Escuela Viva - Where the Main Ingredient is Love.

our Wabash Avenue Location

our Wabash Avenue Location

Close in North Portland just off of N. Lombard, close to Kaiser Permanente on N. Interstate Ave and the Adidas campus. We serve children ages 6 months to 5 years of age.

Wabash Avenue

7633 N Wabash Ave  Portland Or 97217

(503)477-6905

martha.sanjuan.ev@gmail.com

Infant Toddler Program

Mon to Fri : 8:00am-5:00pm

Preschool for All-Preschool program

Mon to Fri : 7:30am-5:30pm

Take a Peek at Our Space

Take a Peek at Our Space

Infant to Toddler

Wabash Avenue Programs

Due to high demand and a robust waitlist, we are not offering tours unless we are able to offer your family a spot in our program. We do send updates to our waitlist several times a month to keep you updated. Additionally, the childcare industry, in general, is struggling with hiring. We are currently putting enrollment on hold while we focus on staff retention and hiring. We appreciate your understanding.

Infant to Toddler

Wabash Avenue Programs

Infants

In our Infant Classes, we understand the unique needs of our youngest learners. Our classroom model is designed to ensure that each infant receives ample individual attention. With small class sizes, two dedicated teachers, and additional support staff, we create a nurturing, home-like environment. Our goal is to meet the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of each infant through a blend of quiet and active exploration spaces. We focus on creating loving and respectful relationships that mirror the care they receive at home, fostering a sense of family and belonging.

What’s Included:

Please contact the site director to determine rates and availability for adding half or full days.

Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class​.

full day

half day

$1,950

5 days

$1,650

5 days

$1,750

4 days

$1,450

4 days

$1,550

3 days – MWF

$1,250

3 days – MWF

$1,350

2 days – T, TH

$1,050

2 days – T, TH

Wobblers

Our Wobbler Classes cater to children who are just beginning to walk and explore their world more independently. We maintain small class sizes with two teachers and support staff to provide the necessary attention and care. Our environment is designed to support the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of wobblers, offering spaces for both quiet reflection and active play. We emphasize creating strong, loving relationships with each child, aiming to extend the warmth and respect they experience at home. This helps us build a close-knit community where each child feels secure and valued.

What’s Included:

Please contact the site director to determine rates and availability for adding half or full days.

Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class​.

full day

half day

$1,950

5 days

$1,650

5 days

$1,750

4 days

$1,450

4 days

$1,550

3 days – MWF

$1,250

3 days – MWF

$1,350

2 days – T, TH

$1,050

2 days – T, TH

Toddlers

In our Toddler Classes, we recognize the growing independence and curiosity of children aged two to three years. Our small class sizes, with two teachers and additional support, ensure that each toddler’s needs are met in a caring, structured environment. We provide a balance of quiet areas and active play spaces, fostering the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each child. Our approach centers on forming deep, lasting relationships with our toddlers, akin to the love and respect they receive from their families. This nurturing environment helps toddlers thrive and feel like a part of our extended Escuela Viva family.

What’s Included:

Please contact the site director to determine rates and availability for adding half or full days.

Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class​.

full day

half day

$1,800

5 days

$1,500

5 days

$1,600

4 days

$1,300

4 days

$1,400

3 days – MWF

$1,100

3 days – MWF

$1,250

2 days – T, TH

$900

2 days – T, TH

Due to high demand and a robust waitlist, we are not offering tours unless we are able to offer your family a spot in our program. We do send updates to our waitlist several times a month to keep you updated. Additionally, the childcare industry, in general, is struggling with hiring. We are currently putting enrollment on hold while we focus on staff retention and hiring. We appreciate your understanding.

Early Preschool to Pre-Kindergarten
Wabash Avenue Programs

Early Preschool to Pre-Kindergarten
Wabash Avenue Programs

Early Preschool

Our Early Preschool classes are designed to support children as they transition into more structured learning environments. We provide a nurturing space where young learners can explore, grow, and develop essential skills. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, we ensure each child receives the attention and support they need.

What’s Included:

This group is actively working  on:

Please contact the site director to determine rates and availability for adding half or full days.

Also, the names of the classrooms may change, so please plan tuition based on your child’s age, not the name of the class​.

full day

half day

$1,800

5 days

$1,500

5 days

$1,600

4 days

$1,300

4 days

$1,400

3 days – MWF

$1,100

3 days – MWF

$1,250

2 days – T, TH

$900

2 days – T, TH

Preschool

Our Preschool classes are tailored for children who have mastered foundational preschool skills and are ready for more advanced learning. We focus on fostering independence, confidence, and community involvement in a supportive and stimulating environment.

