Open Date: August 2021
Click the “Subscribe & Tour” button and our Center Director will reach out to you to schedule a tour.
L’Academy Preschools is where we uncover children’s cognitive potential through language immersion. Our ultimate goal is to develop each child mindfully with love and compassion through a language-rich curriculum!
Come and see our classrooms, meet the site staff and get all of your questions answered. Children are welcome!
Center offers Mandarin immersion.
Director Name: Berni Cruz
License: 414004632, 414004794
Closures for Holidays & Teacher In-Service Days:
● 2 Teacher in Service Days
● Labor Day
● Veterans Day
● Thanksgiving Day
● Day after Thanksgiving
● Winter Break (From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day)
● Martin Luther King Jr. Day
● President’s Day
● Memorial Day
● Juneteenth
● Independence Day
● 2 Parent Teacher Conference Days
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday will be observed the Friday before or the Monday after. Please refer to the school calendar for specific closure dates. Note that tuition will be due in full every month irrespective of school closures or holidays.
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 5:30pm
12m - 6 Years, Mandarin Immersion
2336 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94063
Director: Berni Cruz
Ms. Berni Cruz is committed to what she does and goes through each day with a positive outlook. Working with children and creating memorable experiences with them is something she's always wanted to do. She received her teaching credentials from Foothill College and has been in the education field for over 7 years with a background in administration. She started as a preschool teacher, became passionate about what she does, and decided to take on a new role so she can make a difference in children's lives. She cannot imagine a life without working with children as they always brighten her day. Ms. Berni grew up in Newark, California and is currently residing in San Mateo. She enjoys cycling, singing, watching movies, and trying all kinds of food. She believes that a child's imagination should never be limited. Her goal is to make this school a place where a child can be anything they want to be. Ms. Berni loves being a part of the L'Academy family.
Lead Preschool Teacher: Yvonne Yuan
Ms. Yvonne is a reliable, loving, and hardworking teacher. She is a native Mandarin speaker with 5 years of teaching experience in early childhood education.
Not only does Ms. Yvonne specialize in teaching literacy and conducting science experiments in Mandarin with young children, but she also has experience teaching Japanese to children and adults.
She appreciates the time she gets to spend with preschool children and is patient with them as they go through their stages of development.
Ms. Yvonne loves to help children to develop their best self. She enjoys teaching social-emotional skills, confidence, and self-efficacy. Ms. Yvonne loves working with children and thrives on making learning fun in a safe, comfortable, and an enjoyable environment.
Lead Toddler Teacher: Ying Zeng
Ms.Ying is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. She holds degrees inPsychology and Education from UC Santa Cruz and is passionate about early childhood education. She appreciates the importance of learning languages in a bilingual environment, giving children the opportunity to acquire knowledge in a bilingual way. Ms. Ying enjoys singing, cycling, and playing games with the children.
In addition to her experience, since she has led young children outdoors, she enjoys using natural materials to allow children to complete their nature projects. In this way, children get more exposure to the outdoors and natural beauty that is important to their development.
Ms. Ying believes that children's ability is unimaginable. As a teacher, she ensures that children can learn, play and grow in safe, comfortable, and fun classrooms. Ms. Ying is delighted to be a part of the L'Academy team and looks forward to meeting all the children and their families!
Mandarin Teacher: Jasmine Lin
Ms. Jasmine is a highly experienced child caregiver with over seven years of expertise in private family nanny positions and daycare centers. Her passion for working with children is evident through her patient and meticulous approach, as well as her strong communication skills with both children and parents.
Currently, Ms. Jasmine ensures children’s health and safety, and has experience preparing nutritious snacks, and organizing activities. Her dedication to the children's well-being is complemented by her effective communication with parents.
Previously, Ms. Jasmine served as a daycare center assistant and as a nanny from 2016 to 2023. She brings a wealth of skills, including infant and toddler care, early childhood education, first aid and safety knowledge, family education and communication skills, and bilingual teaching in Cantonese and Mandarin. Her commitment to providing the best care and dedication to children makes her a valuable addition to L'Academy. Ms. Jasmine is happy to be part of our team!
Teacher: Monica Cerna
Ms. Monica has been working with children for over 3 years. She has experience working with children ages 9 months to 10 years old. She graduated from San Francisco State University and has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Ms. Monica has a passion for working with children and believes that it is essential to understand every child is different and it is important that children allow themselves to express their feelings or thoughts in a safe environment. Her goal is to be able to communicate with students and families so their children can have a successful education.
During her free time, Ms. Monica enjoys hanging out with family, walking, and watching her favorite TV shows or movies.
