Meet Our Founder

Hi, I’m Amanda Simmons-Polanco, the Founder and Head of School at Vida Academy. With nearly 15 years of experience in education, I’ve dedicated my career to creating meaningful, student-centered learning environments. I started as a teacher in New York City, where I taught Kindergarten, 2nd, and 5th grade, and later had the opportunity to serve as the founding Principal at an elementary school in Manhattan. These experiences deepened my belief in every child’s ability to succeed when supported by personalized and innovative approaches.

As a bilingual speaker of English and Spanish, my passion for bilingual education is both professional and personal. I was inspired to create Vida Academy not only to fill a gap in our community but also to provide my own children with an environment where they can thrive as bilingual learners. My vision for Vida Academy is to combine academic excellence, cultural awareness, and hands-on exploration in a nurturing space where every child feels valued and empowered.