The school is a Partners in Education school. Partners in Education pairs a business up with a school. The business provided monetary support for the school and puts an emphasis on staff development and commitment. The business did not micromanage the school. The leadership came directly from the teaching staff with the assistance of the principal and a coordinator who served as a liaison between the business and the school.
This school was not full of technology and there were cosmetic issues, but it was absolutely amazing in many other ways. The students are truly empowered to be leaders. There were no monitors in the cafeteria. The students just managed themselves. I think about what our schools in the US would be like if there were not cafeteria monitors. Yikes! At the beginning of their first year, the students create a life plan to help them prepare for life after graduation. Recently graduated students help first year students prepare this plan. Even though the students come from areas of high poverty, they have big dreams. It was wonderful to talk to them about their hopes for the future.
This is the entrance to the school.
A mural in the cafeteria.
A quote from Abraham Lincoln hangs in the hallway.
Students play foosball.
The school has a lot of "open air" spaces.
Soccer field.
The students lead an activity, having us greet them and each other.
Students are happy to greet Stanley and me.
Meeting the teaching staff.
The students prepared and presented several dances for us.
Hanging out with students after lunch. We presented them with gifts.
The principal posed with Stanley.
Saying goodbye.
We hopped on the bus and headed to school visit #2.
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