Nuestra Escuela

Nuestra Escuela has been working in alternative education in Puerto Rico for 20 years, offering an innovative model to address the issue of school dropouts. Its approach focuses on addressing the emotional, social, physical, and spiritual dimensions of young people aged 13 to 21 who did not complete high school in the traditional system.

This model has proven effective in academic, personal, and civic development, promoting sustainability, self-management, and individual fulfillment. It has been validated and presented internationally in more than 20 countries across six continents.

The institution operates as a non-profit organization and, thanks to Law 213 of 2012, is part of the public education system. It currently has centers in Caguas and Loíza, in addition to Nuestra Escuelita for preschool and elementary levels.

In its two decades of history, it has impacted 1,592 young people, with 1,238 graduating; of those, 52% have continued to post-secondary studies and 34% have entered the workforce. Each year they serve around 300 students and their families, achieving a 97% retention rate.

Every September 10, they celebrate the student graduation and honor Ana Mercedes Méndez Jiménez, the inspiration behind the project.