To make sure that we’re creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, we require students to meet the follow qualifications:

• Between the ages of 4 and 8

• Fully vaccinated (based on Texas requirements; no affidavits permitted)

• Potty trained (doesn’t need diapers)

• No naps needed during school hours (10am - 3:30pm)

Root and Bloom Academy operates out of Getsemani Church on 21st and Trenton in McAllen, TX.

We serve students between 4 and 8 years old.

The age range we serve will shift up as the cohort of children get older (so no child will ever age out of the program).

If you’re interested in Root and Bloom but your child is too young, please let us know by sending us an email us at rootandbloomrgv@gmail.com. We may launch a second cohort to accommodate younger kids in 2027-2028 and can put you on the waiting list!

We meet Mondays through Thursdays from 10am-3:30pm.

Students in the part-time program will attend two days a week, either Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday. Part-time spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes. Students can move to full-time anytime a spot opens without having to wait for a new semester.

No, nothing we teach is based on a particular relgion. We welcome members of all faiths.

It is important to us that our students feel safe before their parents leave them in a new environment with new people. So, if parents want, we will work with them to come up with a plan that allows their child to gently phase in to the new environment.

Parents are asked to provide lunch and a snack.

We focus on feedback and growth instead of letter grades. A child shouldn’t lose their love of learning over a C. We’ll always tell you how your child is doing and what they’re working on, with real context beyond just a letter.

With only 8 students, we can teach to each child’s level instead of following one-size-fits-all lesson plans. Children who race ahead get more challenge; those still growing get support; and older children grow as mentors while younger ones learn from them. No one is bored or left behind.

We use connection instead of shame. We help children notice what they’re feeling, repair when something goes wrong, and learn from the experience. We never want to discipline children in a way that makes them feel bad about who they are.

The church’s gates and doors stay locked with access limited to set times, and we follow a clear supervision protocol so no child wanders off.

Parents can call or text us anytime. Our teacher and a second supervising adult (usually our founder) are CPR and First-Aid certified. We will keep a full first-aid kit on site, and we will have a written emergency plan that includes the nearest hospital and exactly who we contact.

We don’t have a full-time nurse, but our teacher and a second supervising adult (usually our founder) are CPR and First-Aid certified. We will also keep a full first-aid kit on site, and have a written emergency plan for multiple situations. Your child’s safety is something we’ve thought through carefully.

Just let us know when you’ll be away and we’ll make a plan. We’ll either send work to keep your child current, or catch them up when they return. That’s a lot easier for us to do with a class of eight.