Children possess a vast imagination, are active explorers, natural experimenters, and endless discoverers. We believe that children’s learning happens all the time and everywhere, therefore, we provide abundant opportunities for significant, engaging, play-based learning experiences in both the indoor and outdoor environments, and within our community.
Excelsior Leadership Team
Bestal Early Learning Academy Cupertino
Welcome to Bestal Early Learning Academy, my name is Melissa McFarland-Jimenez, President of Bestal Early Learning Academy. Here we encourage our students to learn through a mix of play-based learning and academics, focusing on a mix of play-based learning, STEM, imaginative- learning, indoor and outdoor classrooms and child led art projects and so much more. At Bestal ELA, we guide our students in the learning process by giving them tools to help in their educational adventure through our indoor and outdoor classrooms, helping them understand their social, emotional development, creating friendships, and helping guide their educational progress to get them ready to move into kindergarten. Here at Bestal ELA, we strive to make your child’s first educational experience memorable and help them through the rest of their academic career.
I have been in the educational field for over 20 years, starting as a substitute and working my way up to director. Recently, I had the opportunity to work as a Regional Director before moving into the role as President. I have worked with all ages from infants to middle school. I have a BA in Child and Adolescent Development and a Master’s in Human Behavior. My goal for education is to give all children in our program the opportunity to learn and grow in a place they feel free to discover their academic and social emotional potential.