Maripositas:

Where Play, Immersion and Transformation Take Flight!

A Spanish Immersion Daycare Rooted in Wonder, Play, and Language

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At the Butterfly Academy, we are dedicated to nurturing young minds in a safe and culturally immersive environment where children develop biliteracy through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences.

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About The Butterfly Academy

The Butterfly Academy is a Spanish immersion learning center founded by a family of sisters, inspired by years of experience in education and a shared passion for nurturing young children. Our purpose is to create a warm, enriching environment where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally—through nature, play, and culture.

We believe in laying the foundation for bilingualism while fostering creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Our name reflects our mission: just as caterpillars transform into butterflies, our students grow through immersive Spanish learning—developing language skills, building self-assurance, and cultivating a lifelong love of discovery.

The butterfly symbolizes growth, transformation, and the beauty of every child’s unique journey. It is an honor for us to be chosen as part of your child’s educational journey. Thank you for allowing us to accompany you during this beautiful and meaningful stage.

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“Es un honor para nosotras que nos elijan para ser parte del camino educativo de su hijo(a). Gracias por permitirnos acompañarlos en esta hermosa y significativa etapa."

About the Directors

Co-Founder & Director

About Debora Valdez

Working with children has always been at the heart of Debora Valdez’s journey. From a young age, she was actively involved in her church’s children’s and youth ministries, devoting countless summers to planning and leading Vacation Bible School. These early experiences ignited a deep love for nurturing young minds and inspired her to pursue a career in education.

Debora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University–San Antonio and brings over a decade of experience in early childhood and dual language instruction. As a bilingual educator, she led Spanish Immersion Camps for five consecutive summers, creating joyful, language-rich experiences through music, art, and discovery.

As a mother of three, Debora deeply understands the importance of the early years. Watching her own children grow and discover the world has been her greatest inspiration. Through them, Debora has witnessed the power of learning through play and exploration. Together with her husband, they have lovingly raised them in a bilingual home and know firsthand that Spanish immersion works. That belief has shaped her vision for The Butterfly Academy. Debora’s heart is to create a warm, nurturing space where every child is celebrated, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

“El juego es el trabajo de la infancia.”​

— Jean Piaget

Co-Founder & Director

About Isai Garza

Isai Garza has always known her calling was working with children. Her journey began in ministry, where she led preschool classes for over five years—planning theater plays, Vacation Bible School, songs, and crafts that brought learning and joy to young hearts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned her EC-6 Bilingual Certification.

With over four years of experience teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten in dual language classrooms, Isai brings both expertise and heart to early childhood education. At The Butterfly Academy, she leads the center’s daily operations, ensuring a safe, loving, and well-organized space for children and families.

As a mother of three girls whom she is raising bilingually, Isai understands the power of language, love, and care in a child’s early years. She carries that same commitment into every part of the academy—welcoming each family with the promise of nurturing support and a joyful learning experience.

“Justo cuando la oruga pensó que era el final, se convirtió en mariposa.”

We believe that young children learn best when engaged in rich, hands-on activities that stimulate their senses, spark creativity, and nurture their natural curiosity about the world.

By fostering an early and deep connection with language, we help lay the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional well-being, and confident growth. Our commitment is to guide each child with care, intention, and expertise—empowering them to spread their wings and soar.

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