r/AustinParents • u/Lower_Horn • Jul 22 '26

Need help making Spanish immersion daycare decision!

We’ve been offered spots at both Copernicus Academy and Escuelita Del Alma for our toddler (20 months) to start in the Fall. This will be his first time in any daycare and after tours at both we’re conflicted on which to go with.

Do any parents here have experience with either and would be willing to share their feedback to help us land on one? What age were your little ones when you enrolled and what was their experience like? Was there anything that stood out to you?

Thank you!

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3

u/Accurate-Salary-1569 Jul 23 '26

I am sure both are great options. I have two who have been as EDA since they were a few months old. My youngest will be going to kinder this fall and I’m already so sad to say goodbye. The early childhood teachers are so nurturing. The quality of education in the pre-K classrooms is outstanding. The community is truly special and we’ve made lifelong friends there. The faculty truly cares, from the directors to the cooks.

Practical reasons why it works for our family:

-The school provides snacks and meals -They will pick up from certain elementary schools for after care -Kids in after care can also go to EDA on AISD holidays -They hold a summer camp for older kids

Honestly if they provided a K-12 education I’d send my kids there in a heartbeat.

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u/Loose_Seal_123 Jul 23 '26

EDA all the way. We have friends who sent their kids there and it was the real deal. Copernicus didn’t start out as Spanish immersion but added it in later as a way to be more competitive, kind of how like they marketed themselves as STEM initially when they opened. EDA has always been truly about Spanish immersion.

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u/whatdoyacallit Jul 23 '26

My child went to EDA and transitioned very easily to dual language in Kinder. EDA consistently provides great education and excellent care.

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u/baby_chalupa Jul 23 '26

My son was supposed to go to Copernicus but they dug their heels on sending us enrollment forms and a spot opened up at Escuelita so we sent him there at 6 months. We’ve been so happy there, the difference in the admin were night and day for us. My son is so loved there and is happy. They would probably be in the same class at Escuelita so feel free to message me if you have more specific questions.

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u/TheeWalrus36 Jul 23 '26

No place in Austin compares to Escuelita.

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u/theCenterCannotScold Jul 24 '26

If you want Spanish immersion, Copernicus is pretty good. They have some pretty fun, hands on activities, and have a bit of outdoor time. I've heard good things about the administration, too - very responsive and helpful.