Austin’s Most Purposeful Bilingual Preschool
Where Portuguese and English are more than languages —
they are tools for thinking, identity, and confident early learning.
Families come to us from Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Pflugerville, South Austin and beyond — even when closer options exist — because the learning here is different.
Who we are
At Bilingual Minds, children don’t just attend preschool — they belong.
Your child will:
- Think, play, and communicate daily in Portuguese and English
- Build confidence, empathy, and identity through culture-grounded learning
- Develop strong social-emotional and executive-function skills
- Learn through intentional play in a Reggio-inspired environment
Be known deeply in a warm, relationship-centered community
Even when other schools are closer
Why families choose Bilingual Minds
Many families begin their search looking for convenience.
They choose Bilingual Minds when they realize they are looking for meaning.
Bilingualism with purpose
Language is not an “extra.” Children think, solve problems, and build relationships in two languages every day.
Identity-affirming education
Culture is woven into daily life — not saved for holidays — helping children develop pride, empathy, and belonging.
Play that is educationally serious
Our program is joyful and child-centered, but grounded in research-based early learning practices.
Community, not corporate care
Families know us. Teachers know your child. Relationships matter here. Families come to us from Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown and even South Austin because they don’t find this anywhere else.
A thoughtful blend of proven educational approaches
Our Learning Approach
Bilingual Minds is grounded in Reggio Emilia–inspired early education, enriched with Montessori materials, Science of Reading principles, and STEAM-based exploration.
This means our classrooms are joyful and play-based — and intentionally designed to support deep learning.
What that looks like in practice
Montessori materials
• Hands-on, purposeful materials support independence and concentration
• Children develop fine motor skills, sequencing, and problem-solving
• Materials are used flexibly, not rigidly, to meet each child’s needs
Reggio Emilia–inspired
• Children’s curiosity guides learning
• Teachers observe, document, and extend children’s thinking
• Projects grow from real interests, not worksheets
• The environment is treated as a “third teacher”
STEAM exploration
• Children investigate science, technology, engineering, art, and math through play
• Real-world questions spark experimentation, building, measuring, and creating
• Curiosity and critical thinking are valued over right answers
Science of Reading (developmentally appropriate)
• Strong foundations in oral language, phonological awareness, and early literacy
• Storytelling, songs, and rich vocabulary in both Portuguese and English
• Literacy built through meaningful, language-rich experiences — not pressure or drills
Why this approach works
By combining these approaches, children don’t just memorize or perform — they:
• Think deeply
• Communicate confidently in two languages
• Build persistence and flexibility
• Develop a love of learning that lasts
• This is not one method followed strictly.
It is a carefully designed educational ecosystem that honors how young children truly learn.
What families often notice
Parents frequently tell us:
“My child is happy here — and I can see how much they’re learning.”
That’s not an accident.
It’s the result of intentional pedagogy paired with warmth, culture, and strong relationships.
Our Programs
Bilingual Minds Programs
Each program at Bilingual Minds is crafted for dynamic and enriching learning, fostering a foundation for a lifetime of exploration.
Toddler
Nurturing the curiosity of our youngest learners with a focus on early development.
Preschool
Providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning in a stimulating environment.
Projeto Brasil
Enrichment Program
Bilingual Minds is a great fit for families who
- Value education, not just supervision
- Want their child to grow up truly bilingual, not just exposed to another language
- Are comfortable driving a bit further for a program that aligns with their values
- Believe early childhood is about identity, curiosity, and connection
- Want a community, not a large corporate center
If you’re simply looking for the closest option or the most traditional childcare model, we may not be the right fit — and that’s okay.
Our Programs
- Preschool & Pre-K (Portuguese–English bilingual)
- Play-based, developmentally appropriate learning
- Full-time and part-time options (subject to availability)
- Small groups, intentional teaching
FAQ
Why Portuguese?
“We’re not Brazilian — does Portuguese still make sense for our child?”
Yes — and here’s why.
Portuguese is not just a language choice.
At Bilingual Minds, it is a learning environment that helps children think, connect, and grow in powerful ways.
Portuguese is spoken by over 260 million people across multiple continents — including Brazil, Portugal, parts of Africa, and growing communities in the United States.
For young children, this means:
- exposure to a truly global language
- early openness to diverse cultures and perspectives
- confidence navigating multilingual spaces
Many families choose Portuguese because it is less commonly offered, yet widely spoken — giving their child a unique advantage.
