About Centro Armonia Spanish Immersion School · San Jose
Centro Armonia Spanish Immersion School is a year-round preschool and child care center serving San Jose, California, located at 196 Martinvale Lane in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Founded in 2004 by Owner and Director Claudia Hernandez, it markets itself as Silicon Valley's only full Spanish immersion school and daycare, enrolling children from infancy through Transitional Kindergarten (ages 0–5) and offering a Summer Camp. All classroom educators (maestras) are native Spanish speakers, and families participate in events such as Día de los Muertos parades, holiday brunches, Mother's Day teas, and ice-cream socials.
Centro Armonia Spanish Immersion School grew out of a Spanish immersion playgroup that owner Claudia Hernandez started with her own children. That playgroup evolved into a parent co-op preschool for Spanish-speaking families, and ultimately into a full immersion program open to any family wanting their child to grow up bilingually. Since 2004, Centro Armonia has provided full-day care and early education from infants (0–2) through Transitional Kindergarten (4–5), with a Summer Camp option for ages 2–5. The center operates year-round with open enrollment (subject to space) from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The school's philosophy centers on a 100% Spanish-speaking environment with low child-to-teacher ratios that exceed California state requirements (1:4 in infants, 1:6–8 in preschool, 1:8–12 in TK/Kindergarten). Maestras hold CPR certifications and FBI background checks, the facility has access-controlled entry and a fenced yard, and the school uses the Brightwheel™ parent communication app. Centro Armonia also practices Jane Nelsen's Positive Discipline method and offers parent workshops in the fall. The school notes that graduates often qualify as native Spanish speakers when tested for elementary school and bilingual scholarships. Located in San Jose's Santa Teresa area, Centro Armonia is listed in private school directories as a nonsectarian city-based preschool.
- In business
- Founded 2004 (approximately 20+ years in operation as of 2024)
- Owner
- Claudia Hernandez — Owner & Director
- Serves
- San Jose, California — primarily the Santa Teresa / southern San Jose area; serves Silicon Valley families seeking full Spanish immersion early education.
- Rating
- Approximately 4.3 on Unilocal (18 reviews, across two listed locations); 5.0 on Care.com (1 review); 5.0 on EdRater. Individual reviews are mixed, ranging from 1 to 5 stars.
About Centro Armonia — Our Story Since 2004
Centro Armonia Spanish Immersion School was founded in 2004 by Claudia Hernandez, who began with a Spanish immersion playgroup in her own home before growing it into a parent co-op preschool for Spanish-speaking families. When interest from non-Spanish-speaking families grew, she expanded the program into a full immersion school open to any family wanting their child to grow up bilingually. Today it operates as Silicon Valley's only full Spanish immersion preschool and daycare, with year-round open enrollment.
- Founded 2004 by Owner & Director Claudia Hernandez
- Originated as a Spanish immersion playgroup, then a parent co-op, then a full immersion school
- Open to any family — Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers
- Year-round open enrollment (subject to space)
Programs by Age
Centro Armonia offers four core programs serving children from infancy through age 5, all delivered in a 100% Spanish immersion environment.
- Infants / Toddlers — 0–2 years
- Preschool — 2–5 years
- Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / Kindergarten prep — 4–5 years
- Summer Camp — 2–5 years
100% Spanish Immersion Approach
Every maestra is a native Spanish speaker, and Spanish is the language of the classroom throughout the day. Children make age-appropriate connections between Spanish and English, and the school states that graduates often qualify as native Spanish speakers when tested for elementary school and bilingual scholarships. Bilingualism is presented as a path to higher-paying employment and broader life opportunities.
- Native Spanish-speaking maestras from Latin America
- Spanish-only classroom policy
- Curriculum infused with Latin American culture and traditions
- Graduates often test as native Spanish speakers for elementary school
Teacher-to-Student Ratios
Ratios exceed California state requirements in every classroom.
- Infants: 1 maestra per 4 children
- Preschool: 1 maestra per 6–8 children
- TK / Kindergarten: 1 maestra per 8–12 children
Safety & Security
The facility has access-controlled entry restricting entrance to authorized people, plus a fenced yard for outdoor play. All maestras hold CPR certifications and have completed FBI background checks. The school uses the Brightwheel™ app to send parents daily pictures, videos, and updates about their child.
- Access-controlled entry and fenced yard
- CPR-certified maestras
- FBI background checks for all staff
- Brightwheel™ parent communication app
Positive Discipline Philosophy
Centro Armonia follows Jane Nelsen's Positive Discipline method, emphasizing healthy communication and emotional intelligence. The school hosts Positive Discipline parent workshops in the fall so families can continue the approach at home, and holds monthly parent meetings for feedback and community building.
- Jane Nelsen's Positive Discipline method used in classrooms
- Fall evening Positive Discipline course offered to parents
- Monthly parent meetings
- Optional drive-through drop-off and pick-up for families with multiple children
Family Events & Community
The school builds community through family-friendly events throughout the year, including ice-cream socials, Día de los Muertos parades, holiday brunches, and Mother's Day teas. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and participate.
- Ice-cream socials
- Día de los Muertos parade
- Holiday brunches
- Mother's Day tea
Outdoor Play & Field Trips
Children enjoy daily outdoor play in age-separated areas with age-appropriate equipment. The yard includes fruit trees and planters that children help care for, building a connection with nature. Field trips to the pumpkin patch, fire station, farm, and natural spaces for hikes have been part of the program (paused during COVID and resumed when safe).
- Daily outdoor play in age-separated areas
- Fruit trees and planters for nature-based learning
- Field trips: pumpkin patch, fire station, farm, nature hikes
Tuition, Hours & Enrollment
Centro Armonia operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, year-round. Enrollment is open throughout the year whenever space is available. The school coordinates with several state and county subsidy programs and can walk families through federal child care tax credits (Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit).
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday–Friday
- Year-round open enrollment (subject to space)
- Subsidy partners: Go Kids Inc., Child Care Resource Center, CalWorks, Choices for Children
- Information on federal Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Earned Income Tax Credit
Meet the Team
The school is led by Owner & Director Claudia Hernandez, supported by an experienced staff of native Spanish-speaking maestras. Several team members have been with Centro Armonia for up to 17 years, providing continuity for families.
- Claudia Hernandez — Owner & Director
- Cathy Olivo
- Celia Parker
- Dora Lemus
- Araceli Olivo
- Blanca Hernandez
- Yoriela Lemons
- Esther Vargas
- Shanean Tonick
- Jennifer Madrid
- Odilia Gonzalez
- Patricia (Patty) Vazquez
- Regina Flores de Portillo
- Lorena Garfias
- Lourdes Madriz
- Elena Aceves
Contact & Location
Centro Armonia Spanish Immersion School is located at 196 Martinvale Lane in San Jose's Santa Teresa neighborhood (ZIP 95119). Families can reach the school by phone, email, or by attending an Open House event (a July 9th, 6:30 PM Open House was advertised on the site).
- Address: 196 Martinvale Ln, San Jose, CA 95119
- Phone: (408) 609-3383
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://armoniapreschool.com/
- Open House events held periodically (check site for current dates)