Our Story

The story of Aguamarina began in 1996 as a cultural center for adults, dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic expression. Founded by Natalia Montaño and Roberto Salazar, a visionary young couple who shared a profound artistic perspective, it paved the way for a remarkable journey in education.

In 1999, Natalia and Roberto embarked on a new chapter by opening the first Aguamarina location in Key Biscayne, offering art classes for adults. As their passion for education grew, they expanded their program to include children, recognizing the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age. This led to the establishment of the Aguamarina Preschool in 2001, a place where young minds could explore, create, and grow.

Throughout the years, Aguamarina Preschool continued to thrive and expand its reach. In 2005, a new campus known as "La Casita" opened its doors in Coral Way, providing a nurturing environment for children to flourish. 

Recognizing the need for quality early childhood education, Aguamarina Preschool opened another campus in South Miami in 2009.

The year 2014 marked another milestone for Aguamarina Preschool with the opening of the Brickell Campus. This vibrant location embraced Roberto's artistic vision, with its signature colorful look becoming a hallmark of Aguamarina's design.

Aguamarina's commitment to making a difference extended beyond the preschool walls. In 2015, the organization founded Big Mind Happy Hearts, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting kind actions within our environment and community. Through its flagship program, "Planet Patrol," Aguamarina instilled in children the values of empathy, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Aguamarina's impact soon reached beyond borders. In 2015, the first Aguamarina Preschool location in Ciudad de México - Polanco was opened, bringing their innovative educational approach to a new community. 

In 2019, another international milestone was achieved with the opening of Aguamarina Preschools in Bogota, Colombia, spreading their passion for education across Latin America.

Inspired by their parents' dedication and the transformative power of education, Mariana and Luisa, Natalia and Roberto's daughters, joined the Aguamarina team. Today, they continue to carry on their parents' legacy, working diligently in Aguamarina Preschools and AUA schools, creating meaningful experiences for children and fostering a love for learning.

In 2022, Aguamarina embarked on a new venture by founding AUA Elementary school in Miami. With the increasing demand for an extension of Aguamarina's unique educational methodology, AUA Elementary was established to provide students with a continuation of their love for learning, offering academic excellence through unforgettable experiences.

The journey of Aguamarina continues to unfold, and in 2023, Aguamarina Preschools opened its second campus in Ciudad de México - Polanco, reaffirming its commitment to providing quality early childhood education in diverse communities.

At Aguamarina, we believe that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about igniting curiosity, fostering creativity, and nurturing the hearts and minds of our students. We invite you to be a part of our vibrant community, where every child's potential is embraced, celebrated, and cherished. Join us at Aguamarina, where education and creativity intertwine to create a brighter future for all.

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