Mi Second Casa was founded by Graciela “Tía” Tejada, a lifelong early childhood educator with more than 30 years of experience and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University. As both an educator and a mother of three, she created Mi Second Casa with the belief that children thrive in environments where they feel safe, loved, and deeply connected.

Located in the heart of San Mateo, Mi Second Casa is a Spanish immersion program rooted in community, inclusivity, and belonging. We celebrate the diversity of the families we serve and create a nurturing space where children build confidence, empathy, independence, and meaningful connections. More than an escuela, we are a second casa for our community.

Today, Mi Second Casa remains proudly family-led. Michael Tejada helps guide the program’s growth and works closely with families and educators to expand access to high-quality Spanish immersion early education while preserving the warmth and personal care that families value most. Miguel Tejada, who has been part of the program for more than 10 years, supports both our classrooms and school environments with a steady, hands-on presence that families and staff have come to know and trust.

Our curriculum supports whole-child development through social-emotional learning, language development, early literacy and math exploration, creative arts, and outdoor play—helping children develop the confidence, curiosity, and resilience they carry into elementary school and beyond.