#United States #Spanish Immersion #Pineapple School #Helotes

The Pineapple School Expands to Helotes

The Pineapple School, a leader in Spanish language and cultural immersion for preschool children, is breaking new ground with its first franchise location in Helotes, Texas, slated to open in 2028. Following the success of its three campuses in San Antonio, wherein nearly 600 children are currently enrolled, this new venture marks an exciting chapter in the school’s growth.

Founded in 2010, The Pineapple School started its journey on Huebner Road in San Antonio. Over the years, it expanded its reach with a second site in Stone Oak in 2015 and a third near Camp Bullis in 2020. The school prides itself on providing children with an immersive Spanish experience by incorporating the language into their everyday activities—be it through conversation, play, music, or routine. The approach to learning is hands-on and interactive, making the process enjoyable for the children while ensuring they absorb the language organically.

The new Helotes location will span 16,500 square feet and boast bright, welcoming classrooms with large windows, allowing abundant natural light to flow in. The design of the school will also integrate elements of Latin American art and culture. An on-site kitchen will serve fresh meals inspired by Latin cuisine, fostering a community atmosphere both inside and outside the classroom. The facility will feature playgrounds that encourage exploration and play, drawing inspiration from the scenic Texas Hill Country surroundings.

Krisana Puccio, the co-founder and CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for this expansion. “Our mission was to create a nurturing environment where young children can learn Spanish amidst the warmth and traditions of Latin American culture,” she said. “We quickly realized that many families in the San Antonio area were searching for similar experiences for their children.”

The journey of establishing The Pineapple School was a true family affair, with Krisana working alongside her husband Juan and her parents. As the demand and waiting lists for the school grew, the decision to franchise became a natural progression in the school’s evolution. The Helotes franchise has been awarded to a local family team consisting of Grace and Marco Heras, along with Grace's parents, David and Vanessa Osborne. This family trio brings years of experience from their ownership of senior living facilities, demonstrating a deep commitment to community care.

Grace Heras shared, “Having spent years caring for seniors in San Antonio, we now have the incredible opportunity to shape the earliest stages of life for young children.” Their commitment to cultural immersion is personal, as Marco has Mexican roots, and their family is excited to pass on this gift of culture and language to the next generation starting from infancy.

Unlike conventional preschool systems that often separate language learning from other educational experiences, The Pineapple School integrates the Spanish language and cultural lessons into every aspect of daily life. Through engaging music, festive celebrations, and communal rituals, children are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the environment. Puccio recounts, “The first time Grace and Marco visited one of our campuses, their joy and excitement while watching the children master Spanish were unmistakable. We knew they were meant to join The Pineapple family.”

As The Pineapple School continues to expand, maintaining high educational quality and authentic cultural connections remains paramount. While the original three campuses will stay family-operated, all new franchise locations will adhere closely to the values that have shaped The Pineapple School into the beloved institution it is today.

Plans for expansion include potential branches in culturally-connected cities such as Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth, reflecting a growing national demand for quality Spanish immersion programs in preschools. Immediate franchise opportunities have also been granted in New Braunfels, Texas, and Rogers, Arkansas, with both expected to welcome students by 2028.

Krisana concluded, “We’re thrilled that our values resonate with our franchisees. We envision these schools as more than just educational facilities; they are vibrant communities where language and culture coexist to create enriched experiences for children and their families.”

For parents interested in exploring enrollment or franchise opportunities, more information can be found at ownapineappleschool.com.