About Us
Where Learning Meets Adventure
At Jardin Infantil Academy, we believe in curiosity-driven learning, outdoor exploration, and meaningful connections. Learn more about our mission and programs.
Welcome to Learning Through Adventure
Join the fun! At Jardin Infantil Academy, kids come home with messy hands, bright smiles, and unforgettable experiences.
As a small, family-owned academy, we provide children ages 4 to 12 with a unique outdoor learning experience inspired by forest school principles. Our programs foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for nature.
Each day, children explore, create, and grow through hands-on activities like:
- Building forts and discovering nature’s playground
- Practicing math and literacy by counting wildlife and tracing letters in the dirt or snow
- Cooking, theater, art, and multi-sports to nurture diverse interests
- Picnic lunches, splash pad fun, and outdoor adventures that make every day exciting
Through play, exploration, and child-led learning, we create an enriching environment where kids develop confidence, independence, and a deep connection to nature.
What Drives Us
Jardin Infantil Academy is dedicated to early childhood education and youth development. Their mission is to nurture young minds, fostering confident, resilient, and passionate children with strong problem-solving skills. They draw inspiration from educational philosophies like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf to create a child-centered curriculum that emphasizes independence, individual interests, cognitive and physical development, mixed-age interactions, and multilingualism (Spanish and French).
Our academy aims to provide a safe, happy, and inclusive environment where all children can learn, explore, and grow. All of our staff are first aid trained and have passed a vulnerable sector check, ensuring a secure and supportive space for every child.
Where to Find Us
Jardin Infantil Academy welcomes children from across the city to our summer and year-round camps, offering a balance of outdoor exploration and engaging indoor activities.
Our main location is at Redeemer Lutheran Church (1691 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON)—a convenient hilltop space near High Park. While we have access to indoor facilities, Jardin Infantil Academy is not affiliated with any religious organization.
A Year-Round Outdoor Experience
- Warmer months: Children spend as much time outdoors as possible, with drop-offs and pick-ups happening inside High Park.
- Cooler months: While meals and some activities take place indoors, we keep the adventure going with field trips, local library visits, and special guest-led activities.
Marta’s Daycare Program
In addition to our camps, Marta’s daycare offers a warm, home-like environment at Pacific Ave. & Glenlake Ave. This location is just a short walk from High Park, ensuring plenty of outdoor play and exploration.
Jardin Infantil Academy Summer & Year Round Camps
High Park
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1691 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M6P 1B1, Canada
Meet the Founder
Hi! I’m Marta, the founder and director of Jardin Infantil Academy. My passion for early childhood education began as the eldest of five siblings in El Salvador, where I naturally stepped into a nurturing role.
After completing three years of teacher training and launching two preschool programs, I moved to Toronto in 1990, earning my Early Childhood Education diploma. Around that time, forest school concepts were gaining popularity in Europe, reinforcing what I had always believed—children learn best through hands-on, nature-based experiences.
In 2000, I founded Jardin Infantil Academy, named after the Spanish and French words for “kindergarten.” As I watched children thrive through exploratory play, I expanded the program to include school-age camps, ensuring more kids could build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning through outdoor exploration.
Marta Estrada
Founder and Director
Our Team
All our Staff are first aid trained and have passed a vulnerable sector check ensuring a secure and supportive space for every child
Steve
Teacher – Educator
Helen Bishop
Teacher – Educator
Denise Hunt
Teacher – Educator
Amber Tran
Teacher – Educator
Amy Guzman
Teacher – Educator
Pamela Sanchez
Teacher – Educator
Give Your Child the Gift of Exploration and Growth!
Set your child up for success with a nurturing, hands-on learning environment where they can explore, create, and thrive. With engaging programs, passionate educators, and a focus on outdoor adventure, Jardin Infantil Academy provides the foundation for a joyful and confident learner.
Spots fill quickly—secure your child’s place today!
