International Immersion Center

I should have posted sooner, but we had our 3 month old in this school for 2.5 days. We were disappointed in several ways. First, they said we could bring formula and bottles and they would prepare, once we told them the feeding schedule and about how much she ate for each feeding. That was not the case and they only fed our baby 2 ounces for each feeding, for a full day, because I wrote on the formula «2 ounces plus one cup of water”(or whatever the mix needed to be, I can’t remember). So, because the teacher did not speak english I don’t think she understood that those were directions on mixing the formula, not directions saying to only give my baby 2 ounces for a feeding. That is crazy and if that is what she thought then they should have called to question, using critical thinking skills. All that said, they did want bottles premade and brought each morning, which they should have communicated originally. Now, I know that is a no-​brainer, but as a new Mom with no day care experience, I had no idea and they did not communicate that to me so my baby was starving when I got her home that day. Because the teacher’s english was limited, I was unable to communicate with her, ask how my daughter did that day, give her my preferences, etc. Additionally, because the director was never there in the mornings then that meant I really had no one to communicate with. Moving on, I watched their cameras a lot, from my computer while I worked and was shocked to see how little activity was happening, but when I saw them put my baby on a changing table, not clip her in, and then walk away to attend to another child. with my baby still on the table, I immediately called and said I was on my way to pick up my child. The director and I had several conversations about what happened, and she said she added staff, but you can add all the staff you want, if that staff does not understand the danger of walking away and leaving a child unattended on a changing table, then you shouldn’t be in business. This was the worst experience for a first time Mom having to go back to work and I hope to help others avoid it.

My husband and I can’t believe how fortunate we were to come across INIC this summer. Our 2 year old had a wonderful time in his first ever camp/​classroom setting. The directors were so friendly and available, we immediately felt at ease. The activities our son was able to do ranged from gardening to cooking to swimming to yoga. It was fantastic. We initially started him in half days but quickly extended to full days since he just seemed to be having such a good time.
In addition, our son had a medical emergency while he was at camp. I’m telling all parents, he couldn’t have been in better hands. Marytere and Paulo responded quickly and our guy turned out to be just fine thanks to them.
You will not be disappointed if you enroll. We will be back next summer without question.

My son was in summer camp and loved it! His teachers were the sweetest and most caring, which made his experience so fun and enjoyable, along with all the new friends.
But I can’t stress enough that the teachers were just the best: thanks to Miss Lorena and Miss Paulina for making it the best summer!
For the summer camp, they have a lighter curriculum which is nice to have a structure, but didn’t feel like school for the summer (it is actually fun!).
He especially loved the swimming classes and even had a fun field trip.

My 15 month old son has attended INIC for the past 8 months and we could not be any happier with the experience for him and us! We tried a different daycare at first and we only lasted a day! After that experience, we were apprehensive about daycares but decided to tour INIC after several recommendations. I’m so happy we chose to try INIC — it’s not big and brand new with all the bells and whistles like some of the other daycares we’ve toured, but it’s homey and safe and the staff have all treated my son like he was their own! I love being able to tune in to the classroom cameras if I want to see what my son is up to and I have always felt completely comfortable calling or texting the directors if I have any questions. I love that I often find the directors in the classrooms interacting with the students. Seriously, I can not say enough good things about INIC and the people there!

I was very disappointed in this school, especially the lack of on-​site administration and safety. I had scheduled a tour with directly with the director. My husband and I made arrangements to be late for work, given INIC’s had very specific windows they could accommodate us. This should of been my first clue, when a facility is not flexible with touring. We arrived for our scheduled appointment. We rang the doorbell and waited and waited. 10 minutes later a fellow parent allowed us in the building. There was NO ONE to greet us in the front. We casually walked around the building (again no one noticing we were there). We took this opportunity to see if anyone would stop us or greet us… walking around the facility freely. They never did. Sure we saw cameras all around, but what good are they if no one is watching them. On top of that, any crazed person could walk in and it would be too late if no one even noticed. My husband was fed up, but I truly wanted to talk to the director about these issues. We then went into a classroom and informed them we were there for a scheduled appointment. After about 10 minutes, we were told as the teacher held the phone with the director on line that the director was sick. We didn’t receive a call to cancel, the director never even asked to speak with us to apologize. We never even received a follow up call with an apology. I understand everyone gets sick, what I don’t understand is the lack of communication to notify us. To top things off, this school is dirty and lacks what you would typically see a school. Perhaps a library (reading nook), quality toys for the little ones, protective covers for entering an infant room. For what parents are paying, it does not look as though they put the money back into the school, in terms of materials, cleanliness. The teachers may be great, I can’t speak to that. I would in no terms leave my child at this facility. We were hoping to move to a school closer to our new home. Instead, we will happily drive the extra miles and time to stay at El Jardin de Ninos. There is no comparison.

