--- title: "Tierra Encantada Continues Expansion in Lone Star State" url: https://burnaze.com/article/c851d3b9-4aef-410b-b5a7-20ce5e1e3f31 source: "Franchising.com" original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20200130_tierra_encantada_continues_expansion_in_lone_star_.html category: "Education & Childcare" industry: "Education & Childcare" topics: ["Development & multi-unit"] published: 2020-01-30T12:00:00.000Z modified: 2026-11-01T04:09:04.088Z image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1450101499163-c8848c66ca85?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop --- # Tierra Encantada Continues Expansion in Lone Star State **TL;DR:** Tierra Encantada, a Spanish language immersion daycare center, has signed its second Texas development deal to bring its innovative bilingual education program to the Houston/Katy area. The agreement for one center has been signed by Houston residents Mafe Pargada and Antonio Velazco, who plan to open their center in January 2021. *originally published in Franchising.com on 2020-01-30. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20200130_tierra_encantada_continues_expansion_in_lone_star_.html).* ## Story The agreement for one center has been signed by Houston residents Mafe Pargada and Antonio Velazco. The husband-and-wife duo hope to open their Houston area Tierra Encantada center in January of 2021.Though a lease has yet to be signed, Mafe and Antonio are eyeing George Bush Park, Eldridge, Briar Forest, Energy Corridor, Memorial and Greater Katy. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Mafe and Antonio moved to Houston in 2009 in search of new opportunities. Mafe studied preschool education in college and received a master’s degree in management of educational institutions. She has spent 17 years as a preschool, kindergarten, and first grade teacher, and also has experience in administrative roles throughout the Venezuela and Houston education fields. Antonio works in the oil and gas industry where he serves as a business development manager. The duo plan on combining their skillsets to help make their Tierra Encantada location a success. “After moving to the United States, we understand the importance of being able to speak multiple languages,” said Mafe. “As an educator, I am incredibly dedicated and passionate about helping children grow and learn, and after hearing about the brand, I knew Tierra Encantada was something I wanted to be a part of. Playing a role in helping children develop is one of the most fulfilling experiences one can have, and we look forward to helping educate young children in the Houston area.” 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. “Tierra Encantada’s high quality language immersion program is unique to the industry and produces real results,” added Antonio. “Every aspect of the curriculum teaches young learners the Spanish language through the use of developmentally appropriate practices, problem solving, hands-on activities, and guided learning sessions that help improve retention and comprehension. It truly provides a complete learning experience for the children and helps set them up for success in the future.” 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. “Mafe and Antonio are incredibly passionate about our mission to provide quality language immersion education to future generations,” said Tierra Encantada founder and CEO Kristen Denzer. “We are proud to add them to our family and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the young learners of the Houston community.” The Houston expansion plans come less than seven months after Tierra Encantada launched 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. ## Entities - Franchising.com (publication) - unit expansion (topic) - franchise development (topic) - Education & Childcare (sector) - houston (location) - childcare services (topic) - Tierra Encantada (company) - Kristen Denzer (person) - environmental sustainability (topic) - bilingual education (topic) --- Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20200130_tierra_encantada_continues_expansion_in_lone_star_.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/c851d3b9-4aef-410b-b5a7-20ce5e1e3f31).