Believe in mariposas.
Early learning is important and magical.
Connection
We cultivate safe spaces where children can practice effective communication, experience joy, experiment, create, wonder and most importantly connect with their teachers and peers. We believe children are capable, inspiring, and deserve our respect.
Child-led learning
Teachers support young learners in child-directed play. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and in ways that fit them best. Each month our learning environments change to support a new theme. Interests and imaginations are stimulated by engaging and age-appropriate classrooms.
Skill-building
Early learning skills are woven into hours of play and activities. Important skills include: early literacy, listening, attention span, fine motor practice, early math and communication.
Cultivating Kindness
Our top priority is to help children live life respecting themselves and others. We practice conflict resolution daily. Teamwork is not always easy, but children realize the benefits. They build resilience and empathy through practice - playing, creating, and exploring with their peers.
Meet our Team
Brook Landers, M.A.
Co-Owner/Director
Lead Bilingual Teacher
B.A. Spanish, B.A. Elementary Art Education
Masters in Teaching, National Board Certified Spanish Teacher, ELL-certified
Brook’s love of learning has taken her all over the world. She has studied art and Spanish in Spain, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Mexico for more than three years in residence. She has worked as a teacher of early learners in Mexico and Costa Rica and volunteered in other Spanish-speaking countries. She will forever be drawn to new places in this world and naturally gravitate toward learning alongside the most vibrant learners - our children. Brook will rotate between classes to add Spanish language learning to each child's day, teaching Spanish through song, dance, games, stories, and other activities. We start with small amounts of input and grow throughout the year.
Jody Penick
Lead Teacher
Teacher Jody has 17 years teaching experience at Through the Garden Gate Preschool. She has helped many children transition into the early preschool experience and work through separation anxiety. With over 120 hours of Early Childhood classes and workshops and her experience running child-led, play-based learning programs, Jody is an invaluable part of our school.
Derek Smith, Ph.D.
Co-Owner/Administrator
B.A. Marine Biology, M.S. Zoology, Ph.D. Biology
NSF Fellow in K-12 Communicating Ocean Sciences
Derek brings a child-like sense of wonder to the classroom, having spent much of his life in far-flung places conducting and supporting marine research. Spending a lot of time under the surface of the Salish Sea, he feels a profound connection to saltwater and everything in it, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Formerly the STEM Director for the San Juan Island School District, he has mentored early learners through high school seniors developing diverse STEM skill sets to be better prepared for today's world.
September - June Programs
Morning Sessions
Calendar generally follows the Anacortes School District calendar
Maximum 10 students per group
Students must be able to use the toilet at school
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Late 2 and 3 year-olds 9:10am - 1:10pm 2, 3, 4, or 5 day attendance |
4 and early 5 year-olds 9:30am - 1:30pm 2, 3, 4, or 5 day attendance |
A Glimpse Into Our Schedule
Knowing what comes next helps early learners feel safe and confident. Our routines evolve throughout the year as children gain interpersonal skills and independence. We often transition between stages of our routine with songs. Here is an example of a morning at Oruguitas:
| 9:10am | ¡Hola! ¡Buenos días! Meet in the garden with Teacher Jody and Teacher Brook Flush and wash |
| 9:40am | Inside child-led, teacher-facilitated play in purposefully prepared environments |
| 10:40am | Circle time - Bilingual |
| 11:00am | Group picnic time - story and conversation |
| 11:30am | Outside child-led, teacher-facilitated play in fenced-in natural space surrounding school |
| 12:30pm | Dancing and singing - Bilingual |
| 1:10pm | ¡Adios! ¡Hasta pronto! |
Tuition
Registration Fee (one-time for all Oruguitas programs, non-refundable):
$100/family
Last Month Tuition (applied to last month in attendance, non-refundable, see Parent Handbook for details):
Due upon registration
| Schedule | Tuition (per child) |
|---|---|
| 5 days | $540/mo |
| 4 days | $475/mo |
| 3 days | $395/mo |
| 2 days | $310/mo |
Summer at Oruguitas
When I think of summer at Oruguitas, the first thing that comes to mind is water. Hydration, sprinklers, icy popsicles, building lakes in the sand box and rivers in the mud pit. I think of bubbles, vibrant watercolor paints and sensory tables with cool H20. Each week this summer we will focus on a different aspect of the water cycle, following droplets as they journey from the clouds to mountain tops, all the way to the sea and back to the sky. Water is life. We will dive into this summer with a splash. Children may join for one week of camp, any combination of weeks, or enroll in the Puente program, which allows you to attend a 3, 4, or 5 day schedule over all five weeks.
