Escuelita Alegría is an educational nonprofit dedicated to Spanish immersion education for children ages 2-6 in Columbia, MO. Our ‘escuelita’ opened its doors to students in November 2024 and has been steadily growing with families excited to expose their children to the Spanish language, often for the first time! Our preschool offers a nurturing and academically stimulating environment where children can explore the wonders of a second language and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. No previous Spanish experience is necessary – our teachers will help each student grow in comfort and use of the target language (Spanish).
Our mission is to inspire the joy of learning and a multicultural mind through all-day, play-based Spanish language immersion. We focus on the whole-child development of each student, encompassing social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Our caring, highly-trained native Spanish-speaking teachers bring not only their language, but their culture into the classroom, creating a learning environment that helps every child grow and learn together. Our small class sizes allow for immersive, hands-on experiences where students naturally expand their vocabulary and language skills.
School Core Principles
We deeply value character, a strong commitment to family and community, and the dignity and worth of every person. We strive to create a nurturing space where every child can thrive. We ask the teaching team, students, and families to uphold our core principles:
o Treat everyone with respect, patience, and trust.
o Be committed to being a lifelong learner.
o Try your best, ask for help when you need it.
o Do things the proper way, not the quickest or easiest.
o Understand that just being “good enough” limits dreams of greatness.
o Do what you say you will do and do it to the best of your ability.
Board of Directors
As an educational nonprofit organization, we are governed by a Board of Directors. To reach the Board President, email ea*****@ea***********.com.
Location
We’re proud to be located in the heart of Downtown Columbia, sharing space within the Child Development Center at First Presbyterian Church on Hitt Street. Our bright and welcoming facility includes four thoughtfully designed classrooms and a shaded, secure playground where children can play and explore.
Hours of Operation
Escuelita Alegria is open 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. Our full-immersion preschool class day runs 8:30 am – 3:30 pm each day. For families who need it, we offer care in the morning from 7:30 am – 8:30 am and/or in the evenings from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 5:30, pm at $90 per hour. To learn more about tuition and enrollment, click here.