L’Academy San Mateo

L’Academy San Mateo offers Mandarin immersion, Spanish enrichment, and bilingual daycare and preschool programs from infancy through Pre-K. Children take part in activities such as STEM and the arts with play-based learning, art, music, painting, rhythm, song, sensory exploration, outdoor play, and a Kung Fu enrichment class. Families may choose Mandarin immersion or Spanish enrichment programs, with English readiness integrated into the curriculum.

• Ages: 0–6 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm

L’Academy San Mateo opened in September 2021 and operates with year-round, full-time care and rolling, year-round enrollment based on availability. The program offers infant, toddler, preschool, and TK/Pre-K programs led by dedicated educators, with low student-teacher ratios. Healthy, fresh, and nutritious meals and snacks are provided daily, made in-house with organic ingredients whenever possible, and the program also offers potty training support. Families receive daily updates on each child’s learning, progress, and classroom experiences, and the program has fewer than 20 school closure days per year.

The leadership team includes Zoe as Director, Kylie as Assistant Director, Alejandra Penate as Lead Toddler Teacher, and Shaomin Lao as Lead Preschool Teacher. Ms. Zoe earned a degree in Education Studies from Skidmore College with a minor in Asian Studies and Business Management and completed a Master’s in TESOL at the University of Pennsylvania, with several years of experience in Early Childhood and International Education as a teacher, academic advisor, and instructional coordinator. Ms. Kylie has been with L’Academy for four years and has over seven years of experience in early childhood education; she is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, previously taught children ages 6 months to 3 years in a Montessori setting in China, and holds certifications in Parent-Child Teaching (ACDEI) and Sensory Integration, along with studies in Human Development.

The program’s mission states that its Mandarin and Spanish immersion programs nurture cognitive development, cultural awareness, and whole-child growth from infancy through preschool through playful, meaningful experiences. The mission also states that the approach is built on love, language, leadership, and nourishing care, blending warmth with research-based practices in a bilingual, enriching environment. The program is described as being inspired by Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods, encouraging independence, creativity, and mindfulness in the classroom, and as guiding children to become confident, creative, and compassionate lifelong learners who are fully prepared for kindergarten and life beyond.

L’Academy San Mateo operates under License Number 414004754. One parent testimonial states that this is their favorite of three daycares their son has attended and that L’Academy has repeatedly exceeded their expectations. Another parent notes that their son talks about his teachers and friends, looks forward to going to school, and recommends the center for a stimulating program with language immersion. A third parent shares that their daughter is enjoying herself as a new student, that the school provides all meals (lunch and two snacks) made in-house, and that they receive multiple photo updates each day, including activities, meals, and potty breaks. Another testimonial describes the facilities as clean and new with beautiful Montessori shelves and toys, mentions that the teachers are warm and kind, and notes that the children are happy and singing Mandarin songs.

Last updated March 23, 2026.