Instituto Nueva Escuela serves 45 school communities by providing support in the process of transforming the community from a traditional methodology to a Montessori one where shared governance is established, we certify teachers in the Montessori philosophy and methodology, and we serve the families of the schools that have been victims of abuse. Our vision for 2025 is that 100 communities in Puerto Rico have access to a Montessori public education of excellence.
In Puerto Rico, Montessori education only existed in private and very expensive institutions, only allowing high-income families to have access. While public education in the country was affected by the closure of schools in low-income communities with a high percentage of school dropouts, low enrollment, and a high incidence of violence and drug use.
The Montessori method is worldwide renowned as a scientifically proven pedagogy based on a deep respect for the child's potential. By transforming public schools into a Montessori education, disadvantaged children and youth gain access to an education of excellence that otherwise would be out of their economic means. Having an excellent education gives students a fair chance to improve their economic and social conditions and have better opportunities in their adult life.
In the 45 schools transformed by the Montessori method, the community has witnessed a positive change in the students' academic performance. Reducing drug use and violence incidents and stopping dropouts, while at the same time increasing the students' attendance to 90%. Our vision for 2025 is to be present in 100 Puerto Rican school communities that offer public Montessori education of excellence.