About Us – ESMV

Mission

In Santa Maria del Valle we are committed to forming people with high human and Christian values; fostering in our students their integral development through the constant strengthening of skills, competencies and capacities that allow them to achieve academic excellence, paradigm change, sports, technological and cultural skills, with the aim of integrating in society transforming leaders formed in mind body and soul.

Virgen ESMV, Escuela Santa Maria del Valle

Vision

Santa Maria del Valle is the educational option in Honduras, leader for excellence in Catholic and bilingual education. Transforming by 2025, in the model institution and national reference, in the design as implementation of cutting-edge educational models and programs; oriented to the development of competencies, attention to individual differences, educational inclusion as integral development of people in all areas of learning. Being recognized for its social impact, spiritual formation, human quality and professionalism of all its team.

Values

Love of God above all things
Honesty
Integrity
Leadership
Respect to Diversity
Independence
Responsibility

Meet Our Leadership Team

Mrs. Wendy Marie Hall, School Headmaster

BS in Special Education, Ashland University
Masters in Administration of Catholic Schools, Marymount University
29 years of education experience.

Ms. Wendy always knew that she wanted to open a school that developed students in mind,body, and soul through instilling the values of the Catholic faith. After receiving her degree from Ashland University in Ohio, Ms. Wendy went on to become a Resource Room Director at the Dublin City School District. She has also held two positions at Escuela Internacional Sampedrana (EIS) from 1995-2000 as Teacher and Director of English Courses for Adults in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Ms. Wendy dreamed of opening a school that offered an elite education that instilled the values of the Catholic faith into students to provide them with the brightest possible futures. From here, Ms. Wendy opened Escuela Santa Maria del Valle (ESMV) in 2009 starting in the year 2000 with Discovery Corner, an early childhood center in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. From here, as you can see below in the history page, ESMV has grown from 20 students in Discovery Corner to over 800 ranging from pre-school through 12^th grade in the 11 years of operation that it holds.

Ms. Wendy’s favorite aspect of working at ESMV each day is leading the program that allows the children to learn and grow in mind, body and soul, helping them become transforming leaders in society. She recommends ESMV because it is, “the only place where students grow as a whole person, in mind, body, and soul in a XXI century environment.”

Mrs. Hannah Erazo, Official Director

Lic. in Pedagogy, UNAH Universidad Autonoma de Honduras
Master in Educational Psychology , Universidad Catolica de Honduras
29 years experience in education.

Mrs. Hannah’s primary role is maintaining an elite level of education and experience for the students of ESMV. Prior to becoming the Official Director of ESMV, Mrs. Hannah was an Elementary Spanish Teacher. She joined ESMV in 2012.

Her favorite aspect of working at ESMV is the team work she experiences on a daily basis that creates a sense of unity in the school. She says that her passion at ESMV is the dynamic nature of the school. She recommends ESMV to prospective families because of ESMV’s strong Catholic religion beliefs and values that are reinforced on our students that help them grow in mind, body and soul.

Mrs. Ana María Chacón Flores, Education Quality Management

Marketing and international business, UNITEC
Bachelor's Degree in Bilingual Education for Cycle I and II, Universidad Pedagógica Francisco Morazán
22 years experience in education.

Mrs. Ana has been with ESMV since its beginning in 2011. Mrs. Ana has previously held the roles of Art and Math teacher at ESMV before her promotion to Education Quality Manager. She says, “I love the way the school has been growing since the first day. I was part of this amazing project from the beginning. The best part of my job is trying to make the school do things better every day.”

Mrs. Ana says that, “knowing that ESMV cares about the excellence of the students and maintains precise data that will help the school take the best decisions that will have a positive impact on the quality education that students will receive,” keeps her passionate in her current role. Mrs. Ana recommends ESMV to prospective students and parents because she believes in the project and knows ESMV works each and every day to offer the most elite education to students.

Mrs. Karen Hernandez, Mid-High Academic Principal

Profesor de Educacion Basica en Inglés para I y II Ciclo en el grado de Licenciatura, Universidad Pedagógica Naciónal Francisco Morazán
33 years of education experience.

Ms. Karen has held the previous positions within other schools in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; Academic Principal, MUN Adviser and College Prep-Advisor at MountView Academy, and Teacher and Elementary Vice President at Happy Days School. After starting her current position at ESMV in 2018 as the Mid-High Academic Principal, Ms. Karen has been able to enjoy each day with a new adventure with her students. Ms. Karen says that the students at ESMV keep her passionate in her position. Ms. Karen says, “I really recommend our school for the quality of the teaching combined with the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.”

Ms. Nusly Julissa Lara Rodriguez, Mid-high Vice-principal

Profesor de Educación Básica en Ingles para I y II Ciclo en el grado de Licenciatura, Universidad Pedagógica Francisco Morazan
19 years experience in education.

Ms. Nusly joined ESMV in 2011 working as a Preschool Teacher and in Discovery Corner. When asked what her favorite aspect about working for ESMV is, she states, “working in ESMV gives me an opportunity to influence the lives of students in a good way, and also help them grow in mind, body and soul. ESMV is a very special school, where you get to know and learn every single day, not only as a student but also as a teacher. It means having a chance to pass on knowledge and set a good example for the next generation our society.”