My son (20 months old at the time) attended the school (summer camp) during the summer, then we moved from the area. I was so impressed with the school and staff. The teacher was attentive and thoughtful. My son came home saying new words every day and was excited to go back every morning. Had we not moved, he would have continued at IIC. I would recommend this school!

Our son has been enrolled for the summer camp program and we all are very happy. I am consistently impressed with the caring and attention each child gets, as well as the welcoming atmosphere. Information and challenges are shared easily and the style is warm, clean and engaging for the kids! I have been very impressed. Not to mention he is singing songs in spanish now and we are both learning (probably at the same level!). Our son is in Montessori during the year and I am almost considering keeping him at INIC, it is a wonderful and sweet place. Thank you to Marytere, Paula and all the teaches, especially Isabella!

Victor has now been at INIC for a year and a half. I feel compelled to give a shout out to his teachers in the toddler classroom because of the incredible dedication and support they gave to us during potty training. They were patient, focused and supportive and we give them major credit for his success. I hadn’t thought about potty training when we were looking at schools but that’s a major part of what a kid learns to do when they’re a toddler and INIC was phenomenal in this regard.

We enrolled our son in the infant classroom at 3 months old. He’s now almost a year and it has been a great place for him to blossom from infant to toddler. The warmth and camaraderie felt among the staff and director permeates throughout. The resulting friendly atmosphere is a joy to visit and a blessing to have my child spend so much time in. We’ve also been very impressed with the curriculum and teaching style.
Our son was a demanding infant, but the teachers in the infant classroom always managed to meet his needs and then some. I loved being able to check-​in on him using the in-​room camera. I saw him being toted around, rocked or provided interactive play every time I checked in. He has blossomed into a happy, social, curious toddler. He has a strong connection with the teachers and is always very excited when we arrive in the morning. He also now responds to both Spanish and English words and phrases which I feel is a great sign that he is well on his way to having two languages under his belt.
I highly recommend INIC for any family interested in an equally warm and enriched learning environment for their child.

My 2 year old son has been going to INIC for nearly 2 months and we couldn’t be happier. His teacher Ms. Paola is incredible with the kids, very loving and she really puts attention to the development of each child. Every time I pick him up she tells me about the highlights of his day and he hugs and kisses her as if she was family. (I’m so happy with her!)
From the first week I could tell what he was learning and how much he is trying to express himself. He stays happy when I drop him off and although he is happy to see me in the afternoon he is in no rush of leaving (that tells me a lot!)
The curriculum is just amazing, all in spanish, they put attention to every aspect of culture, health, daily life, math, hand on activities, exercise, technology, science, you name it! I can notice the whole staff know what they are doing and have the necessary experience.
As for the Director Marytere I agree with a previous review, she has an incredible way of guiding the children’s energy into something useful and positive for them with such patience. As one of the authors of the curriculum and that personality I couldn’t ask for more. You can tell she REALLY cares about her students. And the live camera is great to see your baby in action ;)
I live more on the north side of town and I don’t care driving extra for my son being in this preschool as I couldn’t find any other facility closer that offered all of what we get here (knowledge, clean, fun, safe, bilingual, even mandarin!). When summer starts I will enroll my Pre-​K daughter for summer camps, I’m sure she will love it and learn even more, including swimming!