What’s Included:

Preschool For All Enrollment Only.

Please contact the site director to determine availability for adding half or full days.

full day

half day

PFA

5 days

PFA

5 days

PFA

4 days

PFA

4 days

PFA

3 days – MWF

PFA

3 days – MWF

PFA

2 days – T, TH

PFA

2 days – T, TH

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-Kindergarten classes are designed to prepare children for the transition to kindergarten. We focus on developing academic readiness, social skills, and emotional resilience in a structured and engaging environment. Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that each child receives the support and attention needed for success.

What’s Included:

Preschool For All Enrollment Only. 

Please contact the site director to determine availability for adding half or full days.

full day

half day

PFA

5 days

PFA

5 days

PFA

4 days

PFA

4 days

PFA

3 days – MWF

PFA

3 days – MWF

PFA

2 days – T, TH

PFA

2 days – T, TH

Our Wabash Avenue Teachers

Our Wabash Avenue Staff

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Martha Sanjuan

Site Director- Martha was born in Oaxaca Mexico in a small village where she was raised with four sisters and a brother. In 2000, she moved to the US with her two year old son. She gave birth to a girl at the end of 2000 in Portland Oregon where she resided for several years. In 2007, she felt the need to learn English to support her two children with homework and all kinds of life encounters. Furthermore, she earned a certificate in Early Child Education in 2016 from Mount Hood Community College. Working at Escuela Viva since 2012, has given her enough years of experience to support children’s healthy growth and development. Her children have achieved their college degrees, which makes her very proud. Martha lives in Ridgefield WA, likes reading, writing, and enjoys nature exploration with family and friends.

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Nani Nauta

Nani is a flagship member of the Escuela Viva team and has over 30 years of experience with children 2-6 years old. She earned her A.A. in Early Childhood Education in 1994 and B.S. in Early Childhood and Outdoor Learning in 2008. Nani is trained in the Reggio Emilia Approach (the philosophy that EV is founded on), Positive Behavior Intervention Supports and Anti-Bias Curriculum. She can do some sign language, enjoys reading, gardening, and plays guitar. In Nani's words, "I believe we are all lifelong learners."

VickyVelardeDeDaniels

Vicky Velarde de Daniels

My name is Virginia! I was born in Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico. I grew up there until I moved to El Paso Texas where I went to high school and took two years of community college. I was so lucky to marry my husband and became the mom of a beautiful girl. Since 2007, I have been working with children in both an in-home and daycare centers. In 2013, I moved to Portland working with a couple childcare centers before Escuela Viva invited me to join their team. Since 2016, I’ve been enjoying and learning everyday of the week. My goal is to go back to school to start my Associate’s Degree. Working with preschoolers and teenagers is my passion and the joy and adventures of my life!

GiselleV

Giselle Varcenas

Hi all! I’m Giselle and have been working with children since high school! I took early childhood development classes and got to practice as I learned with the preschool class attached to the high school. I also was an aide for one of the special education classes. After that, I started working at an in-home center until I went to college. During college I worked at a Sun Program after school with elementary students. After college, I became a lead teacher at a spanish immersion program for 3 and ½ years working with 5, 4, and one year olds throughout the years. This year I will be in the Zorritos class! Working with children has always made my heart happy and I’ve created many memories and relationships that I’ll cherish forever. In my down time I enjoy spending time with my husband, dog, cats and my very large family.

EdithShamrell

Edith Shamrell

My name is Edith Shamrell. I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, but studied and lived in France, before moving to the USA. I started my childhood education career 20 years ago while working as a Cultural and Art Counselor for French Public Schools. Since then I have worked in different language immersion preschools over the years.

AmandaLynch

Amanda Lynch

Amanda was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended UC Berkeley with a major in Post-Modern Literature and a minor in Race and Performance. She has worked for two decades with children of all ages in a variety of capacities, loves the work, and is very excited to be working at Escuela Viva in the Mapache class. Amanda has lived in both Guatemala and Mexico and enjoys travel above all other things (aside possibly from cheese and books) She lives in The Cully Neighborhood of Portland with her partner Kale and two small ridiculous dogs, Pickle and Olive.

