Root and
Bloom Academy
Root and Bloom Academy is a Montessori-inspired microschool in McAllen, TX that provides personalized, holistic education for your child in a compassionate and creative environment.
We are the only microschool in the RGV.
We believe in teaching with kindness and understanding. And our curriculum uses less screen time and more creative hands-on exploration — because learning should be fun!
Why choose Root and Bloom Academy?
Root and Bloom Academy was designed from the ground up to be a warm, joyful space where students feel safe to learn, explore, and be themselves.
Our small class size means we can meet each student where they are and still offer the kind of creative — and safe — challenges that will help each child reach their full potential.
Instead of rewards and punishments, we use gentle parenting principles to help students develop empathy, resilience, and a real love for learning.
Our goal is to have every child walk away knowing that they can learn to do anything when they combine their effort with their imagination.
Meet the Teacher
Ms. Martina Lyles brings over 25 years of experience across Montessori and traditional classrooms, including St. Joseph’s Catholic School and St. Matthew's Episcopal School. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, NCME Montessori certified, holds a certificate in Early Childhood Development, and is CPR/First Aid certified.
Ms. Lyles believes young children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and are allowed to be genuinely curious. She is excited to meet every child who walks through the door — and to be part of the magic that happens when children are given the freedom to be themselves and truly learn.
Get More Information!
Learn how to join a supportive community where your child will love coming to school every day. Fill out the form and we will be in touch!
Meet Our Founders
Sunaina Chugani Marquez spent 18 years researching and teaching consumer psychology (Baruch College in NYC, San Diego State University, and UTRGV) before leaving academia and starting Root and Bloom Academy.
Matt Marquez is a marriage coach and founder of Grow More Joy Coaching.
Sunaina and Matt co-founded the RGV Gentle Parenting Community and are parents to a feisty 5-year-old who is the first happy student of the Root and Bloom Academy.
