Our Story
Espáñate began in 2014, when our founder, Michelle Piccone, moved from Spain to New York City, bringing with her five years of experience as an early childhood language teacher of English and Spanish. In a city as diverse and curious as New York, she found families and schools eager to embrace both the Spanish language and the culture it carries.
Starting by teaching in preschools herself, she quickly built strong relationships — many of which continue today, more than a decade later. As demand grew, she began training new teachers in her immersive method: classes filled with role play, games, songs, and movement that help children understand and speak Spanish naturally, from day one.
By 2019, Espáñate had expanded into 15 centers across the city. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the program not only endured but grew — today reaching 30 centers. In 2018, we enriched our offerings by adding Yoga and Zumba in both English and Spanish, giving children a joyful way to learn language, move their bodies, and experience culture all at once.
About Us
At Espáñate, we believe language and movement are gateways to confidence, culture, and connection. For over a decade, we’ve been bringing Spanish to life at New York classrooms and homes — sparking joy and curiosity in children through music, games, and movement.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission is simple: to make Spanish joyful, natural, and meaningful from the very start.
We value:
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Joy & Play – every child learns best when they’re having fun.
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Culture & Connection – Spanish is more than words; it’s a window to the world.
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Trust & Care – schools and families can count on our professionalism and experience.
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Excellence – highly trained teachers who inspire children to thrive.