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Cristal Flores-Cruz

I was born and raised in Portland with hispanic heritage. I have always been drawn working with kids and have been doing it since high school. I have experience caring for all ages; from infants and toddlers to adolescents while volunteering at the D.L. Juvenile Detention Center in Portland. I have always had a passion and love to learn as much as I can to continue to help kids thrive in life. I have been married for almost three years to my husband Juan and come from a big family with two sisters and two brothers. My hobbies include playing drums in my family band and babysitting on my weekends. I am big on spending time with my family and exploring new foods 🙂

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Marika Siebertova

Hola! My name is Marika. I was born in the former Czechoslovakia, now Slovakia. I had a very happy childhood with my parent and two younger siblings. I came to Portland in 1997 to learn English and began working with young children. Before I came to America, I was an elementary school teacher for thirteen years. I graduated with an emphasis on Pedagogical Faculty at Constantine the Philosopher University with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree of Education. In Portland, I began working with and am still a part of the Morison Child and Family services. I have worked in preschool classrooms in both Peninsula Children’s Learning Center for thirteen years and Discovery Garden Family childcare for almost four years. I love working with children; watching them grow, teaching them life skills, developing knowledge, and becoming happy individuals. I am married to my husband Geoge who’s from Prague. I like to read books, travel, knit, spend time on the beach, and meet with friends outside for coffee.

LizetteDiaz

Lizette Diaz

I was born and raised in Oregon and spent the majority of my life living in Portland. I began working with kids my sophomore year of high school in our student led preschool. I have continued to work with kids throughout the years and have worked with age groups ranging from toddlers to elementary age. I am currently working on getting my Bachelors of Science for Psychology. I plan on using my degree to continue working with kids or focus on some type of developmental therapy. My hobbies include traveling, spending time outdoors and music. I enjoy going on hikes and to the coast.

LoganM

Logan Morris

Hey! I’m new to childcare but have always loved kids. I spent years in the service industry and was ready for a change that felt meaningful. Helping children to better understand the world around them and navigate new things is fun and rewarding. I grew up in Oregon and traveled a bit throughout my twenties, but Portland has been my homebase for several years. When I have free time you’re most likely to find me curled up with my dog and a book. Otherwise I like cooking, getting out to the beach, and going for long walks around the city.

BrendaF

Brenda Ferrusca

Hi! My name is Brenda. I was born and raised here in Portland Oregon. Ever since I was young, I have always loved being around children and volunteering. One day I applied to a daycare and ever since then I have stayed in the child care field. I have had the privilege of working with many different age groups and I really enjoy them all. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors whether it’s a walk, camping road-trips or just staying at home with my family.

JanetR

Janet Rodriguez

Hello my name is Janet, I was born in Portland and raised in Vancouver Washington. One of my favorite ways to express myself is through art. I love showing friends and family how to express themselves in different ways. As a kid, many of my teachers encouraged me to express myself through art. I have a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Environmental Science. I spend my free time painting, drawing, and out in nature. I believe these are essential parts of a child’s development and it is a privilege to be able to encourage the children to learn about these activities as well.

LenaChildress

Lena Childress

Hola! My name is Lena and I am the Mapache teacher at Escuela Viva. I grew up in NE Portland and after graduating from high school I moved to Buffalo, New York to attend Canisius College where I studied psychology and got my TESOL certification. Upon completing my degree I moved to Monterrey, Mexico to be closer to my (now) husband, Juan. I taught English for three years at Universidad Autonomia de Nuevo León, before moving to teach kindergarteners after the pandemic started. I have always loved working with young children and have found early childhood education to be an incredibly rewarding and fun environment! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping with my dog, and making salsa with my husband!

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Donna Politi-Meeks

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Grace McHugh

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Brooklyn Varnon

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Other locations

“To make a lovable school, industrious, inventive, liveable, documentable and communicable, a place of research, learning, re-cognition and reflection, where children, teachers and families feel well – is our point of arrival.”  – Loris Malaguzzi

1111 SE Pine St.
Portland, OR 97214

23345 SE Stark St. Gresham, OR 97030

1715 NE Fremont St.
Portland, OR 97212

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edith shamrell

My name is Edith Shamrell. I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, but studied and lived in France, before moving to the USA.

Emma Grose

Hi all! My name is Emma and I'm so, so excited to join the Escuela Viva community! I started working with young children in highschool as a program aid at a summer camp that I grew up going to. I quickly realized my passion for helping young ones to grow and learn!