Our journey with My School began in 2002, and our decision to enroll our daughter was one of the best we’ve made. Initially, My School attracted us with alignment on philosophy and values, a solid curriculum, excellent teachers and a warm environment, but we soon realized how much more My School would offer to our children and to our family. Our children truly blossomed during their years at My School, both in the two- and three-day programs. They developed all of the readiness skills needed to start kindergarten, which seemed to result naturally from the wonderful projects, learning centers, etc. that are such an important part of the days at My School. They still talk with enthusiasm about specific projects, holidays, and events they experienced, and enjoy all of the artifacts we have kept as memories. They also learned excellent social skills as well as coping skills, and the together time that they share each day provided the opportunity for them to learn how to engage in groups. We are also most grateful to My School for the friendships that our children formed and that we have as well. Even though our youngest graduated several years ago, we are still very much part of a wonderful My School community of friends, and share a special bond with those families who we met through this terrific school. We have great comfort in knowing that even when we cannot be at every elementary school event, that one of the “My School Moms” or “My School Dads” will probably be there, looking out for all of our kids.

"What I really like about My School Cooperative Nursey is that I am able to observe my child interacting with the other children. I also enjoy getting to know other parents as we parent-help together. And, the preschool has really helped build my child's confidence and become more independent. If you want your child to experience a wonderfully nurturing and caring environment for their first time away from mom and dad, then check out this fantastic preschool.

How can you describe My School using only words? You need to see the joy on the children’s faces; hear their chatter as they play; taste the Thanksgiving brunch prepared by many little hands; smell the shaving cream as they paint with it and feel the warmth and caring permeating the school. My School is a wondrous and special place where children can discover themselves and the world around them. They can explore and pretend and share a quiet moment with a teacher. They can learn to be sensitive to others’ needs and figure out how to put winter clothes on by themselves! My School is supportive of all children and all learning styles. Our two children were very different from each other at age 3. Our oldest came to My School full of confidence in herself and wanting to explore everything. She was the first one to check out a new project or experiment. She tried everything and her curiosity was supported and encouraged.Our second was quiet and shy. She was happy playing by herself until she felt comfortable with the new people around her. She was allowed to watch the proceedings and partake when it suited her. She was encouraged to mingle with the other kids, but she was not pushed. With gentle guidance she gradually came out of her shell and became an active member of her class. Our children made many lasting friendships at My School, as did we. The nature of the school is such that it encourages community and togetherness, which we value greatly. I am sure we will be a part of the My School community for years to come, as we have such strong feelings about the teachers and other families there. Sending our girls there was one of the best decisions we ever made for them.

Everything We Need to Know We Learned at MY SCHOOL
(inspired by the poem by Robert Fulghum)

In a few short weeks, we’ll be saying goodbye to MY SCHOOL, our pre-school haven for the past five years. In that wonderful classroom and outside in the playground, we got all the basic skills you need in life … and so much more.
Of course we learned about inside voices and walking feet, keeping hands to our own body and using our words. We learned that our snow pants need to go on before our snow boots. We made friends, had play dates and got invited to birthday parties. We got so excited when we ran into the MY SCHOOL teachers by chance outside of school – they go to the grocery store too!
More importantly, we learned how hard, but necessary, it is to say you’re sorry; that listening shows respect; and that a hug really does make things better.
But most of all, we learned that the difference in people’s skin color is just melanin; when you wish a friend to feel better they do hear it!; and you can love a tree.
MY SCHOOL taught us that if you stand very still a butterfly might land on you; that apples really do taste better just picked off the tree; that discipline doesn’t have to involve yelling. It also taught us how important it is to brush our teeth (and keeping a chart makes it fun); that music makes an ordinary day special; and that librarians always know what books you’ll like.
I remember when my oldest daughter graduated from MY SCHOOL 3 years ago. She’s made lots of new friends at Shaker Lane but still has a very strong bond with her MY SCHOOL friends. I’m confident that will be the case when my younger daughter starts kindergarten in the fall. It’s me I’m a little worried about.
I feel so lucky to have made many special friends here, but I find myself lingering in front of the MY SCHOOL sign on Foster Street thinking of previous Halloweens when my daughters paraded down the driveway in that year’s beloved costume. I’m scanning the classroom walls with a melancholy sigh remembering all the decorated snowmen, painted red hearts and egg carton butterflies that lined the bulletin boards over the years. I realize I’m pausing more and more when I’m at the row of cubbies because I can still see my daughters’ coats of seasons past.
My girls were/are prepared to move on, but I don’t want to go. I didn’t know when I sent my daughters to pre-school that I’d be getting an education too. So to Nancy, Carrie, Michelle, Margie, Joannie (and everyone else at MY SCHOOL), thank you for teaching all of us.