Selecting the best preschool or after-school care for your child is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. In Oakland and Piedmont, many parents seek programs that offer a balanced approach to early childhood education, particularly those that emphasize bilingual education, creativity, emotional growth, and academic development. One highly regarded choice is Academia de Mi Abuela, a bilingual Spanish-English preschool that combines cultural immersion with a focus on holistic growth and learning for children ages 18 months to 8 years.
The Story and Mission of Academia de Mi Abuela
Saludos estimadas familias! Before Cynthia Mendez Reimann began childcare services in 2007, her journey started with a search for a preschool for her two children. Cynthia wanted a place that offered exposure to various cultures, languages, and experiences. As an educator, she was committed to fostering a love for learning and discovery and creating a space where every staff member genuinely cared for and loved all children. When she couldn’t find a program that met these criteria and was financially accessible, she decided to create her own. This led to the formation of a play-based, cultural immersion (dual language) preschool—offering the program she wanted for her children.
After running a home-based daycare for five years, Cynthia realized that expanding to a childcare center would allow for a better program specifically designed for children with the resources they deserve. Inspired by the love and warmth of her grandmother’s home, the goal was to create a space filled with the same sense of family, culture, and adventure—a place where children could discover, laugh, and develop a love for learning.
Discover the Benefits of Bilingual Education and Cultural Immersion
Programs like those at Academia de Mi Abuela offer numerous benefits for young children, including enhanced cognitive and social development and lifelong language skills. The center’s Spanish immersion approach exposes children to a second language in a natural, everyday context, helping them pick up vocabulary and grammar through songs, stories, games, and daily interactions. This method fosters creativity, adaptability, and social skills.
To learn more about the nurturing environment at Academia de Mi Abuela, take a video tour of the school and watch a video testimonial from a parent.
A Holistic Approach to Childcare
At Academia de Mi Abuela, holistic development is a priority, recognizing that every child learns differently. The program offers various activities encouraging children to explore their interests, from outdoor play and arts and crafts to music and movement. This comprehensive approach helps children develop academic skills, emotional intelligence, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Flexible and Family-Centered Care
Academia de Mi Abuela offers programs for children as young as 18 months and extends to age 8, allowing parents to find the right fit for different developmental stages. After-school programs provide a safe and stimulating environment where children can complete homework, engage in enriching activities, and build friendships. This flexibility supports working parents while ensuring their children are well cared for.
Check Out an Example of the Monthly Curriculum Below
Affordable Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities
Academia de Mi Abuela is committed to providing high-quality education at accessible costs. Tuition rates are available here, and the school offers several scholarship programs to help make education affordable for all families. Learn more about scholarship opportunities and how to apply here.
Transitioning to Elementary School: Your Next Steps
After completing their preschool journey at Academia de Mi Abuela, many children in Oakland and Piedmont move on to trusted elementary schools such as:
- Melrose Leadership Academy: Offers dual-language immersion and a project-based learning approach.
- Escuela Bilingüe Internacional: Focuses on bilingual education with an emphasis on global awareness.
- Manzanita Elementary: Provides a nurturing environment with strong community support.
- Montclair Elementary: Combines academic excellence with social-emotional learning.
Embrace the Journey
Preschool and after-school care are pivotal milestones in your child’s development, offering opportunities to grow, learn, and explore. At Academia de Mi Abuela, we are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where children can develop the skills they need for a bright future.
Located at 5201 Park Blvd, Piedmont, CA 94611, we welcome families to tour our Spanish immersion childcare center and experience the culturally rich and dynamic learning environment firsthand. Call or text us at 510-697-0002 to schedule a tour, or email admissions@amachildcarecenter.com to learn more or schedule a visit.
Cynthia and the AMA staff look forward to meeting your beautiful family soon and offering an extraordinary childcare experience with fun, engaging, hands-on, and culturally immersive learning experiences. Adelante!
