Spanish Learning Castle is a family owned and operated Spanish Immersion Preschool catering to children ages 18 month old to 4 years old and right here in Katy, Tx. During the Summer, they also teach school aged children up to 8 years old and have fun Summer Camps this year. Their very first school is located in Old Katy, near 5th street and Ft. Bend County Rd. and their second campus is on South Mason near Cinco Ranch Crossing. They pride themselves on offering local families a low teacher to child ratio, so they can offer better focus on their individual growth and development.
Owner and Director of SPLC is Ani Marin, who has been working with children as a Spanish Teacher for over 15 years. She taught Spanish to elementary school children in Minneapolis and St Paul school district.
In 2013 she started a Mommy and Me Spanish Program tailored for early stimulation of 6 to 18 month old children. She was inspired by her baby daughter as she enjoyed playing with and singing to her in Spanish. She truly cherished those memorable moments that she spent with her and decided to spread this joy to others by creating Spanish Learning Castle in 2014.
The SLC logo was created by Ani’s Nephew AJ Marin in 2011 when he was 5 years old.
The curriculum is based on the philosophy that children learn best through hands-on experiences. The Spanish environment surrounding our activities enables your child to learn Spanish at the same time as practicing early childhood educational concepts like following instructions, literacy, art, math and science. The curriculum also incorporates group activities to reinforce the fun of the Spanish language in songs, movement, yoga and games. Classes include outdoor activities in their 1/2 acre backyard. A perfect balance of nurturing, playtime, and learning each day.
We got to chat with the amazing Ani Marin about what makes Spanish Learning Castle so unique, why she loves what she does, and why you should consider them for the special little ones in your life!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?
My name is Ani Marin, I am from Venezuela.
In 2006 I moved to Minnesota where I taught Spanish as a second language
In 2009 I move the state of Texas, because my husband was relocated here for work.
What did you do before becoming the director of Spanish Learning Castle and what year did you come on board?
I started an early childhood stimulation project when my daughter was 4 month old, around January 2013. I began developing this project at my home as a Mommy & Me program.
Can you talk about your background in education?
I have Bachelor Degrees in Arts and in Education. In 2014 I received by Director certification in the state of Texas.
Tell us a little about your school and what makes it unique!
We strive to inspire children to learn and grow through an educational curriculum that is challenging, fun and developmentally appropriate while implementing a full Spanish Immersion program. Our program is designed to help your child develop creatively, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
When was the school started?
In Summer of 2014 we opened de doors of Spanish Learning Castle in our Old Kat campus. Summer of 2019 we opened our second location on the Southwest Equestrian center of Katy.
What makes a Spanish immersion program so important for kiddos?
Studies carried out by different individuals and organizations over the years have proven that being bilingual comes with several advantages, in particular when the children are of preschool age.
One is that students exposes to bilingualism are more focused and less distracted than monolingual students. Also, being bilingual helps to grow their creativity.
If you could describe your business in just three words, what would they be?
Multicultural, creative & loving!!!!
To learn more about SPLC and their programs be sure to visit their website and follow along with them on social media!
https://www.spanishlearningcastle.com/programs
