Root and
Bloom Academy
Hi! We’re a small, Montessori-inspired microschool in McAllen, TX. Our goal is to prepare kids to lead fulfilling lives by teaching core academics plus the life skills that most adults wish they had learned when they were growing up.
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 so students can learn by rolling up their sleeves and solving real problems.
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 of 8 students means we can really get to know each child and meet them where they are.
We use proven, hands-on curriculums to cover the academics they’ll need. And we teach life skills like financial literacy, empathy, and public speaking that will help each child reach their full potential.
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 Our 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.
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 holds degrees from Stanford University and Northwestern University. He is a marriage coach and founder of Grow More Joy Coaching.
Sunaina and Matt co-founded the RGV Gentle Parenting Community and spent years looking for the right school for their feisty 5-year-old. They never found the perfect school, so they created Root and Bloom Academy with their daughter as the first happy student!
