TRICA Preschool of the Arts

★★★★★Rachel Rudeen

We love being a part of the TRICA family! Starting with amazing summer camps in '22, our twins are currently thriving in full-time Preschool and loving it. All staff have been warm and welcoming, eager to engage and receptive to feedback. We truly couldn't be happier!

★★★★★Jill Aldape

The Treasure Valley Institute for Children's Arts (TRICA) is a community jewel. I would describe our experience as nothing short of magical. The curriculum is carefully planned, the tone of every interaction (with the kids AND grownups) is loving and nurturing, and there is an overall vibe of colorful creativity and caring. I feel so fortunate that we got to be a part of the "laboratory year" for the preschool, because Mr. Jon and the entire team are making history in childcare. I know I'm not the first adult to say that *I* want to attend TRICA to learn breakdancing, playing the ukulele, Gregorian chanting, and the practice of setting intentions to use my own listening ears, big voice, kind words, and helping hands. TRICA is shaping little people into bright, emotionally-intelligent, responsible bigger people - ready to take on kindergarten and the world!

★★★★★Zuzana Malek

TRICA is such a magical place and the director, teachers, and staff has gone above and beyond to create a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to embrace their creativity and truly thrive. My 4-year-old daughter has been attending TRICA for close to a year and I can say in all sincerity that there is not another preschool that has even come close to the well-rounded and holistic experience that TRICA provides. She loves it there and I love picking her up each day and hearing about the new dance she learned, the art project she is working on, or the outdoor adventure she went on that day. TRICA strikes the right balance of providing a structured day without feeling regimented. It is a place where kids can be kids and encourages both kids and parents to embrace the arts and become a part of a community. It also does not hurt that rather than feeling sterile, the school inhabits a gorgeous restored cathedral that evokes a fantasy castle feel and is beautifully decorated with whimsical and colorful decor that makes you feel like you just stumbled into an Anthropologie for children. TRICA is magical.

★★★★★Bethany Edwards

Trica is AMAZING! Our preschooler absolutely loves going here. They have so much to offer, frequently bringing in guest teachers to teach the kids about all kinds of amazing things like pottery wheel, ukulele, traditional dances from various cultures, power tools, painting, singing, etc! There is an enormous dance hall with a grand piano, and the school looks like a castle! My child has learned so much from them, most importantly how to show kindness and respect, and forming a lifelong love for creative arts and music. The school’s safety policies in regards to Covid are top notch. This school has brought our family much joy and support and we feel incredibly safe sending our child to school here.

★Shannon Thun

I don't want to bash them, but I had a horrible experience with the school. Needless to say I was told my daughter was "blatantly defiant". A four year old none the less. The Summer Dance Camp is more like a boot camp!!! Certainly seemed more like ballet academy than a fun dance camp for four year olds!! Because my four year old couldn't be controlled and do a curated dance, they decided to kick her out of pre-school without even giving her a fair chance. Then they took my registration fee as well. Ironically, my daughter is at another school with zero complaints!! I watched some of the rehearsals and the teacher used more embarrassing tactics to try and correct behavior: blame, shame, and guilt. Four year olds do not have the attention span for curated dance! This isn't ballet Idaho.. So much for a caring, loving, "non-profit". Uppity, rude, and no empathy for how they treat people. I do not recommend them.