In early childhood, the most important benefit is not the specific language —
it’s the bilingual brain.
Research shows that children who grow up learning two languages develop:
- stronger cognitive flexibility
- better problem-solving skills
- enhanced memory and attention
- greater empathy and perspective-taking
At Bilingual Minds, Portuguese and English are used naturally throughout the day — during play, routines, storytelling, music, and exploration — allowing children to become true bilingual thinkers, not just language learners.
Portuguese is especially well-suited for early childhood because:
- it has clear vowel sounds that support pronunciation
- it is musical and expressive, supporting oral language development
- it builds strong listening and phonological awareness skills that transfer to reading and writing in English
- it includes a broader range of sounds, children who learn it often find it easier to understand Spanish later, supporting flexible listening and language skills.
These benefits support early literacy in both languages.
Language and culture are inseparable.
In our classrooms, children experience:
- music, stories, and traditions from Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking cultures
- warmth, joy, and connection as part of daily learning
- an environment where curiosity about the world is encouraged
You do not need to be Brazilian to belong here.
Many of our families are not Portuguese speakers at home — and children thrive.
This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is reassuring.
Young children are exceptionally capable of learning multiple languages.
They do not get confused, they adapt.
With consistent exposure and supportive educators, children naturally:
- separate languages over time
- switch comfortably between them
- build confidence communicating with different people
English development is fully supported, and bilingualism strengthens, not delays, overall language growth.
Bilingual Minds is a culturally inclusive school.
Whether your family speaks:
- only English
- multiple languages
- or is new to bilingual education
You and your child are welcome here.
We partner with families, explain what children are learning, and support language development every step of the way.
Families choose Portuguese at Bilingual Minds because:
- they want their child to grow up bilingual in a meaningful way
- they value cognitive development, empathy, and global awareness
- they believe early childhood is the best time to learn languages
- they want an education that feels joyful, intentional, and human
Schedule a tour to discover the engaging classrooms, and vibrant play areas, and meet our dedicated educators at Bilingual Minds in Austin.
Book a tour
Still wondering if Portuguese is right for your family?
The best way to understand is to experience it.
Rooted in community. Guided by care.
Bilingual Minds is part of a broader cultural and educational mission rooted in language, belonging, and community connection. Families choose us not just for what their children learn — but for how they are seen.
- A warm welcome from our staff.
- Insights into our bilingual curriculum.
- Exploration of classrooms and facilities.
- Answers to your questions about our programs.
Ready to see if this feels right for your family?
The best way to understand Bilingual Minds is to experience it.
@ bilingualmindsaustin . Jan 7
Brincar não é uma pausa da aprendizagem.
Brincar é aprendizagem.
No brincar, a criança desenvolve linguagem, funções executivas, criatividade,
regulação emocional e habilidades sociais.
Quando a brincadeira é profunda, a aprendizagem também é.
Por isso valorizamos aprender explorando.
Bilingual Minds, uma pré-escola diferente.
Venha conferir de perto!
@ bilingualmindsaustin . Jan 5
Quando a infância é respeitada, o caminho faz sentido.
Ao sentir nosso espaço, você entende por que tantas famílias escolhem estar aqui. ❤️
When childhood is honored, everything falls into place.
Feeling our space is all it takes to understand why families choose to be here. ❤️
@ bilingualmindsaustin . Jan 4
Conheça algumas das diversas iniciativas do CBA 🇧🇷✨
O Cultura Brasil Austin atua para fortalecer nossa comunidade por meio de projetos educacionais, apoio familiar, conexões culturais e incentivo ao empreendedorismo. Entre nossas iniciativas, destacam-se:
🎓 Projeto Brasil
Premiada iniciativa educacional dedicada à promoção da língua e cultura brasileiras.
🧸 Bilingual Minds
A primeira pré-escola bilíngue Inglês–Português de Austin, criada para conectar crianças às suas raízes.
🌿 Aldeia
Programa de apoio, inclusão e comunidade para famílias com filhos com diagnósticos.
👩🍼 Mulheres e Mães Brasileiras em Austin (MBA)
Grupo de apoio e conexão para mulheres e mães brasileiras.
Os grupos Mulheres Brasileiras de Austin, Classificados de Austin e Mamães Brasileiras de Austin também são iniciativas do CBA.
🎭 Centro Cultural
Um espaço cultural em Austin que conecta a comunidade brasileira por meio da cultura.
