Our Story

Twenty years ago, three mamas couldn’t find the education they imagined for their children. They dreamed of a learning environment that wasn’t confined to walls—a place where children could learn by climbing trees and playing in the dirt while also learning to solve problems, share, and communicate with others. So, they decided to create it.

Billygoats was born from Angelica Guerrero’s vision, an educator who firmly believed that everything children need to learn can be found in nature - or packed into a backpack! With the support of two other mamas, a lawyer and a marketer, what started as a shared dream blossomed into a school that would become a cornerstone of nature-based learning in San Francisco.

Today, twenty years later, Billygoats is still rooted in that same spirit of community and wonder, while growing and evolving each year to meet the unique needs of every child. Angelica’s passion for early childhood development is at the heart of everything we do. Her deep expertise in child and brain development enriches the learning journey, helping each child feel seen, supported, and empowered. The joy of learning at Billygoats is felt every day by the children, the parents, and the teachers, and continues to inspire families to join our community, just as it inspired those three mamas all those years ago.

About Angelica

Angelica Guerrero is the founder, director, and lead teacher at Billygoats, with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Master’s in Early Intervention from Universidad Isabel I in Spain and a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from Bellas Artes in Mexico City. In addition, Angelica has a California Site Supervisor Credential and has completed specialized training in Reggio Emilia in both New Zealand and Italy, alongside nature-based curriculum training in Nebraska.

For the past 20 years, Angelica has been the heart of Billygoats, combining her teaching expertise with her dedication to early childhood development. She has also spent 20 years as an early childhood consultant and 19 years facilitating parenting workshops in both Spanish and English.

Angelica’s approach to education is deeply rooted in her understanding of child development, which she integrates seamlessly into her teaching style. She helps parents and educators alike understand how a child’s behavior is connected to their stage of growth and development. As one parent shared, “Angelica weaves in the science of childhood brain development and encourages us to understand what our child is communicating with his actions.”

Her role at Billygoats goes beyond just teaching. Angelica crafts a child-centered curriculum based on the interests and needs of each individual child, creating an environment where every child can thrive. She fosters strong connections with families, providing daily reflections on each child’s progress and guiding parents through the challenges and joys of early childhood. Her commitment to ensuring a personalized, supportive experience for each child and family is what makes Billygoats a unique and transformative educational community.