From Chalkboards to Community: The Las Trampas Journey

In 1958, a handful of parents stand outside a small school, not because it’s the easiest place to be, but because it’s the only place that made sense. Their children—kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities—deserved more than a system that ignored them. They deserved a space to learn, grow, and belong.

That moment lit the spark for Las Trampas, a school founded not just on education, but on dignity, inclusion, and unwavering belief in potential.

Fast forward more than sixty years, and Las Trampas isn’t a school anymore. It’s become something bigger: a thriving, lifelong community where learning never ends, and everyone has a place at the table.

A Season of New Beginnings

Back-to-school season is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a mindset. A reminder that growth is possible, no matter your age or ability.

Las Trampas embodies that spirit year-round. What started with chalkboards and small classrooms has evolved into community-based services designed to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more independently, form meaningful relationships, and chase their personal goals.

For many, it’s not just “back to school.” It’s “back to being seen, heard, and empowered.”

The Power of Belief in Potential

There’s something undeniably powerful about walking into a space that sees what you’re capable of—before you do. That’s the heartbeat of Las Trampas.

Here, belief isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a practice.

• It looks like teaching daily living skills that help someone cook their own meal for the first time.
• It sounds like participants advocating for themselves in community meetings.
• It feels like walking into a room and knowing you belong, exactly as you are.
  

This kind of belief doesn’t fade with age. If anything, it grows stronger, expanding opportunities and opening doors that once felt sealed shut.

A Different Kind of Classroom

While most kids are headed back to rows of desks and lockers, Las Trampas operates on a different kind of curriculum. Here, the lessons are about confidence, communication, and contribution.

The “classrooms” might be local businesses, kitchens, art studios, or even hiking trails. But make no mistake: the learning is real, and the impact is deep.

Back-to-school isn’t limited to children. The spirit of Las Trampas proves that education is a lifelong journey. Growth doesn’t have a deadline.

A Legacy That Inspires

Las Trampas didn’t just grow. It evolved.

The transition from a small, specialized school to a dynamic community center wasn’t accidental; it was intentional. And it was driven by one core belief: everyone has the right to a full, meaningful life.

That belief is what fuels the staff, empowers the participants, and inspires the families who continue to walk through its doors.

It’s not just about “services.” It’s about showing up, day after day, and creating a culture where people thrive.

Back-to-School, Reimagined

This time of year tends to stir up feelings of anticipation, nerves, and maybe a touch of nostalgia. But when we zoom out a little, we realize that “going back to school” is really about giving ourselves (and each other) the space to grow.

So whether you’re a child with a backpack, an adult returning to a program, or someone learning to live more independently—this season is for you.

Las Trampas reminds us that:

• It’s never too late to learn.
• Growth comes in many forms.
• And belief in someone’s potential can change the course of their life.
  

Let This Be the Year…

As backpacks zip and classrooms fill, take a moment to look beyond the usual routines.

Ask yourself: What does back-to-school mean for me?

Maybe it’s recommitting to personal growth. Maybe it’s recognizing potential in someone else. Maybe it’s supporting organizations like Las Trampas that are doing the deep, quiet work of building a more inclusive world.

Because when you really think about it, we’re all still learning.

And we’re all better off when no one gets left behind.