2. Mission
The mission of the Atitlán Family School is to provide families
with a non-traditional community-based education, where each
member is given the opportunity to grow and achieve through
the most innovative learning methods and tools.
3. Vision
Through education and community building, our vision is for
families to build a sustainable future, free from dependency
on others for basic needs.
Families will have a real chance to break the cycle of poverty
and create a new reality where they have choices and are
empowered to choose their own path.
4. Guatemala 101
• Bordered by Mexico, Honduras, El
Salvador, and Belize
• Slightly smaller than the State of Tennessee
• Population approximately 14 million
• 59% Mestizo (Ladino) and 41% Indigenous
• 23 Official Indigenous Languages
• Prone to Volcanic
Eruptions, Earthquakes, Hurricanes, and
Tropical Storms
• Environmental Issues: Deforestation, Soil
Erosion, Water Pollution
5. Guatemala 101 cont.
• High Infant, Child, and Maternal Mortality Rates
• 1 in 5 Children Suffer from Chronic Malnutrition
• 75% of Guatemalans are Below Poverty Line
• Illiteracy rate among Mayan women: 70%
• Less than 15% of Mayans have access to drinkable
water
• Less than 25% of Mayans have access to electricity
• 1 in 10 Mayans have access to modern sanitation
• 89% of Mayans lack quality housing
6. Lago de Atitlán
Highlands located 3 hours west of Guatemala City
Largest Town: Panajachel
Largest Groups: Kaqchikel and Tz’utujil
Extremely Prone to Mudslides
Major industries: Tourism, Coffee, Corn, Onions
Majority of population living in extreme poverty
7. Our Education Model
Preschool – Montessori/Waldorf Curriculums
Elementary – Discovery, Hands-On, Inquiry-Based
Basico – Leadership, Global, STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
Adult – Basic Math/Literacy, ELL, Family
Budgeting/Sustainability
All students will be taught in English and Spanish
8. Why Whole Family Education?
When families learn together, they succeed together
When parents are learning, it increases their overall
self-confidence, support for their child's learning, and
opportunities for the future
All ages WANT to learn
All ages should have the OPPORTUNITY to learn
Education is Empowering
Education creates Sustainability
9. So if this isn't a handout...what is it?
Families will be required to be active participants in the
school community - eliminating dependence and encouraging
empowerment. Responsibilities include:
Cultivating community gardens to be shared with all school
families - creating food security
Building and maintaining school grounds - learning and
practicing skilled trades
Leading classes in traditional arts/music/cooking - preserving
Mayan traditions
Completing parenting/whole family education classes -
planning for the future
Development of microenterprises – sustainability and
empowerment
10. Projected Enrollment
January 2014 – January 2015
15 Families (2 adults and 3 – 6 children) 75 total
January 2015 – January 2016
20 Families (2 adults and 3 – 6 children) 100 total
January 2016 – January 2017
25 Families (2 adults and 3 – 6 children) 125 total
January 2017 – January 2018
30 Families (2 adults and 3 – 6 children) 150 total
17. U.S. Board of Directors
Bethany Davidson-Widby – Executive Director
William Widby – Leadership Academy and STEAM
Tammy DeGregorio - Student Sponsorship
Amber Engel - Preschool
Tiffany Holmes - Elementary
Richard Jay Davidson – Building/Construction
OPEN – Corporate and Government Relations
OPEN – Marketing and Public Relations
OPEN – Fundraising and Grants
