Business Details
17 Years
experience
Spanish Immersion Preschool in Portland, OR
Aprende con Amigos was founded in 2009 with a mission to provide a research-based Spanish immersion preschool program for children aged 3 - 5. Our approach integrates Howard Gardners theory of Multiple Intelligences, emphasizing linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal development. We implement a 90/10 language model, with 90% of instruction in Spanish and 10% in English, ensuring immersive language acquisition. Our curriculum prioritizes student-driven learning, where children explore topics in depth through collaborative projects, problem-solving, and hands-on experiences. We balance mixed-age and focused-age group activities to foster peer mentorship and age-appropriate skill development.Our rotating schedule allows students to engage in art/music, math/science, and language arts/social studies learning areas daily. We host virtual open houses and in-person tours to connect with families, maintaining a first-come enrollment process. Our team includes experienced educators with expertise in bilingualism, early childhood development, and community engagement. We partner with parents through workshops and coaching to extend learning beyond the classroom. Our commitment to quality has earned testimonials praising our nurturing environment, academic excellence, and cultural enrichment.
Services
Spanish Immersion Preschool
Summer Camp Program
Active Learning Curriculum
Mixed-Age Group Activities
Parent Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We implement a 90/10 Spanish immersion model for comprehensive language acquisition.
- Our curriculum integrates Howard Gardners Multiple Intelligences theory for holistic development.
- Student-driven learning emphasizes depth over breadth through collaborative projects.
- Mixed-age and focused-age group activities balance peer mentorship with targeted instruction.
- Founders hold advanced degrees and certifications in early childhood education.
What people say
Fantastic people
Nurturing environment
Love and compassion
Stellar academics
Great community
Services
Spanish Immersion Preschool
Our Spanish immersion program uses a 90/10 model, with 90% Spanish and 10% English instruction. Children develop language skills through daily activities in art, science, and social studies. The curriculum aligns with Howard Gardners Multiple Intelligences theory, ensuring holistic development in a nurturing environment.
Summer Camp Program
Seven-week summer camps maintain stable peer groups and include science experiments, art projects, and cooking sessions. Activities rotate through art/music, math/science, and language arts/social studies areas. Full-day care runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with structured learning and outdoor play.
Active Learning Curriculum
Students engage in hands-on projects driven by their interests, fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills. Mixed-age groups encourage mentorship while focused-age activities target developmental milestones. Daily rotations through three learning areas ensure balanced skill development aligned with research-based practices.
Parent Workshops
Educational workshops help parents extend learning at home. Topics include bilingual development strategies, child psychology insights, and curriculum alignment. Certified parent coaches provide personalized guidance to strengthen family-school partnerships and support long-term academic success.
Community Building
Our program cultivates lasting connections through collaborative events and cultural celebrations. Families participate in open houses, seasonal festivals, and volunteer opportunities. This network provides ongoing social support and creates enduring friendships among children and parents alike.
People
Stacey Dunbar
Owner
With 25+ years in education, Stacey founded Aprende con Amigos in 2009 after teaching in Spanish immersion programs. She holds a degree in Early Elementary Education and became a certified parent coach in 2023. Stacey partners with teachers to ensure quality programming.
Tuly Novoa
Overlook Director
A licensed preschool teacher from Venezuela, Tuly has extensive early childhood experience across tutoring, camps, and home care. She became co-owner in 2022 and leads the Overlook location, emphasizing bilingual education's lifelong benefits.
Teresa Hernandez
Cully Director
A native Spanish speaker with over a decade working with children, Teresa started as a floater teacher before becoming Cully director. She prioritizes making children feel loved and supported in their learning journey.
Norma Moreno
Curriculum Coordinator
Norma brings teaching experience from Mexico and Head Start programs. As Curriculum Coordinator, she ensures lessons align with cultural values while supporting teachers through professional development and classroom mentorship.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept children aged 3–5 for preschool and 3–6 for summer camp programs.
How does your Spanish immersion program work?
Our 90/10 model uses Spanish for 90% of instruction, with English for 10%, ensuring natural language acquisition through daily activities.
Are meals provided?
We offer organic snacks daily. Parents may provide lunches from home to accommodate dietary preferences.
How does enrollment work?
Enrollment follows Multnomah County’s Preschool for All timeline, with applications processed on a first-come basis after virtual open houses.
What curriculum frameworks do you use?
Our program integrates Reggio Emilia, High/Scope, Waldorf, and Montessori principles alongside Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory.
