Today we’d like to introduce you to Cammy Herrera.
Hi Cammy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began as a mom searching for the right preschool for my daughter — and finding nothing that truly felt right. I visited program after program, facing roadblock after roadblock, and left each one more discouraged. I wanted something that honored children as individuals, encouraged curiosity, and allowed them to learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
When I couldn’t find it (and a strong nudge from my husband), I decided to create it. What started as a small, home-based preschool with just a few families quickly grew as more parents began looking for the same kind of learning environment — one that blended structure with creativity, academics with exploration, and heart with high standards.
Over time, that small vision evolved into MCP Academy, a thriving microschool serving children from Pre-K through 8th grade in Mansfield, Texas. Today, we focus on a Montessori inspired, TEKS-aligned, project-based learning that connects classroom concepts to the real world. From agriculture and farm-to-table projects to community studies and nature exploration, our students learn by doing — and develop a love for learning that lasts far beyond the classroom.
What started as a personal search for “something better” for my own child has become a mission to build a better learning experience for every child.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a journey, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Like any startup, there were bumps along the way — finding the right space, building a team that shared my vision, and learning how to balance being both an educator and a founder. But each challenge pushed me to grow and clarified what really mattered.
In the beginning, I had big dreams and limited resources, so creativity became my superpower. We repurposed materials, built lessons from scratch, and relied on community support. Those early years taught me that passion and purpose can go a long way — and that when you stay focused on your “why,” everything else falls into place.
Today, MCP Academy is thriving because of those early lessons. The hard moments taught me perseverance, flexibility, and gratitude — and they made the wins even sweeter. Watching our students learn with joy, our teachers grow in their craft, and our community come together reminds me that the road doesn’t have to be smooth to be meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that help children truly connect with what they’re learning. My work centers around reimagining education — taking it beyond the traditional classroom and into the real world. I focus on blending strong academics with creativity, curiosity, and connection.
I’m known for designing learning that feels alive — where students build, explore, question, and create. Whether it’s a farm-to-table unit, a community project, or a nature-based study, I love watching children discover that learning isn’t just something that happens in a textbook — it’s something they experience.
What I’m most proud of is how far this vision has come. What started as a small dream for my daughter and my own children has grown into a thriving microschool where students, teachers, and families feel seen and supported. I’ve been able to build a space that values both excellence and empathy — where children learn at their own pace and are excited to come to school every day.
What sets me apart is my dual perspective as both a parent and an educator. I understand the heart behind what parents want for their children and the intentionality needed to make it happen in the classroom. I lead with purpose, creativity, and compassion — and I truly believe education should inspire, not just instruct.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think the quality that’s been most important to my success is perseverance — paired with a deep sense of purpose. Starting something from the ground up isn’t easy, especially in education, where there’s no single “right” way to do things. There were plenty of moments when it would have been easier to quit or play it safe, but my belief in creating something better for children kept me going.
I’ve also learned that adaptability and creativity are key. In a microschool setting, you wear a lot of hats — teacher, leader, marketer, problem-solver, and sometimes even janitor! But being able to pivot, think outside the box, and stay grounded in the “why” behind the work has made all the difference.
Most of all, I think genuine care — for people, for kids, and for the mission — is what keeps everything moving forward. When you lead with heart and stay committed to your purpose, success naturally follows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcpacademy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcpacademytx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcpacademytx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cammyherrera/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/cammyherrera
Image Credits
Cammy Herrera
