Our Story
Soldad Ramirez, Founder and Director, Sole's Preschool
Photo by Isabella Orellana at Izzy Orellana Photo
What emerges when over 30 years of passionate teaching converges with the disciplined philosophy of Montessori education?
Soledad Ramirez, affectionately known as Sole, is a devoted educator who has been nurturing minds and souls since 1992. Her path began in El Salvador, where she taught students in coffee plantations, bringing the gift of education to those with limited resources. For nearly 15 years, she also served as a guiding teacher at the esteemed Externado “San José,” a prestigious private Catholic school founded by the Society of Jesus. Here, Sole not only imparted knowledge, teaching Spanish language and grammar, but also honed her craft under direct mentorship in the Montessori education model, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to child-centered pedagogy. Her dedication to Montessori principles evolved as she applied her expertise to her work with teenagers at Centro Escolar “Cantón Milingo” in Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador.
In 2009, Sole’s journey brought her to the United States, where she continued to evolve as an educator. Through afterschool programs like STAR and Gift of Language, she engaged young minds with a creative blend of project-oriented learning and the Spanish language, reflecting her deep commitment to making language acquisition more than just an academic exercise.
Her transition to childcare marked a new chapter, as she sought to make a meaningful impact from the earliest stages of development. As the lead teacher at Yachaywasi Spanish Immersion School, Sole channeled her vast experience into crafting materials and curricula that were not only rooted in Montessori principles but also rich in cultural relevance and creativity. Her work there was a testament to her belief that education is an adaptable and evolving practice —one that requires both structure and imagination.
In 2016, Sole's vision culminated in the founding of Sole’s Preschool, a vibrant learning community that embodies the essence of her three-decade-long (and counting) journey. The result is a school that doesn't merely tout the Montessori label but truly adheres to its most important ideals, nurturing each child to reach their fullest potential.
Margarita Velasco, Teaching Assistant
Photo by Isabella Orellana at Izzy Orellana Photo
Patricia Erazo, Teaching Assistant
Photo by Isabella Orellana at Izzy Orellana Photo
Gerardo Ramirez, Administrative Assistant
Gerardo Ramirez supports the operations and development of Sole’s Preschool. As the son of founder Soledad Ramirez, he has grown alongside the school and has spent over a decade supporting its systems, organization, and long-term growth from an operational perspective.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a minor in Urban Studies. His academic background informs his approach to systems, organization, and the design of environments that support learning and community.
At Sole’s Preschool, Gerardo oversees admissions, enrollment, tuition systems, and operational coordination. He works closely with families throughout the onboarding process and is responsible for maintaining clear communication, as well as managing the administrative systems that support the school.
He works in close collaboration with Sole to support the development of in-house materials and curriculum enhancements, helping translate educational ideas into structured resources that strengthen the learning experience.
More recently, Gerardo has been leading efforts to expand the school’s presence, both digitally and physically, through improvements to the current website (and the development of a new website experience), enrollment systems, and the exploration of future locations.