3219A Laguna St · Marina District · San Francisco
Choosing a preschool is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. At Hungry Caterpillars, we have created a Spanish immersion preschool that feels like a second home — where independence grows naturally, curiosity is protected, and children build the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Words only go so far. Walk through our space, meet the environment, and get a feel for the rhythm of a day at Hungry Caterpillars.
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Our classrooms are intentionally calm, language-rich, and thoughtfully prepared — so children build independence through hands-on work, form genuine friendships, learn Spanish naturally through daily play, and prepare for kindergarten without pressure. We are a community built on relationships, not a revolving door.
Through songs, storytelling, daily routines, and authentic interaction with bilingual educators, children absorb Spanish naturally — the same way they learned their first language.
Language woven into every moment — greetings, meals, songs, transitions, and play. Fluency that feels like home, not a class.
Developmentally appropriate phonics ensures strong early literacy before kindergarten. Both languages. Full confidence.
We blend Montessori and Reggio Emilia — two of the most respected early childhood philosophies in the world — into a structured yet flexible environment where children explore deeply and take real ownership of their learning.
Concrete, tactile Montessori materials let children explore abstract concepts through direct experience before moving toward abstraction.
Long, protected time blocks allow children to enter deep focus — building the attention and self-regulation that lifelong learning requires.
Pouring, folding, preparing food, tending plants — practical life builds coordination, concentration, and genuine independence.
Reggio-inspired educators follow children's curiosity into extended investigations — documentation, discovery, and shared meaning-making.
Art is a language. Children communicate through drawing, painting, sculpting, and building throughout the entire day.
Every corner of our space is purposeful. Materials are beautiful and inviting — because the environment itself is an educator.
Environment matters. Our classroom was built intentionally — every detail chosen to support calm focus, creative exploration, and the kind of deep play that develops the whole child. Inside and out.
Child-sized furnishings, open-ended materials, warm light. Dedicated art, sensory, and practical life areas free from overstimulation.
A mud kitchen, garden beds, outdoor art table, and open space for gross motor development. Nature is not a field trip — it is the daily classroom.
Bilingual labels, books, and conversation fill every corner. The space itself speaks both languages — so children learn to as well.
We are parents ourselves. We understand the level of trust it takes to leave your child in someone else's care — which is why transparency, open communication, and genuine partnership with families are non-negotiable for us.
Holds a Master’s degree in Child Development and brings over a decade of leadership in early childhood education. A bilingual educator deeply committed to multilingualism, she believes children thrive through meaningful relationships, hands-on learning, and language-rich environments designed with intention and care.
Brings over eight years of experience teaching Spanish to children in San Francisco. A native Spanish speaker and mother of two, she is deeply committed to language immersion and creating a warm, engaging classroom environment where children feel confident, supported, and inspired to learn.
Holds a degree in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz with a focus on cognitive development. A bilingual educator who values curiosity and hands-on learning, she brings warmth, reliability, and a deep understanding of how young children grow, think, and connect.
At Hungry Caterpillars, we see children as capable individuals who deserve respect, patience, and meaningful guidance. Our educators are experienced bilingual professionals who believe learning should feel joyful — never rushed, never diminished.
We partner closely with families, provide regular communication, and build a strong sense of belonging within our community. Every family that walks through our doors becomes part of something larger than a classroom.
We are honored to walk alongside you during these foundational years.
Meet the founders →If you are looking for an intentional, bilingual, nurturing preschool deeply committed to your child's growth — we would love to meet you. Schedule a tour and experience Hungry Caterpillars in person.