We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to Spanish language education, bilingual literacy, cultural understanding, and international language proficiency.

Our academy has more than 18 years of experience serving families and educational institutions in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Isabella & Ferdinand® was founded by Alexandra Migoya and Pilar O’Leary.

Our Washington, D.C., location is 4430 Newark Street NW, Washington, DC 20016 (Horace Mann Elementary School, home of our Saturday program). Our Sunday program and in-person adult classes meet at Spaces Chase Tower, 4445 Willard Ave, Suite 600, Office 654, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. We also teach at partner schools throughout the metropolitan area. Please confirm the location of your specific class when registering.

We combine a structured curriculum, Instituto Cervantes accreditation, official examination services, experienced academic leadership, teacher development, bilingual literacy, and meaningful cultural learning.

Yes. Isabella & Ferdinand® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization.

Yes. Our academy has held Instituto Cervantes accreditation since September 2021.

Yes. Isabella & Ferdinand® is an official Instituto Cervantes DELE examination center in Washington, D.C.

• It recognizes Spanish-language teaching centers that meet the institution’s quality standards. Accreditation and authorization to administer examinations are distinct recognitions.

Our curriculum draws on ACTFL proficiency standards and the Instituto Cervantes curricular framework.

DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is an official Spanish-language qualification awarded by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education.

DELE levels range from A1 to C2. Available exam sessions and school-age formats depend on the official examination calendar. In 2027, DELE for Schoolers (A1, A2/B1 and B2/C1) takes place on Friday, May 21, and DELE for Adults (A1 to C2) on Saturday, May 22. Registration opens on November 18, 2026, and closes on April 7, 2027, or earlier if all seats are filled.

Yes. We offer preparation focused on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and examination strategies.

Yes, subject to the official age and examination requirements. Our team can help families select the appropriate pathway.

No. DELE diplomas have indefinite validity.

We also support SIELE Spanish proficiency certification. Contact us for current scheduling and service availability.

DELE certifies achievement at a specific level with indefinite validity. SIELE is a digital proficiency certification with a limited validity period.

We offer four core pathways: (1) Spanish Immersion, (2) Bilingual Literacy and Heritage Spanish, (3) Instituto Cervantes-aligned Spanish proficiency programs, and (4) Spanish for Adults and Professional Development. Private tutoring, school partnerships, cultural workshops, and examination preparation complement these pathways.

Age-appropriate instruction through conversation, songs, stories, routines, movement, play, and cultural experiences.

Structured instruction in Spanish reading, writing, phonics, vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and written expression.

Yes. We offer dedicated heritage-language learning for second-generation students and other children who hear or speak Spanish at home. The program strengthens reading, writing, academic vocabulary, confidence, and cultural identity.

No. Heritage learners have varied experiences and proficiency levels. Placement reflects each student’s oral language, literacy, age, and learning needs.

Yes. Students with no prior Spanish experience are welcome.

Yes. Intermediate and advanced learners can develop greater fluency, grammatical accuracy, academic writing, and reading comprehension.

Yes. We offer adult Spanish classes, including conversational and professional-language learning.

Yes. Teen programs include communication, literacy, grammar, culture, and examination preparation.

Yes. Private lessons may be arranged in person or online, subject to scheduling.

Yes. Groups are organized according to age, proficiency, and program availability.

We serve children from approximately age 2 through adulthood. Typical groups include ages 2–3, 4–5, 6–9, 10–12, 13–14, teenagers, and adults; actual groups depend on enrollment.

No. We welcome beginners as well as bilingual and heritage-language learners.

Placement considers age, previous learning, oral proficiency, literacy, and an assessment when appropriate. Adults and teens can book our Diagnostic Spanish Language Assessment before choosing a program.

Yes. Literacy is progressively introduced and developed according to the learner’s level.

Yes. Grammar is taught in context and connected to authentic communication.

Yes. Students explore the literature, arts, geography, music, history, and traditions of Spanish-speaking communities.

Yes. Our interdisciplinary activities can connect language learning with science, geography, visual arts, and social studies.

Yes. Our cultural programming includes activities and events highlighting Hispanic and Latin American contributions and traditions.

Teachers use class participation, oral work, reading and writing tasks, projects, and age-appropriate assessments.

Depending on the program, families may receive newsletters, student work samples, classroom updates, or reports.

Our faculty includes experienced Spanish-language educators with expertise in immersion, literacy, bilingual learning, cultural education, and examination preparation.

Yes. Our academy has trained more than 30 teachers in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes, with guidance from our experienced academic leadership team.

Our academic leadership includes Maira Abasto Vega and Mónica Martínez, educators with more than 20 years of experience working in language education and major educational institutions.

We consider academic background, language proficiency, classroom experience, and the needs of each student group when selecting instructors.

Our team includes native Spanish speakers and educators with advanced Spanish proficiency. Teaching quality and preparation are central to our approach.

Yes. Teachers receive curricular guidance, academic coordination, and instructional support.

Yes. Instruction follows structured learning objectives while allowing adaptation to individual students and school settings.

Yes. Saturday and Sunday options are available: our Saturday program meets at Horace Mann Elementary School in Washington, D.C., and our Sunday program at Spaces Chase Tower in Chevy Chase, MD.

Saturday and Sunday classes run for three hours, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Yes. We partner with schools to provide after-school Spanish enrichment.

Yes. We provide Spanish instruction within public, private, and charter school partnerships.

Yes. We design school-based Spanish instruction, immersion, literacy, and cultural enrichment according to institutional needs.

Yes. Our partnerships may include qualified instructors, curriculum planning, and academic coordination.

Yes. Online private instruction is available in 30-, 60- or 90-hour packages, subject to scheduling.

Yes. Our Spanish Summer Camp 2027 runs from June 21 to August 20, 2027, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Families can register by the week.

Choose your program on our Programs page and complete the online registration form. Our administrative team can also help you select the appropriate program.

Yes. Each child is placed in an appropriate group.

Eligible sibling registrations may qualify for a discount. Ask our team for current terms.

Yes. Our 3-hour Trial Class is available on Saturdays and Sundays, subject to space.

Tuition depends on the program, location, class duration, and private or group format. Current tuition for each program is listed on our Programs page.

Payment options depend on the program and current enrollment terms.

We may offer early-registration, referral, or seasonal promotions. Availability and conditions are announced for each enrollment period. Current promotions are shown on our Home page.

Yes. Contact our team about available packages and scheduling.

Class size varies by program, age group, location, and enrollment.

Required materials and snack arrangements depend on the specific class. Families receive instructions before the session.

Attendance and make-up arrangements follow the applicable program policy.

We notify families of changes and apply the relevant program’s rescheduling or credit policy.

Please contact our administrative team through the academy’s official communication channels for enrollment, scheduling, or academic questions.

Spanish creates opportunities for communication, bilingual literacy, intercultural understanding, and lifelong learning.

Families benefit from more than 18 years of institutional experience, Instituto Cervantes accreditation, an official examination center, four core program pathways, heritage-language instruction, and an academic team that has helped train more than 30 teachers.

We help students become confident communicators and thoughtful, culturally aware learners with strong Spanish-language skills.