Our 2 daughters have been enrolled at INIC for 2 months, and we could not be happier. The school is clean & well taken care of, with plenty of playtime in the gym and open area, but structure in their rooms during their «schooltime».
There are cameras in the classrooms & gym, so you can sneak a pic at your kiddos when you miss their little faces. The director, Marytere, is always available to talk & interested in helping with any needs or questions.
Our infant is taken care of by Miss Abigail, who is loving & fun with the little babies. She is so calm & peaceful, and keeps the room feeling that way as well. We couldn’t imagine a better teacher to take care of our baby girl. They go on walks when the weather is nice, and have lots of activity & stimulation when inside. Definitely not the «leave your kid in a highchair all day» kind of place.
Our 2 year old loves her teacher, Ms. Paola, and we do too! She’s really fun, but also good with disciplining, and quick to tell us all the good things that our girl has done that day. You can tell Paola & Marytere are really paying attention to her development & understanding her as a little person. When there are behavior issues, they are dealt with firmly & fairly, just as we would like. Our girl started picking up Spanish words & using them at home within a few weeks of starting the school — we were blown away!
We think it is really advantageous for any child to learn 2 languages, and we are so happy it is in such a fun, safe, & educational environment.
We couldn’t recommend INIC enough, we love it!

My wife and I were looking for a Bi-​lingual pre-​school for our son. When we met with Marytere, we were very impressed with the curriculum, the facility and the attention to detail we saw. One of my main concerns as a father is safety. I voiced this to Marytere and she stated there were several projects in the works to provide for more security. She said they were planning on re-​doing the chain-​link fence that surrounds the playground and adding a security camera as well. I suggested maybe a wooden fence for more privacy while the kids are playing.
INIC has surprised me with their improvements. They added cameras outside the school and in the rooms. As a parent I can log into to my son’s class from my laptop and observe the daily activities. They also added a computerized lock for the front door, and… a wooden fence! All within a matter of 2 weeks. We’re very happy with our choice to move our son to INIC and so is he.

We could not feel more lucky to have our son enrolled at INIC! We are very picky and very demanding and had struggled to find a preschool that we felt provide the type of environment we wanted for our son. As a bilingual family, my husband and I wanted a school that values the Spanish language and ensures a strong and fun curriculum and program. We also wanted a school that felt like you were leaving your child with family. Thus far we have gotten the best of all the things we wanted. Marytere is very attentive to the families and the needs of each child. Ms. G is amazing — soothing, cool, and creative with the students.
INIC strikes the right balance for our son. We love the open space of the facility and the technology available to the staff. Our son loves the different rooms — especially his classroom, the little gym, and the open area with the little casita. It is just a wonderful learning environment with lots of love, care, and attention. Even in the few weeks since enrollment there have been a bunch of improvements and we just know that it going to continue to get even better! South Austin needed a school like this and I feel so blessed that we have such a school for our son. Nice work INIC team!

When it comes to our son and his pre-​schools, I like to think we are pretty well versed. He’s not yet 3 and he has been in 5 pre-​schools already. This was not planned of course but we had 2 unexpected international moves.
What I learned from all of the pre-​school and day care exposure is the following:
Programming is very important– someone who is running the facility needs to have a clear understanding of childhood cognitive development and needs to have translated that understanding into a program that isn’t a day to day creation but rather a long term plan.
Facility– For obvious safety reasons, but also for clarity of thought, activity and good habits, a clean brightly lit facility with proper sanitation and obvious care for detail is critical. I know how I keep my home and I want my child in an environment with at least the same standards.
Staff– Don’t get me started… Kids are a handful, god bless teachers because it really takes someone with passion and a certain interactive ability and education to guide children and teachers as a career. I think this may be the most important component in any pre-​school.
When we moved back to Austin we had the fortune to meet with the director of INIC and she hit my three major points right on the head! Watching her with my son, I learn something new every time. She is excellent at understanding how to channel unharnessed energy into constructive child activity in a way that is compelling and enjoyable for him. I don’t really have a clue what being an educator is like with all the requests and demands and questions from parents but the other thing that impresses me is that when we have a conversation she is not only available (!) but she really listens. What more could a parent ask for? To find all these things in one place… well I had to go find my sticker roll and pull out a five big gold stars for INIC!!!