We are raising
bilingual, kindhearted
kindergarten ready students.
¡Hola! We are Alma Flor Ada, a Spanish immersion early learning academy in Woodbury serving children from 16 months through Kindergarten.
Through joyful immersion and intentional early education, we help children build confidence, kindness, and kindergarten-ready skills, all while naturally becoming bilingual.
10+ Years
Of Excellence
200+
Families
100%
Native Faculty
90/10
Immersion
Welcome
An Introduction to Our School
Our Core Pillars
The foundation of everything we do at Alma Flor Ada.
Bilingüismo
Bilingualism
Developing native-like fluency through immersive play and learning.
Cultura
Culture
Celebrating Hispanic heritage and fostering global citizenship.
Corazón
Heart
Nurturing emotional intelligence and kindness in every child.
Mundo
World
Preparing students to thrive in an interconnected global community.
Our Programs
From first words to kindergarten ready
Children begin in Early Pre-K (Level 101) and advance through our 5-level progression system, once a year, or earlier when teachers evaluate they are ready. Every step is built around bilingual fluency, social-emotional growth, and play-based learning led by native Spanish-speaking teachers.
Early Pre-K
Where the journey begins. Our youngest learners build language, friendships, and confidence through play, music, and bilingual daily routines led by native Spanish-speaking teachers.
Pre-K
Two progression levels where children deepen their Spanish vocabulary, build foundational academic skills, develop emotional fluency, and grow into the children they are becoming.
Kindergarten Readiness
Our highest level prepares children for elementary school with bilingual literacy, math foundations, critical thinking, and the emotional confidence to thrive anywhere they go next.
Before & After School Enrichment
Extended Spanish immersion through specialized after-school activities in art, music, movement, and cultural exploration. The same teachers, the same care, the same culture.
Summer Camps
Immersive bilingual adventures that keep Spanish learning alive when school is out, through play, art, music, and outdoor exploration.
Tuition is transparent at AFA
We believe families deserve to know what enrollment costs before they tour. Toddler Program tuition is $460/week. PreK/Kindergarten Program tuition is $420/week.
Model
Nurturing Bilingualism Through
Full Spanish Immersion
Our 90/10 immersion model means that 90% of the day is conducted entirely in Spanish. This proven approach allows children to absorb the language naturally through play, routines, and relationships, just as they learn their first language.
"¡Tu familia es nuestra familia!"
Our Namesake
We proudly carry the name of Alma Flor Ada, a Cuban-born Professor Emerita at the University of San Francisco and an award-winning bilingual children's author. Her life's work has been dedicated to promoting bilingualism and multicultural education.
"Bilingualism is a gift that lasts a lifetime. It opens doors to new worlds, new friendships, and new ways of understanding our shared humanity."
A Message from Alma Flor Ada
Who your child becomes here
A Bilingual Mind
Thinking and communicating effortlessly across two languages.
Cultural Belonging
Deeply rooted in heritage with a profound sense of self.
Emotional Fluency
Equipped with the vocabulary to express feelings and show empathy.
Academic Readiness
Prepared for the rigors of elementary education and beyond.
A Wider Lens
Viewing the world with curiosity, respect, and global awareness.
An Open Heart
Approaching new people and experiences with kindness and joy.
Inside Our Academy
A Peek Into Your Child’s Day
From morning drop-off to joyful classroom learning and imaginative outdoor play, every space at Alma Flor Ada is designed to help children feel safe, inspired, and ready to grow.
Meet Our Founder
When I was looking for a preschool for my own children, I searched for a place that would not only provide exceptional early education but also honor our rich Hispanic heritage and language. I wanted a school that felt like an extension of our home—a place where Spanish wasn't just taught, but lived.
I couldn't find it, so I built it.
Alma Flor Ada is the realization of a dream to create a nurturing, joyful environment where children can develop deep roots in their culture and broad wings to explore the world. We invite your family to join ours.
Lucilla Davila
Our Leadership
Guided by passionate educators dedicated to bilingual excellence.
Melissa Thaemert
School Director
Melissa is a Minnesota educator with 24 years of experience as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. She holds advanced degrees in educational leadership, professional studies, adult learning, and elementary education, and has served as an elementary administrator for the past nine years.
As School Director at Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy, Melissa supports daily operations, school management, and the needs of AFA families.
