First Pineapple School franchise breaks ground in Helotes

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The Pineapple School

Nov 12, 2026, 12:03 ET

Spanish language and culture immersion preschool expands the brand beyond its three family-owned campuses

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With three thriving campuses in San Antonio and nearly 600 children currently enrolled, the Spanish-immersion preschool The Pineapple School is expanding through franchising. On November 2, its first franchise location broke ground in Helotes. The school is slated to open in 2028, and its interest list is growing fast.

A family-owned enterprise, The Pineapple School opened its first location in San Antonio on Huebner Road in 2010. The second location in Stone Oak opened in 2015 and the third location near Camp Bullis in 2020.  

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This is what a lesson looks like at The Pineapple School: children’s hands on the materials, a teacher at their level, and every word in Spanish. We believe that children learn best when they’re actively involved and having fun. Spanish surrounds them through conversation, play, music, stories, and everyday routines, with no English instruction and no translation. This is full-day immersion, led by teachers from across Latin America.
This is what a lesson looks like at The Pineapple School: children’s hands on the materials, a teacher at their level, and every word in Spanish. We believe that children learn best when they’re actively involved and having fun. Spanish surrounds them through conversation, play, music, stories, and everyday routines, with no English instruction and no translation. This is full-day immersion, led by teachers from across Latin America.
The first franchised Pineapple School will open at 13010 FM 1560 in Helotes, Texas. The 16,500 SF Spanish language, culture immersion early childhood center will have classrooms with large windows and natural light, and hallways filled with Latin American art, music, and design. An on-site kitchen prepares fresh, culturally inspired meals daily. Outside, shaded playgrounds give children room to explore in a setting inspired by the Texas Hill Country. Photo of The Pineapple School Camp Bullis.
The first franchised Pineapple School will open at 13010 FM 1560 in Helotes, Texas. The 16,500 SF Spanish language, culture immersion early childhood center will have classrooms with large windows and natural light, and hallways filled with Latin American art, music, and design. An on-site kitchen prepares fresh, culturally inspired meals daily. Outside, shaded playgrounds give children room to explore in a setting inspired by the Texas Hill Country. Photo of The Pineapple School Camp Bullis.

"Our family had a dream to create a school where young children could learn Spanish while being surrounded by the warmth, traditions, and vibrancy of Latin American culture," said Co-founder and CEO of The Pineapple School Krisana Puccio. "We quickly discovered that many San Antonio families were looking for that same experience for their children."

Puccio founded The Pineapple School with her husband Juan and her mother Susan Carvajal and her late father Dr. Hugo Carvajal. Her sister Jessica Bakke later became an owner and today plays an active role in the schools' operations alongside Puccio and Juan. As the school expanded, and the waiting lists grew, franchising became a natural way to bring The Pineapple School experience to more children and their families.

The Pineapple School awarded the Helotes franchise to a family team: Grace and Marco Heras and Grace's parents, David and Vanessa Osborne. The family has owned and operated senior living facilities for three generations.

"Our family has spent years caring for seniors in San Antonio. Now we get to be there at the very beginning of life," said Grace Heras, who will own The Pineapple School in Helotes with her husband, Marco, and her parents. "Marco grew up in Mexico, so Spanish and Latin culture are a big part of our family's story. We want the children in our care to have that same gift, starting their own story as infants right here in Helotes."

Unlike traditional preschool models, The Pineapple School doesn't treat Spanish or cultural learning as separate subjects. Instead, it immerses children in Latin American culture through every element of the day—from the language spoken in the classroom and the meals served, to the music, celebrations, and classroom rituals. It's an educational experience that feels alive, joyful, and deeply rooted in community.

"The first time Grace, Marco, and her parents visited one of our schools, they couldn't stop watching the children: how happy they were, and how much Spanish they were speaking," said Puccio. "You could see it in their eyes. They felt the joy we feel every day, and that's when we knew they belonged in the Pineapple family."

As it expands, The Pineapple School is prioritizing educational quality, personal connections and cultural authenticity. The original three campuses will remain family-owned and operated while new franchise locations will be built with close attention to the values and standards that have made the model so successful.

"We are laying the groundwork for future growth in culturally connected communities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth," said Puccio. "The demand for culturally rich, Spanish-immersion preschool programs continues to rise nationwide, and our hope is that what began in San Antonio with our first campus in 2010 can flourish across Texas and the country."

The Pineapple School has also awarded franchises in New Braunfels and Rogers, Arkansas, each projected to welcome students in 2028. "Our franchisees share our values and understand what we are trying to build. It's not just a school, but a place where language, culture, and community come together in a very special way," said Puccio.

The Pineapple School
The Pineapple School is a one-of-a-kind Spanish language and culture immersion preschool where children learn the language by living it. Family-founded in San Antonio in 2010 with deep Latin American roots, the school nurtures curiosity, confidence, and open hearts. Serving nearly 600 students across three campuses, The Pineapple School is growing through franchising, with new locations planned in Helotes and New Braunfels, Texas, and Rogers, Arkansas. Learn more and explore franchise opportunities at ownapineappleschool.com.

SOURCE The Pineapple School