Calasanz School. Veracruz (México)

Calasanz School. Veracruz (MÉXICO)

Since October 2009, I have traveled a path full of learning and dedication to the Calasanz School of Veracruz. I started teaching computer science in high school and soon extended my work to elementary school. In 2012, I became a tutor for a group of teenagers, a stage that I deeply treasure for the opportunity to accompany them in their growth.

Over the years, I became immersed in different projects that gradually culminated in updating the school’s educational model. The results of these efforts gave me the opportunity in 2020 to assume the general direction, a role that I happily perform to this day.

When I arrived at the school, I thought I would only be there for a year, seeking experience before taking another job. Fifteen years later, I have learned that no one comes to the Pious School by chance or to give half-heartedly. Today, my greatest desire is to continue accompanying the children and young people of this work with faith and enthusiasm for many years to come.

School.

The Calasanz School of Veracruz was founded on March 2, 1972, in the Primero de Mayo neighborhood, taking advantage of the Holy Family’s parish grounds. It began with 20 children under the direction of Piarist Father Miguel Martí and a group of volunteers responding to the area’s educational needs. From its beginnings, the school offered various services to the community, such as adult literacy, a semi-free evening high school, and social programs.

Over the years, the Calasanz School established itself as a Catholic institution focused on piety and letters aimed at children with limited resources. 1983, the Calasanz Homes were founded to care for street children and integrate them into the school. Although some programs were discontinued, such as kindergarten and evening high school, the elementary school grew in demand thanks to its accessibility and comprehensive education.

In 2002, the secondary section was opened, and in 2022, the school celebrated 50 years of primary and 20 years of secondary school. Calasanz School continues to be a reference in Christian and social education, guided by the spirit of St. Joseph Calasanz.

Challenges.

Maintaining a private school’s financial equilibrium without raising tuition costs has become an ever-increasing challenge. Nevertheless, we are committed to finding a way to attract families who, by conviction and choice, join our community and can sustain the school’s financial operation through an effective and attractive educational model.

With this, we will strengthen our scholarship program, which continues to be the heart of our mission. In this way, we will continue to be an affordable option for families who, without this support, would not have the opportunity to provide their children with a quality education. We want every child, regardless of their economic condition, to have the chance to be part of our classrooms.

Pastoral care.

Pastoral care is the soul of our educational work. Although we are a small school with a limited staff, we have a Pastoral Ministry Department that coordinates the delicate and beautiful balance between piety and letters we seek in each classroom in harmony with the academic departments and the General Directorate. Pastoral care is not an external element but an integral part of our students’ academic process. The entire administrative and teaching staff is part of this formative mission.

Since this school year, we have incorporated a section entitled “Linking with the Calasanctian Charism” in our teachers’ didactic sequences. In this space, each subject is connected to a Christian vision of society, integrating the charism of St. Joseph Calasanz in daily teaching.

Through pastoral ministry, we carry out a series of actions that go beyond academics: visits to nursing homes, spiritual retreats, masses, and, especially in this school year, we have launched the project “Lights of the Future, sowing the PEG.” This project, which we have conceived with enthusiasm, seeks to be a seedbed of social initiatives germinating in the classroom, the school, and the community, illuminating the path towards a more just and fraternal society. With it, we sow not only knowledge but also values and hope in each of our students.

Pia School.

What excites me about being part of the Pious School is the opportunity to be a witness and guide in the integral growth of the students, not only academically but also in the human and spiritual aspects. It inspires me to be able to transmit the charism of St. Joseph Calasanz, promoting an education that transforms lives, where each child and young person finds a safe, welcoming, and full of opportunities to grow as people committed to their environment.

It is deeply gratifying to be part of an educational community that, with faith and dedication, follows in the footsteps of Calasanz.

Address: Papantla No. 1 Col. Primero de Mayo Veracruz Veracruz Ver. Mexico

Founded: March 2, 1972

Number of students: 290

Number of educators: 26

Offering: Primary and secondary

Other activities: Sacrament preparation, Calasanz Movement, robotics with Lego, computer science for adults, yoga, music, dance workshop, socioemotional workshop, and adult basic education certification system.