our history

In the fall of 1980, The Family Schools, Inc. was established by our late Founder, President & Executive Director, Marcia Pioppi Galazzi. She was joined that inaugural year in collaboration with current Schools Director and CFO, Carolyn O’Leary, and current Curriculum Specialist, Kim Lockwood. Together, these three extraordinary woman set in motion all that we are today!

TFS, Inc. began as a small program with three teachers and nine students in the antique Crosby Barn in Brewster. At the end of that first year, the Family School Summer Camp, was created. Both emerging programs moved to the present location at 3570 Main Street in 1983, where the camp and the school continue to thrive today, sharing a common campus, mission, and philosophy which began over four decades ago.

With the early childhood school program flourishing, we intentionally set out to provide more programming options for elementary and middle school age children in the summer months. By 1997, Marcia’s daughter, Milisa ‘misa’ Galazzi became the first full-time Director of Brewster Day Camp, a position she held for twenty-one years. Upon Marcia’s death in 2021, ‘misa’ became President & Executive Director of The Family Schools, Inc. to ensure that our collective vision for outstanding year round programs for children – infant to age sixteen – is safeguarded and carried into the future for generations to come.

Founders Photo: Left - Kim Lockwood Middle - Marcia Pioppi Galazzi - Right Carolyn O'Leary
Founders from left to right: Kim Lockwood (L) Marcia Pioppi Galazzi (M) Carolyn O’Leary (R)
History of TFS

Today, after four decades of steady evolution, TFS Inc. is a national leader in year-round early childhood education, recreation programming, as well as outstanding staff development and training. Our combined programs each year, serve hundreds of children per day have and impacted the lives of thousands of people over the decades. Many of our school and camp graduates attend the most selective colleges and universities and often rejoin our summer camp staff, our year round teaching faculty and our administration – carrying our excellence forward into each new generation of students and campers.

We hope that you will join our School & Camp Family and make our story a part of yours!
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Thank you for welcoming our family to your school this and for making the transition a good one for us. We’re so pleased with the love and guidance that our son is receiving, and are amazed by the growth he’s shown in just a few months. The Family School is a wonderful place and we’re so happy that our son is here!

Mom of a Son
Mom of a SonMom of a Son

Thanks so much for the love, care, and support of our entire clan, especially our most precious two. We honor you for all you do.

Mom of Two Sons
Mom of Two SonsMom of Two Sons

Thank you for creating such a fabulous place for my children. I am filled with wonder and pride.

Teacher Mom
Teacher MomTeacher Mom

My inquisitive daughters are bright, curious, engaging, learners, musicians, artists, and thinkers. Their five early years at The Family School has set each of them up for success in every area of their lives. They have made treasured friends that will last their lifetime. I am well beyond grateful.

Dad of Two Daughters
Dad of Two DaughtersDad of Two Daughters