by atm | Dec 5, 2025 | News, Thank You Note, Tom Thumb Alumni |
The following is one of many hundreds of letters we have received over our 57 years of existence, from appreciative parents who see a big difference in their child after attending our unique preschool founded by Nancy Brophy. Our Programs have been honed by years of experience and with round-table team discussions with our caring staff to improve our institution to serve the student, who is our real customer. Our focus has always been to instill a love of learning & confidence to explore, allow students to develop at their own pace, and use play as children’s work to develop physical, emotional, and mental skills. At Tom Thumb, we will never stop learning and improving our school to serve our students.
August 4, 2025
To the Wonderful Staff at Tom Thumb Preschool,

The original F- Family Thank You Note
As our daughter’s time at Tom Thumb comes to an end, we wanted to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes this program the special place it is.
From the very beginning, Tom Thumb has provided a nurturing, joyful, and safe space where our daughter, Clara, has grown in ways we never imagined. Socially, emotionally, and developmentally, she has blossomed under the care and guidance of your incredible team. She speaks of her teachers and friends with such joy and affection, and it’s clear that Tom Thumb has become a second home to her – a place where she feels seen, heard, and loved.
The Thumbelina Program – the school for 2s-was nothing short of amazing. Clara’s teacher, Mrs. Rainbeau, is exceptionally kind, passionate, caring, and such a bright light. She helped Clara transition into school so beautifully, and we will never forget the warmth and reassurance she provided.
The Juniors Program with Mrs. Licini was equally incredible. Clara, who just turned 4, can count to 100, knows all her letters, can identify many numbers, do basic math, and can read! She often plays school, organizes her own circle times with her one-year-old brother and our family dog, and finds joy in teaching and learning. Her growth has been astounding, and it is thanks to the wonderful foundation laid by your dedicated educators.
We are also so grateful for the teacher aids, who are consistently patient, kind, and attentive. They are truly good humans, and their care and compassion do not go unnoticed.

Tom Thumb Preschool, 1992 Graduate
Tom Thumb has also become a very special part of our family’s story. My husband, a United States Airforce Veteran and career Firefighter, is a graduate from the Class of 1992. He insisted that our daughter attend Tom Thumb. I’ll admit I didn’t fully understand the hype – until now. Now, I do. I see it in our daughter’s confidence, her kindness, her laughter, and her love of learning. Tom Thumb has made a lasting impact, not just on her, but on all of us.
We are so proud that both our daughter and soon, our son- are “Tom Thumb kids.” We truly believe this school is a forever stitch in the fabric of this local community. Every question I’ve ever had has been met with kindness and professionalism, and I’ve always felt complete trust in sending my child to you. That peace of mind means everything.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all that you do. You are shaping young lives in the most meaningful ways, and we will always carry Tom Thumb with us – in our hearts. and in the stories we’ll tell for years to come.
With gratitude and love,
The F Family
by atm | Feb 14, 2025 | News, Thank You Note, Tom Thumb Alumni, Tom Thumb Student |
Meet Amanda, a Tom Thumb Student
Here is a note from Amanda, in which she thanks Tom Thumb for the wonderful times of dance and learning, and she says Tom Thumb will always remain special to her that taught her about dance. This post includes a picture of Amanda as a Tom Thumb student and another as a high school graduate.
Amanda’s note illustrates Tom Thumb’s Philosophy from day one when we opened our doors as a private preschool, “It is the responsibility of this generation to pass on to the next those things which it has found to be of value. We are dedicated to improving the next generation of great Americans.”
Amanda’s Note

Dear Tom Thumb,
I would like to thank you very much for the support and generosity you’ve given me through Dance for Joy! This award helped encourage
me to continue on dancing at Sacred Heart University, I would also like to thank you for all of the wonderful times I’ve had at Tom Thumb, both dancing and learning. Tom Thumb will always be special to me as it was the place that taught me about dance!
With Love,
Amanda J
by atm | Apr 14, 2024 | News, Tom Thumb Alumni |
What are the chances of bumping into two Tom Thumb Graduates in a huge medical facility?
Since Tom Thumb Preschool opened its doors in 1968, over 11,000 Tom Thumber have graduated. Now, Westchester Medical Center, located in Valhalla, NY, is a 415-bed academic hospital and the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network. Westchester Medical Center employs more than 13,000 people, including nearly 3,000 attending physicians.
So, it was a delightful surprise to meet 2 Tom Thumb graduates at this huge medical facility in Valhalla that’s part of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, which is composed of 10 hospitals on 8 campuses and spans 6,200 square miles in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley. 
I met two Tom Thumb Graduates, Casey and Brandon, at the Valhalla medical facility. Each Tom Thumber was from a different graduation year. Casey and Brandon remember their Tom Thumb experience and consider it a benefit and contributor to who they are and their success. Casey is an occupational therapist and lives in Westchester County. Brandon is part of the PT medical staff and lives in Dutchess County.
It was wonderful talking with Casey and Brandon and reminiscing. I asked them to pose for a picture so I could share it on the Tom Thumb Blog.

by atm | Apr 14, 2023 | News, Thank You Note, Tom Thumb Alumni |
Matthews graduated ten years ago and has an important message for Mrs. Brophy, Thank you for touching my life!

by atm | Mar 20, 2023 | Tom Thumb Alumni, Tom Thumb News, Tom Thumb Preschool Alumni, Tom Thumb Student |
Sergeant Brian Fitzgerald attended Tom Thumb Preschool from September 1999 through June June 2001
He enlisted in the US Army in January 2017 with a job (Military Occupation Specialist: 88M ) as a Motor Transport Operator.
Brian is unmarried and lives at the Scofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii.

Tom Thumb Students with Sergeant Brian Fitzgerald, a 2001 Tom Thumb Graduate
by atm | May 10, 2022 | Tom Thumb Alumni, Tom Thumb News |
Meet Sergeant Brian Fitzgerald, a 2001 Tom Thumb Graduate
Currently, Brian is a sergeant in the United States Army stationed in Hawaii.
Brian attended Tom Thumb Preschool from September 1999 through June June 2001
He enlisted in the US Army in January 2017 with a job (Military Occupation Specialist: 88M ) as a Motor Transport Operator.
Brian is not married and lives at the Scofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii.
He plans to make a career in the US Army and wants to stay for at least 20 years.
Click on the pictures below to enlarge.

Brian Fitzgerald at the 2001 Tom Thumb Graduation

Brian Fitzgerald – US Army Sergeant
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