Waldorf-Inspired • Forest School • Spanish Immersion
A place to learn, create and explore in Spanish.
Give your child the gift of language, creativity, and nature. At Mi Escuelita en Español, children learn entirely in Spanish through play, outdoor exploration, and a Waldorf-inspired rhythm.
Now Enrolling Ages 15 months-5 years in San Francisco’s Portola District
“Receive the children in reverence; educate them in love; let them go forth in freedom.” Rudolf Steiner
Big News For Our Community!
Mi Escuelita en Español is now officially part of Early Learning for All (ELFA) Program in San Francisco, expanding access to free and low-cost preschool for eligible families.
Founded in 2010 — Celebrating 16 years al servicio de la comunidad!
A warm, nature-rooted community where children grow.
Through daily outdoor play, music, art, storytelling, and puppetry, children explore the world while building imagination and practical skills. Our 100% Spanish immersion approach allows language to be naturally acquired through meaningful, everyday experiences, fostering empathy, independence, and lasting connections.
We are proud members of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America, LifeWays North America, and affiliated with NAEYC.
Mi Escuelita has been wonderful for our daughter. She is learning to be more independent and forging new social connections with Ines and the other kids. She is excited to go every morning and comes home exhausted.
Our Program
Opportunities for Your Little One to Explore!
Daily Preeschool
Monday- Friday 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Children experience a gentle rhythm of free play, circle time with music and storytelling, snack, nature walks, art projects, lunch, and rest. For more information on our daily rhythm, visit our “Program” page.
Optional Extended Care
Monday-Friday 2:00-4:00 pm
A calm, nurturing extension of the school day where children continue to play, explore, and unwind in Spanish. With outdoor time and creative activities, we provide a space that supports connection, independence, and joyful learning.
Exciting Collabs
Monthly
We partner with musician Francisco Herrera for Spanish music classes, and with Tree Frog Treks for rescued animal visits and science in Spanish. We are excited to soon introduce dance lessons!
Seasonal Camps
Spring, Winter, Summer and Holidays
Our seasonal camps invite children to explore, create, and play while fully immersed in Spanish. Each camp blends outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, and creative projects in a warm, nurturing, nature-based environment.
Mi Escuelita en Español invites children ages 2.5–7 to explore, create, and play in nature through our Forest Camp, a Spanish-immersion experience.
Children may enroll for single days, weeks, or a full month. No Spanish fluency is required—children learn naturally through immersion, play, songs, stories, and daily routines guided by experienced educators.
Our program supports language development, social-emotional growth, creativity, and a love for nature in a safe and nurturing environment.
Summer Camp 2026: June 4 – August 21 (no camp the first week of July) Location: Glen Canyon Park, San Francisco Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Aftercare available until 4:00 PM)
Your child will enjoy:
Outdoor adventures and hands-on activities
Creative projects and playful learning
Immersion in Spanish in a warm, nurturing environment
Sign up today and give your child a summer full of fun and discovery.
We could not be more thrilled with our experiences with Mi Escuelita. We feel like we have the best of both worlds – the diversity in curriculum and experiences that comes from large programs with the intimacy and personalized attention from such a small program.
Why Mi Escuelita en Español
Why Families Choose Us
A joyful, nature-based Spanish immersion program where children are known, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Deeply rooted in nature and play: Daily forest school, outdoor exploration, seasonal field trips, and meaningful nature art projects guide children’s learning.
Expert, attentive teaching: Led by Inés, a highly experienced teacher with over 20 years of work with children and training toward her Waldorf credential, in an intimate, nurturing setting.
A strong, lasting community: Families become part of a connected community through shared experiences, celebrations, and ongoing communication.
100% Spanish immersion, naturally woven into play, routines, music, and exploration.
Creativity
Music, storytelling, puppetry, and art—enriched by community partners and visiting educators.
Nature
Daily forest school experiences, neighborhood adventures, and hands-on learning with the natural world.
Connection
Strong social-emotional support, child-led problem solving, close family relationships, and ongoing communication through reports and conferences.
Inés Portugal
Meet Our Director
Inés Portugal
20+ years of experience in early childhood education
Inés is a proud Latina immigrant, mother, and educator with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education.
She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and the highest California Child Development Program Permit, and is currently completing her International Waldorf Teacher’s Credential, a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and the ECE Equity Leadership Academy at the Children’s Council of San Francisco.
Awards & Credentials:
Medal of Excellence – International Gold Excellence Awards 2024
Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America Member
LifeWays Early Childhood & Human Development Training Graduate
Certified Massage Therapist (CA)
20+ years of hands-on experience with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
More than just a joyful place
A nurturing environment where children grow through language, creativity, and nature.
