See what students and parents have said about our staff!
Our Testimonials on Yelp!
-
This school is very special. The owner, Ms. Lessia is one of the warmest, most genuine, kindest human beings, and the rest of the teachers amazingly are the same. The creativity, crafts, play, and genuine honest to goodness kid fun while learning is tremendous. It is a gem of a place and we were so lucky to have found it. My young son loves it and is thriving in their summer camp program and we plan to continue with additional Spanish lessons. Muchas Gracias Leaf Academy!
Pennster T. - San Diego, CA
-
Long overdue review! If you are looking for a wonderful, small, local Spanish immersion preschool, look no further! My child has attended preschool at Leaf, as well as their various summer camps. The director, Ms. Lessia, and all of the staff are SUPER loving, supportive, accommodating, fun, and creative. Through play, music, art, books, and much more the kids are 100% immersed in Spanish, absorbing it like little sponges. Although it's located in a business park, they always find imaginative activities to do outside on the trail, including picnics. We love how the teachers post pictures and videos for families on an app so we can get a peek into their day! Leaf is a colorful, clean, and safe environment. It is definitely a positive and welcoming space. I always know my child will be in great hands.
Kristin H. - Miramar, CA
-
I could write an essay on how amazing this program is. I started my four year old at Yak Academy (now Leaf Academy) after she was home for over a year during the pandemic. We don't speak Spanish at home so I wasn't sure how she'd adjust considering everyone at the time was masked and the language (and the concept of school in general) was brand new to her. Lessia Leaf and fellow teachers immediately put me at ease - they are warm, kind, supportive, playful and so expressive with the kids. Despite the nondescript business park, the class environment is colorful and inviting. There wasn't a single day my daughter wasn't excited for school - and she would come home with the most AMAZING art projects, and always humming a song in Spanish. We made the drive from Esconidido and it was well worth it. Miss Lessia and the other teachers really cultivated a love of Spanish in our preschooler and when our other daughter is old enough, we plan to enroll her as well.
Macfarlane D. - San Diego, CA
-
Our daughter has been at Leaf Academy for two years. Prior to selecting Leaf, we toured several preschools and none compared. We have been so happy with the school and are sad that our preschool experience will soon be over! The teachers are caring, creative, excellent educators, who lovingly develop appropriate boundaries and skills in the little ones. They expertly mix Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and other preschool approaches. The children develop practical skills (like folding clothes), learn about culture, build knowledge about all subjects, explore their curiosities, and have tons of fun. All while becoming fluent in Spanish! When our daughter plays by herself, I can hear her speaking in Spanish. She is always singing songs she learns in class. And while I am a competent speaker, we are often teaching one another new words (and her pronunciation is far better!).
Shara F. - San Diego, CA
-
Mrs. Leaf is an exceptional Spanish teacher. She's knowledgeable and has years of experience. In her Spanish immersion classes, she uses visuals and songs to engage the kids and make learning Spanish fun! My daughter liked going and I felt it was a good fit for us. It's professionally run and provided a clean and safe environment. She's an authentic, warm, and caring person. I knew if I wasn't with my daughter she'll be in good hands. Leaf's Spanish Academy name is new however Mrs. Leaf is not. I know it'll be a seamless transition from Yak to Leaf's Spanish Academy.
Louie G. - San Diego, CA
-
We love Leaf Spanish Academy! My daughter attends the toddler Spanish immersion program and we couldn't be happier. Miss Lessia and the other teachers are warm, positive, and playful with the kids. My daughter is happy to go to school and loves her teachers and the other children. I hadn't planned for her to start any kind of school until age 3, but when I learned more about this program and visited and my typically shy/reserved daughter immediately loved Miss Lessia and the warm environment -- we couldn't pass up the opportunity! Class sizes are small, so there is lots of attention dedicated to each child and they are well supported socially and emotionally. I love getting to see pictures and videos (posted on a secure app) from the day - the kids are having SUCH a great time, doing art projects, singing, and practicing life skills like cleaning up toys, washing hands, putting on shoes. My daughter is proud to sing the songs she learned in school, and we are so impressed with her Spanish skills! I can't say enough great things about this school, I am very grateful to have discovered it and look forward to signing up for preschool next year!
Julie P. - San Diego, CA
