The Academia Internacional de Cabrera, which opened its doors in September 2007, represents the fulfillment of a dream for the Founder, Felicita Garcia, whom is a third generation descendent of Cabrera. With the help of Stephen Hadley, She determined that her two children (Isabella Hadley Garcia & James Hadley Garcia, then aged six and eight years) should have a better education than was currently available within the community. Although the children had been attending local schools, the parents were concerned that the style and quality of the education being offered was not adequate and not only for their children but others as well.
With no hope of a better choice of school within the community, and not wishing to send their two children away for their education, Felicita Garcia and Stephen Hadley, decided to open a new school which would aspire to reach the standards of education they were looking for. By tapping into their own savings and soliciting donations from local business people and villa owners, it became possible to rent an abandoned discotheque and begin converting the building into class rooms, assembly area, playgrounds and kitchenette.
Pictures of the old Discoteque
Although it was only possible to raise a limited amount of capital, with the help of teachers, close friends, Amity Beane, etc, the conversion was sufficiently advanced in three months to enable the school to open its doors on the 5th September 2007, welcoming some 80 new students. The youngest starting at Maternal (3 years of age) to 5th grade (10,11 years of age) as well as 10 locally recruited teaching staff. By the second semester, the student numbers had increased to 105, nearing the maximum possible if the desired pupil/teacher ratio was to be maintained.
Current School Pictures
Although for the first year the primary language was Spanish, AIC now offers the most effective and affordable English language program on the North Coast. All core subjects, including math and science, are taught in English by native English speakers. Students (grades 1-7) attend school from 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. This allows AIC not only to meet, but exceed, all educational requirements of the Dominican Republic, and provide the highest-quality education in this area. Most Dominican schools provide classes only from 8.00am until 12.30pm.
- Visit to Cabrera Fire Station
AIC offers a student-centered program that helps each student to enjoy learning, meet curricular standards, and achieve their full potential. Students gain critical thinking skills through “Project Based Learning” – an instructional method that encourages students to identify problems, research possible solutions and work together to solve real-world problems. AIC students are more engaged and take responsibility for their own learning.
Additionally, AIC teachers integrate computer and Internet-based materials in their lessons. Students have access to computers for research, communication and the creation of projects. Students are also introduced to community resources by visits to local facilities, the council offices, police station, fire station, hospital, civil defense center etc., where the importance of these facilities can be explained first hand and the benefits they provide to the community as a whole can be understood. Students are also encouraged to take pride in themselves, their school and their town and actively promote the local councils efforts to persuade residents to use the provided reusable containers and keep the streets clean.
Unlike most “private” schools, AIC is a nonprofit organization where many of the oversight provide their time and expertise free of charge. Only the teaching staff, administration and essential personnel are salaried. An organization chart can be found here. To enable as many local children as possible to have the opportunity to attend AIC, and benefit from the higher level of education provided, fees are kept to an absolute minimum with the shortfall in funding of the total costs being obtained by fund raising and donations. The school is constantly striving to meet its budget and maintain the facilities and welcomes any form of assistance be it financial by direct funding, sponsorship of a child or teacher, provision of school equipment or volunteering of time and expertise to assist the teaching staff or administration. Further information on sponsorship and running costs can be found here.
AIC is committed to providing a permanent and stable source of quality education for the youth of Cabrera and is constantly seeking to improve both standards of teaching and facilities for the students at the school. Information on future plans and proposals will be regularly updated on this website.
In a very short period of time AIC has become the recognized leader of education in the community and is extremely grateful to all those who have contributed to its current success. AIC looks forward to receiving your continuing support into the future so please Register with the website so that you can receive regular updated information.