Juliana Capdevila
Parent Engagement Manager & Assistant Director
Juliana Capdevila is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has lived in Woodbury, Minnesota for 19 years with her husband and two daughters.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and has experience in nonprofit work, family relocation support, and business management at 3M. As Parent Engagement Manager at Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy, Juliana plays an important role in supporting and connecting with AFA families.
Our Teachers & Supporting Staff
At Alma Flor Ada, our teachers and support staff bring together a beautiful blend of early childhood education experience, Spanish-language fluency, cultural diversity, and genuine love for children.
Our teaching team includes educators from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and Minnesota, many of whom hold degrees in education, Child Development Associate credentials, and years of hands-on classroom experience. Their backgrounds help create an environment where children are not only immersed in Spanish, but also surrounded by rich traditions, stories, songs, and cultural experiences from across the Spanish-speaking world.
More importantly, our staff is deeply committed to helping each child feel safe, loved, confident, and excited to learn. From classroom instruction to daily routines, family support, and before & after school enrichment activities, our team works together to create a warm, nurturing school community where children can grow academically, socially, emotionally, and bilingually.
Grow With Us!
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Leave your details below to receive our admissions packet and schedule a tour.
Family Stories
What Our Families Say
These reviews come from families and community members who have taken the time to share their experiences. They offer an honest look at the daily impact Alma Flor Ada has on children and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you serve?
Alma Flor Ada serves children from 16 months through Kindergarten. Our programs are designed for toddlers, preschoolers, PreK students, and Kindergarten-aged children, with a focus on early bilingual development, kindergarten readiness, and whole-child growth.
Do we need to speak Spanish at home?
No. Families do not need to speak Spanish at home for their child to thrive at Alma Flor Ada. Our 90/10 Spanish immersion model is designed to help children absorb the language naturally through daily routines, classroom instruction, play, songs, relationships, and repetition.
What if my child has never been exposed to Spanish before?
That is completely okay. Many children begin our program with little or no Spanish exposure. Because young children learn language naturally through immersion, they are able to build understanding over time in a supportive, nurturing classroom environment.
How does the 90/10 Spanish immersion model work?
Our 90/10 immersion model means that 90% of the school day is conducted in Spanish. Children experience Spanish through classroom instruction, play, routines, songs, stories, social interaction, and daily activities, allowing them to develop language skills naturally, much like they learned their first language.
Will my child be ready for English Kindergarten?
Yes. Our program is designed to support both Spanish language development and kindergarten readiness. Children build the social, emotional, academic, and early literacy skills they need to confidently transition into Kindergarten, while also gaining the long-term benefits of bilingual learning.
What makes Alma Flor Ada different from a traditional preschool or daycare?
Alma Flor Ada is more than childcare. We are a Spanish immersion early learning academy focused on bilingual development, social-emotional growth, cultural connection, and school readiness. Children are surrounded by Spanish throughout the day while learning in a warm, structured, and nurturing environment designed specifically for early childhood.
What does a typical school day look like?
A typical day includes Spanish immersion learning, classroom routines, play-based exploration, social-emotional development, music, movement, stories, meals, rest time, and opportunities for children to build independence and confidence. Every part of the day is intentionally designed to help children learn, connect, and grow.
What are your hours and schedule options?
Our core school day runs from 8:00am to 3:30pm. For families who need additional flexibility, we also offer Before Care from 6:30am to 8:00am and After Care from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.
Is Alma Flor Ada open year-round?
Yes. Alma Flor Ada offers year-round academic programming to support consistent learning and family schedules. Our program includes 40 weeks of 90/10 Spanish immersion academic instruction and 12 weeks of thematic summer programming that integrates STEM and language development. Our yearly calendar is aligned with Woodbury Public School District 833.
What is the tuition investment?
Tuition includes access to our full-day Spanish immersion education program, with before and after care options available to support working families.
The Toddler Program (Early Pre-K), for children ages 16 months to 2 years, is $460 per week or $1,995 per month.
The Pre-K & Kindergarten Readiness Programs, for children ages 2 to 6 years, is $420 per week or $1,820 per month.
How do I schedule a tour?
Families can schedule a tour to visit Alma Flor Ada in person, see the classrooms, meet the team, ask questions, and learn whether our Spanish immersion program is the right fit for their child. A tour is the best next step for families who want to experience the academy and understand how the program works.
Ready to see it in person?
The best way to know if Alma Flor Ada is right for your family is to visit our school.
¡Tu familia es nuestra familia!