SCHOOL’S IN SESSION
AT LA PROVIDENCIA
Here at La Providencia, going back to school brings a mix of emotions: everything from happiness to fear of the unknown. I could feel it as I walked through the halls, looking at the classrooms full of students.
School’s been in session at Academia La Providencia for about two months, but the happiness students have to be with each other in school is still palpable. Kids talked all summer about their excitement to return to classes in–person and not through a computer. After all, they spent the past two years that way! School is an important part of every child’s life, so coming into a new school year is a momentous event and should be seen that way. As as the school has re-opened, many more children are walking through the doors than before.
In a season when education struggled due to online classes, Academia La Providencia experienced significant growth. New principal Samuel Fajardo attributed the phenomenon to parents spreading the word about the school. “In the past two years, despite the pandemic, we’ve had kids coming from other schools in the area,” he says. “Their parents have come to me saying “wow. We can see the difference in this school from the school I’m coming from.”
One reason Academia La Providencia stands out in the area is its status as a Christian, private, bi-lingual school. And it’s success in the community is only continuing to grow: this year, over 400 students are enrolled, more than double 2019’s enrollment! All children living in the La Providencia Micro Community attend for free, with paying students coming in from all around the community. When Samuel became principal in 2019, he did so because he wanted to help children who needed it. And with more students than ever before, coming to learn in-person, its easy to see how much the whole community benefits from the school here. Its amazing to see empowerment in action as the students were so excited to learn.
Teachers similarly anticipated the school year, excited to once again have a classroom to decorate and prepare. As I visited teachers, I saw them decorating the classrooms, starting their school planning, and preparing for the first day of school to welcome the students as they deserve.
Teachers similarly anticipated the school year, excited to once again have a classroom to decorate and prepare. As I visited teachers, I saw them decorating the classrooms, starting their school planning, and preparing for the first day of school to welcome the students as they deserve.
From kindergarten through high school, the classrooms were ready to finally welcome students back after a long break due to COVID. When the first day finally came, all the children immediately felt welcome when they entered classrooms with colorful decorations and pictures.
It was very gratifying to hear children singing, playing, and laughing again at La Providencia! The classrooms are once again full, and the hallways are filled with happy children.
It was very gratifying to hear children singing, playing, and laughing again at La Providencia! The classrooms are once again full, and the hallways are filled with happy children.
Written by Julissa Arana