Tierra Encantada Expands Home State Operations

The newest agreement has been signed by business partners Mariela Pineda and Natalia Pretelt, and is for one center. Though a lease has yet to be signed, the duo is eyeing Minnetonka, Hopkins, and St. Louis Park as potential destinations for their center, which they hope to open in October.

Pineda and Pretelt, from Guatemala and Colombia respectively, got involved with Tierra Encantada as parents of children who were enrolled at the centers. They both currently serve as underwriters at Wells Fargo, where they are responsible for facilitating loans and analyzing finance metrics to insure loan eligibility. While their business experience will aid them in making their Tierra Encantada locations a success, their passion for learning and providing new opportunities for children drives them.

“We know firsthand the benefits Tierra Encantada provides to the children in its programs,” said Pretelt. “Both my children are involved with Tierra Encantada and I can attest to the strength of the curriculum and the results that it produces for young language learners. Knowing multiple languages opens up a world of opportunities, and Tierra Encantada truly provides the strongest program in the industry.”

Founded in 2013 and franchising since 2019, Tierra Encantada offers quality childcare for children ranging from six weeks to six years of age. Students are immersed in a natural, dual-language learning environment with teaching, songs, games, and conversation all occurring in Spanish.

“We wanted to share our language and culture experience with other parents and kids in the surrounding communities,” said Pineda. “Tierra Encantada is a great way for children to experience a new language and learn about different cultures. The curriculum is focused on providing a wholesome learning experience, and it really sets kids up to succeed and grow as young learners, and we are excited to play a role in that growth.”

In addition to immersing students in a dual-language learning environment, Tierra Encantada strives to be environmentally friendly by offering cloth diapering for children and providing wholesome, organic foods cooked fresh daily in on-site commercial kitchens. The use of LED lights and solar panels also puts an emphasis on environmental care.

“To see parents of children who have gone through Tierra Encantada’s programs become franchisees is very fulfilling and a testament to the value our programs provide to young learners,” said Tierra Encantada founder and CEO Kristen Denzer. “Mariela and Natalia have seen firsthand how our innovative curriculum produces results for children and are eager to share that with their communities. We are excited to see the impact they will have on children throughout the western suburbs of Minneapolis.”

Tierra Encantada’s growth in its home market comes just eight months after launching its franchise opportunity and announced plans to expand its national footprint. Today, there are four centers open and operating in Minnesota, and company plans call for having additional centers under development in all 50 states within five years.

Founded in 2013 and franchising since 2019, Tierra Encantada is the leader in Spanish immersion early education. The brand provides children with opportunities to explore experiences with a new language through the use of conversation, immersive teaching methods, and guided learning sessions. Tierra Encantada’s education program fosters early cognitive development and teaches respect for diversity. The brand strives to be environmentally friendly by offering cloth diapering for children, as well as providing wholesome, organic and fresh food.