Since August 1, 2000, we have established ourselves as a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to supporting the academic reintegration of young people who have dropped out of regular education, accompanying them in the process of resuming their academic life and finishing their fourth year of high school.
We are a loving, committed, and dedicated school to creating dignified opportunities with our communities to drive the transformation of Puerto Rico. Guided by this mission, we have created an educational environment based on integrating various streams of personalized alternative education and strategies for socio-emotional and biopsychosocial development. These initiatives are designed to strengthen the self-esteem of our young students, empowering them to discover and fully trust their talents and abilities.
With a trajectory of 23 years, we have consolidated a reputation for excellence in the management of public and private funds, which has allowed us to develop and strengthen educational programs that respond to the specific needs of vulnerable communities in Puerto Rico and South America. In addition, we are the first alternative school in the Caribbean and Latin America to receive accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
One of the highlights of our educational proposal is the focus on vocational streams designed to prepare young people for the current and future world of work. Currently, Nuestra Escuela offers vocational programs in agriculture, fashion design, and tourism, and soon in technology.
The vocational fashion design program “Nuestra Moda“ (in Spanish: corrientes vocacionales) represents a creative and dynamic space where young students have the opportunity to explore their artistic talent and develop skills in the design, manufacture and marketing of garments. Through this program, they gain knowledge in pattern design, sewing, textile handling, fashion trends, brand management, and business. In addition, creativity, innovation and critical thinking, essential elements in the fashion industry, are encouraged. This program seeks not only to train talented designers, but also to inspire a new generation of creators who contribute to the cultural and economic enrichment of Puerto Rico.
The vocational program of agriculture, called “Our Earth“, represents a commitment to environmental sustainability and the promotion of responsible agricultural practices such as organic agriculture, agroecology and sustainable farming techniques. Through this program, students can gain knowledge and skills in innovative agricultural techniques. In addition, the creation of agricultural enterprises is promoted, which contributes not only to the economic development of the island, but also to food sovereignty and the preservation of the environment.
The four orchards that are in the vicinity of Nuestra Escuela, in the urban center of Caguas, are a fundamental piece of our educational and vocational philosophy. Not only do these spaces serve as hands-on learning environments, but they also play a crucial role in raising awareness about practices such as composting, the use of natural fertilizers, planting techniques, modular gardening, among other environmental sustainability initiatives.
The Compromiso Orchard is a multifaceted space that houses hydroponic and ornamental crops, as well as the butterfly garden, where we protect and preserve the zebra and monarch butterfly species, recognizing their importance in our ecosystem. The Patria Garden, the main classroom of our vocational stream, has planting areas and nurseries, providing students with a practical environment for their training. On the other hand, the Quality of Life and Solidarity gardens function as laboratories for agricultural practices, open to all students as part of the agriculture class, which is a requirement for graduation. These spaces not only teach agricultural techniques, but also encourage respect for the environment and responsibility towards our community environment.
On the other hand, the vocational tourism program implemented in our center in Loíza, aims to train students in skills related to the ecological tourism industry. Through this program, young students develop skills in culturally aligned hospitality, international traditions in tourism, guest service, gastronomy, and culinary arts, among other fundamental areas. In addition, philanthropic tourism is encouraged, highlighting that our students are the managers of the experiences, thus promoting greater visibility of the cultural wealth of our island.