Puente Program
“Puentes”, or bridges in English, are extremely helpful to us humans. Our 5-Week Summer Puente Program offers children and families consistency through the summer. As an extension of our September-June bilingual preschool program, the Puente Program incorporates bilingual Spanish language sessions, exploratory art workshops, and child-directed play stations both indoors and outdoors. As always, we focus on building self-confidence and community. This option is offered at a discounted rate for your commitment to the full five week program..
Maximum 10 students per group
Students must be able to use the toilet at school
| 5 Week-long Summer Sessions July 7th - August 15th (no class the week of July 28th) |
|---|
| 3 to 6 year-olds 9:30am - 1:30pm 3, 4, or 5 day attendance |
| Clouds July 7th - 11th 9:30am - 1:30pm 3 to 6 year-olds |
| Rain and Snow July 14th - 18th 9:30am - 1:30pm 3 to 6 year-olds |
| Rivers July 21st - 25th 9:30am - 1:30pm 3 to 6 year-olds |
| Lakes and Ponds August 4th - 8th 9:30am - 1:30pm 3 to 6 year-olds |
| Ocean August 11th - 15th 9:30am - 1:30pm 3 to 6 year-olds |
Tuition
Registration Fee (one-time for all Oruguitas programs, non-refundable):
$100/family
Deposit (non-refundable):
Half tuition due at registration
Remaining balance paid before on June 30th.
| Schedule | Tuition (per child) | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | $750 ($150/week) | $375 |
| 4 days | $625 ($125/week) | $315 |
| 3 days | $500 ($100/week) | $250 |
| Single Week (5 days) | $180 | $90 |
What our families are saying...
Oruguitas is home for us. We love the school, the team , the magical environment, the play. My daughter feels safe and is happy to go to school every day where she has grown so much. Oruguitas will always have a place in our hearts. - Macarena R.
Orugitas is an amazing school with excellent teachers and a nurturing environment. My son has thrived in the fun and enriching facility which is filled with neat toys and tons of outdoor activities. He loves learning Spanish words and is proud of all the new skills he discovers. We are delighted that he feels safe, loved, and supported by Teachers Brook, Jodi, and Rachel and couldn’t think of a better place for him to be. Gracias! - Elizabeth S.
Both of my children have attended Oruguitas (younger and older class at the same time). We have been extremely happy since day one and so were my children. Teacher Brook has handled every situation with kindness and respect. We have been so grateful for the support she provides to the children as they learn and gain their independence. Within just a couple days we have seen their growth and there has never been a day that they wouldn't be happy to go to school. Teacher Rachel and Teacher Jodi are just as wonderful. I really appreciate that they are learning Spanish in a fun playful way and that they spend so much time outside every day. - Eva B.
Our son has absolutely thrived at Oruguitas, attending both the Sunday Domingos and summer school programs. We've experienced many schools, but 'Spanish School' is by far his favorite! He loves the creative artwork, the focus on outdoor play, and the compassionate, patient guidance of teacher Brook. It has truly been a wonderful experience for our family. - Matt M.
Oruguitas is a true blessing, providing an environment where children can safely and creatively learn, play, explore, and express themselves as they grow and develop into kids! Our son is welcomed by a staff of caring and considerate individuals who are conscious of a child's growth (to include all the up's and down's!) and are inspired in their work, and that directly feeds into the atmosphere in which the children thrive. - Carl E.
We love the caring environment and talented child care professionals who work here! - Elisabeth C.
Over the last nearly two years at Oruguitas Bilingual School, I've loved watching my daughter blossom into a confident learner who eagerly takes on new challenges and isn’t afraid to get a little messy along the way. We feel so grateful to have this wonderful school in our community! - Kimberly M.
Oruguitas has provided our family with an incredible preschool experience. We truly couldn't have wished for a more inviting and nurturing environment for our children. Brook has spun pure magic here, crafting a delightful world where kiddos can learn, explore, and blossom! - Lesley B.
Thank you Brook Landers for inspiring multilinguism and beuatiful art at your amazing Oruguitas preschool! Believe in mariposas! - Morgan L.
Brook and her team have been nothing short of incredible for our preschooler. Whether playing knee-deep in mud, singing songs in Spanish or needing extra attention on hard days, Oruguitas is all we hoped for and needed in a preschool - Maggie and Elizabeth
We have loved how Orugitas teaches our kids practical skills while also illuminating their imaginations to think outside the box. - Sonja K.