🧭 Diretório de Empresas
Estamos reformando nosso diretório!
Cadastre gratuitamente sua empresa e conecte-se à comunidade empresarial brasileira da região.
@ bilingualmindsaustin . Jan 1
Feliz Ano Novo!
Que 2026 nos traga ainda mais oportunidades de conectar pessoas, celebrar nossas raízes e fortalecer a cultura brasileira em Austin.
Agradecemos a todos os voluntários, parceiros, doadores e a cada membro da nossa comunidade por fazer parte dessa jornada.
🌟 Que venha um novo ano cheio de arte, cultura, aprendizado e união.
🌟 Seguimos juntos, construindo o futuro da comunidade brasileira.
Com gratidão,
Cultura Brasil Austin
@ bilingualmindsaustin . Dec 27
🇺🇸This is what learning looks like in early childhood.
Through play, children explore ideas, test solutions, and build confidence.
Every block, every try, every rebuild matters.
Come see learning in action. Schedule a tour - link in the bio.
🇧🇷É assim que a aprendizagem acontece na infância.
Brincando, as crianças exploram ideias, testam soluções e constroem confiança.
Cada tentativa conta.
Venha conhecer de perto. Link na bio.
@ bilingualmindsaustin . Dec 17
At Bilingual Minds, play is not a break from learning — it is how learning happens.
Through play, children explore language naturally, solve problems, make decisions, and develop essential social and executive function skills like collaboration, empathy, focus, flexibility, and self-regulation.
As they play, children actively build knowledge — testing ideas, expressing themselves, and connecting new vocabulary to real experiences. In a bilingual environment, play becomes even more powerful, allowing language to emerge through interaction, curiosity, and imagination.
Because meaningful learning grows from connection, curiosity, and play. Come play, learn, and grow with us — book your visit today!
Na Bilingual Minds, o brincar não é uma pausa da aprendizagem — é como a aprendizagem acontece.
Por meio do brincar, as crianças exploram a linguagem de forma natural, resolvem problemas, tomam decisões e desenvolvem habilidades sociais e funções executivas essenciais, como colaboração, empatia, foco, flexibilidade e autorregulação.
Ao brincar, elas constroem conhecimento ativamente — testando ideias, se expressando e conectando novo vocabulário a experiências reais. Em um ambiente bilíngue, o brincar fortalece ainda mais a aprendizagem, permitindo que a linguagem emerja por meio da interação, da curiosidade e da imaginação.
Porque a aprendizagem significativa nasce da conexão, da curiosidade e do brincar. Venha brincar, aprender e crescer com a gente — agende sua visita!
@ bilingualmindsaustin . Dec 13
🇺🇸 What if preschool wasn’t about pushing children forward —
but about trusting who they already are?
At Bilingual Minds, we believe children are competent, curious, and capable.
Learning doesn’t start with pressure.
It starts with safety, relationships, and play.
When we slow down and truly listen, children show us how much they know.
Does this reflects the kind of childhood you want for your child?
🇧🇷 E se a educação infantil não fosse sobre acelerar —
mas sobre confiar em quem a criança já é?
Na Bilingual Minds, acreditamos que crianças são competentes, curiosas e capazes.
A aprendizagem não começa com pressão.
Começa com vínculo, segurança e brincar.
Quando desaceleramos e escutamos de verdade, as crianças nos mostram tudo o que sabem.
Essa é a infância que você deseja para sua criança?
@ bilingualmindsaustin . Nov 15
🎶✨ VENDORS CONFIRMADOS! O Brazil Soundscapes #4 não será apenas um tributo musical inesquecível (Djavan & Ivan Lins!), mas também uma celebração de sabores, bem-estar e empreendedorismo brasileiro em Austin!
Prepare-se para curtir o show e:
🤤 A doçura autêntica dos @sweetstellabrigadeiros
💆♀️ O toque de autocuidado do @theessentialbrazilianspa
🍽️ Os salgados deliciosos do @yummychefus
🎁 Presentes e mimos exclusivos da @carolpgiftsco
🎨 Arte, Quadros e Design para Decoração da @graphismo
Venha celebrar a nossa cultura e apoiar quem faz acontecer aqui em Austin. 🇧🇷🇺🇸
Garanta seu ingresso (Link na Bio): https://ticketing.events/app/portal/ticket/1/14679/cbas-brazil-soundscapes-4-djavan-and-ivan-lins
