Our Vision is to be considered in terms of curriculum, instruction and assessment as one of the top bilingual elementary schools and teacher training centers in Central America.
The Mission of the Alison Bixby Stone School is to provide children of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, a stimulating and challenging educational environment that fosters intellectual, social and emotional growth while instilling an awareness of environmental responsibility and the understanding that learning is a life – long process that is both meaningful and enjoyable.
Core Beliefs of this education are:
- High standards of excellence: ABSS believes that there is no substitute for academic rigor, and holds high expectations for all of our students. Teachers work closely with students, fostering respectful behavior while encouraging higher level thinking skills to help them reach their academic, social and emotional potential. This helps prepare each child to become responsible global citizens.
- Student Centered Inquiry Based: The ABSS believes in a student centered, inquiry based approach to teaching and learning. Therefore we have a maximum class size of 18. Teachers seek to maintain an intimate environment in which they are able to respond to the individual academic needs and learning style of each student. In addition, the small class size ensures both physical and emotional safety for all children. Assessment is done for learning as well as of learning.
- Learning – by – Doing: We believe that if students create, perform and experiment, or solve a real – life problem, learning becomes concrete and enjoyable. At the ABSS, we promote active, hands – on learning that constantly reinforces to the students the relevance of what they learn. ABSS students and teachers have access to Zamorano’s experienced faculty, state – of – the – art learning laboratories and athletics facilities. As an integral part of the Zamorano learning community the students of ABSS develop an environmental awareness which will carry into adulthood.
- A culture of learning among its members: We believe that learning is a process teachers must engage in continuously in order to meet the needs of our students. We have set aside five full days throughout the school year for the professional development of all faculty members.
- Commitment to the Community: ABSS believes the gifts of our students and teachers should be shared with the greater community when ever possible. American teachers provide modeling and training in best practices in instruction for our Honduran teachers. In turn, All ABSS teachers provide training for other Honduran teachers at conferences or in sessions. ABSS plans and sponsors. ABSS sponsors a monthly soccer game with a local orphanage. The student service club works weekly with this same orphanage sharing games and activities.
