Our Story

Educators Carla Key and Julia Weidmann founded Primavera in 2010, united by a passion for nature and a commitment to teaching Spanish and Latino culture to their children.

How Primavera Began

When their firstborns were one, Carla and Julia started a Spanish immersion playgroup for families in Atlanta’s intown communities. This experience sparked conversations about children, education, and language learning—ultimately inspiring their vision for Atlanta’s first nature-based Spanish immersion school.

Over the next two years, Carla and Julia developed the school’s curriculum, drawing on their expertise in Waldorf education, language acquisition, child development, music education, and nature connection. What began as a two-day toddler program in their homes soon grew into a full early childhood education program.

Primavera found its first home in Candler Park at the Old Stone Church, where the First Existentialist Congregation welcomed them with open arms. The school transformed the church basement into a creative learning space and used the community garden and woodland sanctuary as outdoor classrooms. A natural partnership grew from shared values of education, cultural diversity, and community.

Our Community

In addition to the support from the First Existentialist community, many friends and family members played a vital role in building the school’s infrastructure and programs.

Primavera would not have been possible without the collaboration and generosity of many individuals, especially:

Jason Key
Brian Smith
Susanne Key
​Bill & Janet Weidmann
Marian Farias
Elaine Foster
Elane Gale
Richard Backwell
Larry Weidmann
Emily Kehnast
John French
​Tim Pinion & Diana Swan

“Primavera is the kindest, gentlest place where all ideas are welcomed and embraced. With Spanish immersion and outdoor play-based education, my child is thriving. The teachers work hard to meet all the students' needs. They see each child as an individual. I can't think of a warmer, more loving, and educational community to be a part of.”

Annsley Klehr, Parent