Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana.
Hi Ana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I first moved to Nashville, I quickly realized there was a wonderful opportunity to share my native language and the vibrant traditions of Latin culture with the community. My motivation sprang from a deep love for my heritage and a belief that children benefit immensely from learning a second language early in life. Seeing no options for Spanish immersion preschools in the area, I felt compelled to create a space where young minds could grow and thrive while connecting with the richness of my culture.
That vision came to life in 2015 with the founding of Primer Academia de ABC Spanish Immersion Program. From the beginning, our mission was simple yet profound: to nurture bilingual learners through engaging curriculum, joyful cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community. We introduced daily Spanish alongside playful enrichment activities like art, music, dance, sport, and traditional crafts—making sure every child felt welcome, loved, curious, and inspired.
Over these past 11 years, I’ve witnessed incredible growth—not just in our students’ language skills, but in their confidence and openness to new cultures. Our preschool has become a beloved part of Nashville, touching the lives of hundreds of families and building bridges across diverse communities. Parents often tell me how their children sing Spanish songs at home, greet relatives in two languages, and show genuine excitement about learning something new every day.
We fill an important role in the childcare ecosystem. Studies show that when a second language is learned at an early age, children have increased levels of creativity, ability to solve problems, vocabulary, and stronger mathematical skills. Overall, learning a second language from infancy improves brain function. It also instills an innate appreciation for different cultures and a positive response towards the target language’s culture. Primer Academia is also an opportunity for heritage speakers to learn Spanish from birth outside of the home and be immersed in a world of Spanish language and culture.
Since Primer Academia opened, our dream has been to find a permanent location to call home, but many places have either been too expensive or need too much work. Then, in the spring of 2022, the opportunity arose for Primer Academia to purchase their current location – Faith Christian Reformed Church, in Nippers Corner in South Nashville.
Currently, Primer Academia has been given 2 years to raise the $600,000 needed to purchase the property on Old Hickory Boulevard. Additionally, we will renovate the existing facility and add to the building to fully house a Preschool. & Kindergarten.
As it stands currently, the facilities require a fair amount of renovations in order for Primer Academia to pass inspection and operate a full-time Spanish Immersion Preschool & Kindergarten. Plans have been submitted and approved by the State Fire Marshall. Therefore, we are currently operating as a program part-time..
The ultimate goal is to renovate the existing facility and then build a new building adjacent to the current facility, which will provide space for a state-of-the-art Spanish Immersion full-time Preschool & Kindergarten.
Today, Primer Academia de ABC is expanding its reach and impact. We’re opening new classrooms, welcoming more families, and introducing innovative programs designed to help students flourish both academically and culturally. Our dream is to nurture even more bilingual learners and to continue sharing the beauty of Latin culture with Nashville and beyond. If you’re a parent, educator, or community member who values language and cultural enrichment, I invite you to join us on this exciting journey—together, we can inspire a new generation to embrace the world with open hearts and curious minds.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. The challenge we face now is to raise the funds, and we are actively seeking support from our community and potential donors. Our goal is to make essential improvements to the facility, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for children while keeping tuition accessible for families. By securing the necessary funding, we can create a vibrant space where young learners can thrive in a high-quality, affordable Spanish immersion program.
We’ve been impressed with Primer Academia de ABC Spanish Immersion Program, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Primer Academia de ABC, exists to provide a safe, high-quality, developmental environment, with a Spanish language program, providing a stimulating early child care and educational experience, which promotes each child’s social, emotional, spiritual, physical and cognitive development. Our objective is to support children’s desire to be life-long learners, through a cooperative partnership between parents and staff.
What sets me apart is my unique combination of native Spanish fluency and a genuine passion for early childhood education. As a native speaker, I bring authentic language exposure and cultural richness into the classroom, creating an immersive environment that goes beyond textbook learning. My commitment to serving the community further distinguishes me, as I not only help preschoolers gain valuable language skills but also foster a sense of inclusivity and cultural appreciation within my local area. These qualities enable me to inspire young learners and make a meaningful impact on both their language development and their understanding of the world around them.
What I am most proud of, brand-wise, is our commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. Primer Academia de ABC stands out for our focus on holistic development, integrating a rich Spanish language program that not only enhances early learning but also celebrates cultural diversity. I want readers to know that our offerings go beyond traditional childcare; we provide engaging curriculum, personalized attention, and foster meaningful partnerships with parents to ensure each child thrives and develops a lifelong love of learning. Our services are designed to inspire confidence, curiosity, and compassion in every student we serve.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking has been key; I have met wonderful entrepreneurs in Nashville who have enriched me and supported me on my path. I am also open to meeting more inspiring people and entrepreneurs.
Pricing:
- Summer Program fees: $75 Registration fee $390 montly tuition
- 2026-2027 School year: $150 Registration fee $400 – $450 monthly tuition
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.primeracademiadeabc.org https://www.buildprimeracademia.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primeracademiadeabc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/primeracademiadeabc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anacardona7831?si=439qPcLkkaauMWa4