Ms. Nusly loves that the people of ESMV make a difference by being an inclusive school. She says that the students at ESMV are very dynamic and continually surprise her with their leadership abilities, determination and other skills. She recommends ESMV because as a Catholic school, ESMV provides it’s students with on-going formation in their faith, values, and prepares them for success with high quality teaching.

Ms. Gabriela Leverón, Elementary Principal

Lic. in Pedagogy focusing on Education Planning and Management, UNAH
18 years experience in education.

Ms. Leverón started working for ESMV in 2013. Prior to this, she had experience as Homeroom Teacher, including teaching grades 2 through 6, and English Coordinator at the elementary level. The students of ESMV are what keeps Ms. Leverón motivated in her position as Elementary Principal. She tries to be in the classrooms each day to see the student’s love for being in school and their appreciation for our teachers. She says, “It reminds me of my ‘why.’ I think it is all about the relationships and that is what is best for the students.”

She says that her favorite aspect of working for ESMV is the, “sense of community that is shared among students, staff, and parents; we strive to promote citizenship on a day to day basis, while also emphasizing on developing our students' full academic potential.”

Ms. Leverón recommends ESMV because we strive to produce members of society who make a difference and are able to strive in an outside of the school walls. ESMV does this by focusing on delivering a high-quality academic education through a broad curriculum using technology to meet the academic, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of our students.

Mrs. Katty Dayan Flores, Preschool Principal

Licenciada en Educación Básica, Universidad Pedagogica Nacional Francisco Morazan
Certified EarlyChildhood Education Facilitator, (UPNFM) Regional San Pedro Sula
24 years experience in education.

Mrs. Katty started her career in education in 1999 as a 1st grade teacher at Kiddy Kat School and 1st grade coordinator from 2004-2008. She then became a Nursery teacher at Escuela Santa María del Valle (ESMV) in 2011, then being promoted to the Academic Principal in 2014.

Mrs. Katty states, “Working at Escuela Santa María del Valle has given me the opportunity to see how teachers and the flexibility of the curriculum allows us to tailor classes to the needs of each of our students. Is a very student centered learning environment which helps empower them. Student’s leaderships skills are always being shown.”

She stays passionate in her position as Academic Principal because each day is something new. The early childhood age range brings a new experience each day, with new developments, laughable heart-warming moments, and unexpected challenges. These years teach you to embrace the unexpected parts of life. She says, “It is the children that adults should be learning from, and I am able to appreciate that every day”

Mrs. Katty recommends ESMV for parents with young children because our preschool offers guided activities in a structured environment. It is a play-based learning methodology where spaces are created for our students to create, socialize and learn. This enables us to look after the diversity in the classroom and to boost the skills and interests of each of our students.

History

August, 2009

ESMV began with an enrollment of 20 students, one homeroom teacher and one teacher assistant. Back then we were sharing a building with Discovery Corner, the early childhood center for students one through three year olds.

October, 2010

The first stone was laid for the construction of Santa Maria del Valle.

Primera piedra de esmv

January, 2011

The construction of Santa Maria del Valle began in Armenta with what is now the elementary building which was not ready in August to begin the school year therefore, a house was rented from August to December, 2011 to continue operations up to fifth grade. Our staffing was of nine teachers, nine teacher assistants and four special teachers. Intermediate School building at ESMV

January, 2012

The building was ready so Santa Maria del Valle moved to the new facilities, a state of the art building, with technology implemented in every classroom. School enrollment was of 120 students. Computer Lab at Escuela Santa Maria del Valle

March, 2013

The construction of the preschool building, two tennis courts and two mini tennis courts began.

Four Tennis courts at Escuela Santa Maria del Valle.

March, 2015

The construction of the Mid-High building began.

May, 2015

Santa Maria del Valle was admitted into the Association of Bilingual Schools of Honduras (ABSH).

November, 2017

Applied for international accreditation with AdvancED, receiving the first visit in February, 2018.

June, 2018

Graduated the first group of nine Seniors. Seven are studying abroad in Universities of South America, Europe, United States and Mexico, two are studying in Universities in Honduras.

January, 2019

Final visit for International Accreditation with AdvancEd.

October, 2019

Started building a second outdoor gymnasium to expand sports teams potential for ESMV students.

ESMV starts building a second gymnasium to expand the potential for sports teams and physical fitness of students.

March, 2020

The rise of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

August, 2021

Successfully adapting to a hybrid learning.

PRESENT

Santa Maria del Valle’s Student Profile

Masters the necessary skills and abilities that allow them to enrich their knowledge in new environments in order to participate creatively and responsibly in a constantly changing society.
Applies critical thinking to solve everyday problems.
Has the ability to use effective technological and idiomatic skills to perform in the globalized world.
Demonstrates attitudes of leadership, entrepreneurship and decision making in the execution of their life project.
Is aware and tolerant of the pluricultural reality of the world that surrounds them.
Possesses deep civic values that guide their personal and social life, as well as their participation and civic responsibility, feeling proud of their national identity.
Values health through practice and attitudes to improve one’s own and collective welfare.

Lives their conviction of Catholic faith and recognizes Jesus as Savior and Virgin Mary as Mother, intercessor and model of faith.