Wilderness Youth Project
November, 2012