Adriana Razo
Owner of The Crayon Box Preschool

"My bilingual preschool program provides children of diverse backgrounds with cultural connections."
— Adriana Razo


Adriana Razo came to ALAS, a program of Women's Initiative for Self Employment, with years of distinguished child development experience both as a teacher and a program director. "For many years, owning a business of my own did not seem possible to me." After conducting market research and developing a solid business plan with ALAS, she knew it was possible. Only two months after graduating, Adriana launched The Crayon Box Preschool.

In 2002 The Crayon Box opened its doors in South San Francisco to two students in Adriana's mother's living room. Adriana was taught the value of bilingual education from her Mexican immigrant parents. She is proud to be the first person in her family to have her own business. A typical day at the preschool might include a round of songs sung by the children alternating between Spanish and English, plenty of play time at the art table, and some time outside on the swing set or visiting with their pet flop-eared rabbit.

Adriana runs a high quality bilingual program that focuses on arts and academics for children ages two to five. "I offer a bilingual program that allows children of diverse backgrounds a cultural connection, an opportunity to appreciate cultural and social differences amongst each other in a safe and caring classroom environment."

By 2004 The Crayon Box was so successful that Adriana was able to buy her own home and expand the school. The Crayon Box now serves fourteen students with a wait list of 30 students! Currently, Adriana employs Maria, an assistant teacher and Lani, a children's yoga instructor. Parents are also actively involved, volunteering with the vegetable garden, web design and music classes. Sandra, a mother of one of Adriana's students, explains "I am so happy about the cultural exposure, bilingual education, and love that David gets here. I can sleep well and focus at work. My son is in good hands."

Adriana has become a leader in quality childcare service. Parentsays.com, an online community for parents to share their experiences, cited The Crayon Box as one of the top,quality preschools in the Bay Area! In 2004, Adriana earned $65,000, more than doubling her income from the previous year, and is well on her way to accomplishing her $100,000 milestone goal for 2005. "Without ALAS, I wouldn't be here today."

At ALAS, Adriana learned how to leverage her resources to cultivate a dynamic school community and grow a thriving business. Adriana provides an excellent service to the City of South San Francisco. Parents of children attending the Crayon Box agree, "The Crayon Box is the best place in the Bay Area for quality bilingual child care."


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