Ms. Monica is excited to be a part of the L’Academy team and get to know all of the children and family members. As well as helping children on their next steps in becoming successful.
Teacher: Ashley Archila
Ms. Ashley has been working with children for over 6 years. She graduated from Menlo Atherton in 2021 and is continuing her studies in early childhood education.
She is so excited to be working with L’Academy to help children thrive and learn. Ms. Ashley is fluent in both Spanish and English. She. has worked with children of all age groups. As a teacher, Ms. Ashley believes that every child learns in different ways and that learning is limitless if you get creative. Her goal is to make the children laugh and smile through every experience. Ms. Ashley loves working with children every step of the way.
Growing up in Menlo Park, Ms. Ashley enjoys bike rides, hanging out with friends and family, watching her favorite TV shows, and traveling.
Ms. Ashley is happy to be a part of theL’Academy team and looks forward to getting to know all the children and their families!
Teacher: Mia Zhu
Ms. Mia was born in China, with Cantonese as her first language. She is also fluent in Mandarin and English. Currently, she is studying Early Childhood Education at Skyline College.
Ms. Mia has a passion for working with children and takes joy in being part of their growth and development. She is known for being friendly, patient, and highly responsible.
In her free time, Ms. Mia enjoys reading and traveling, as they allow her to learn about different cultures and explore the world. She feels fortunate to be part of the L’Academy team and is excited to grow alongside the children.
Teacher: Alejandra Maldonado
Ms. Alejandra has been working with children for over 4 years. She graduated from Sequoia Union High School and has obtained her early childhood education credentials from Newton. Since then, she has worked with preschool to elementary school-age children. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she believes students can learn more than one language starting at a young age. Ms. Alejandra became a teacher so she can help children achieve what they want because anything is possible. When a child doubts themselves, she makes sure to guide them into believing there’s always an open door to anything in life. She doesn't want any child to have a negative mindset and to say they can't.
Although she was born in Mexico Michoacán, in a small little town called La Mira, Ms. Alejandra grew up in Redwood City. Some of her favorite things to do are to spend time with family and friends, go out on hikes, get some sun at the beach, go to the gym, and do all kinds of outdoor activities.
Ms. Alejandra is happy to be a part of the L’Academy team and is excited to see what L’Academy has for her. Each day she looks forward to helping kids develop for their future.
Teacher: Divina Aramburo
Ms. Divina is from Redwood City and graduated from Sequoia High School. Since then she has been pursuing her education in Early Child Development classes. Ms. Divina has been working with young children for over 2 years. Not only does she appreciate her time working with children and helping them learn, but she is also a fluent Spanish and English speaker.
On Ms. Divina's free time, she really enjoys painting, and being around friends and family. She also makes time to go on hikes and take walks on the beach.
Ms. Divina is kind, patient, and understanding which is why she believes working with young children is her passion. She is always enthusiastic to do hands-on activities with the kids. Ms. Divina is very grateful to be a part of L’Academy and is looking forward for what is ahead.
Teacher: Jaymee Ac
Ms. Jaymee was born and raised in Redwood City. She cherishes her hometown and the community that shaped her values and character. After completing her education at Sequoia High School, she found joy in caring for children. She takes pride in providing a nurturing environment where children can flourish and develop their unique personalities.
Ms. Jaymee is excited to join L'Academy and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her continue to guide her journey as she nurtures the next generation with love, patience, and unwavering support.
Ms. Jaymee also values her connections with family and friends. In her free time, she relishes opportunities to spend quality moments with loved ones, creating lasting memories that bring them closer together.
Teacher: Summer Liu
Ms. Summer has been working with children and bilingual education for over a year. She is a native speaker of Mandarin and fluent in English. She has experience working with children aged from 9 months to 12 years old in general education, special education, and bilingual education fields. Ms. Summer has received a master's degree from Columbia University, Teachers College, and holds three New York State teaching credentials.
Ms. Summer has always been fascinated by the activities that occur during one's early years and how they influence an individual's mental and social development throughout their lifetime. This interest evolved into a passion, leading her to earn a bachelor's degree in human development at the University of Maryland. She enjoys working with children and believes real learning happens through interactions, which drives her commitment to creating engaging and supportive learning environments.
Ms. Summer was raised in China. She loves cooking Chinese dishes and exploring traditional foods from various regions. She enjoys cooking and baking at home and spends her free time hanging out with friends, walking her dogs, and traveling to different places and countries.
Ms. Summer is excited to be a part of L’Academy and looks forward to getting to know and learn from all the kids, families, and staff.