Education
Belize Pilots National Student Assessment System
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST) has launched the pilot of the National Student Assessment System (NSAS). On June 3, 2026, students in Standards 1, 4, and 6 completed the Language Arts assessment, followed by the Mathematics assessment on June 4, 2026. The NSAS is Belize's new national framework for measuring student learning at key stages in primary and secondary education. This two-day pilot is the initial step toward full national implementation, planned for 2027 in primary schools and 2028 in secondary schools.
Community and Society
The Island Academy Honors 12 Graduates at 30th Commencement Ceremony
The Island Academy held its 30th graduation ceremony on Friday, May 29th, at 6:30PM on the school grounds, celebrating 12 graduates and marking three decades of service to the community. Family members, faculty, and staff gathered to recognize the students' accomplishments as they received diplomas, shared reflections, and accepted awards for academic and personal achievements.
Education
Holy Cross Anglican School Continues Community Education Through ESL Initiative
Holy Cross Anglican School in the San Mateo subdivision continues to expand educational opportunities on Ambergris Caye through various community programs, including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults. Dr. Aileen Hale, a former Fulbright Specialist with the University of Belize, initiated the program after recognizing a need for adult English classes on the island.
Education
SPRCS Business Fair Raises Funds for Pavilion Renovations
The San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) held its annual business fair on May 27th on the school grounds, showcasing student-run stalls and providing a hands-on learning assessment for Standard 5 pupils. The fair featured 18 booths, each staffed by six students, and involved teachers, parents, and school staff in an event designed to blend classroom learning with practical experience.
Education
Young Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage at ACES Expo
Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) hosted its second annual Kids Entrepreneurship Day Expo on Thursday, May 14, from 8:30AM to noon. More than 25 booths featured student-led ventures offering food, pastries, lemonade, custom cooking, and games. Parents assisted the children throughout the event, drawing families and community members to the San Pedro campus for a morning of hands-on business lessons and financial learning.
Community and Society
Our World Project brings real-life lessons to SPHS students
A group of first-form students from San Pedro High School (SPHS) participated in an educational workshop on April 29th, hosted by long-time island visitors Larry and Debbie Heimgartner. The session formed part of their Our World Project and featured a scripted play highlighting real-life issues relevant to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The script, titled “One Thought,” was developed by Larry Heimgartner in collaboration with SPHS counselor Alexis Guerrero, island resident Natasha Stuart, and members of the school’s staff and student body.
Community and Society
Free Culinary Training in San Pedro Celebrates 18 Graduates
San Pedro resident Shelley Arceo Huber hosted a graduation ceremony on April 25th, celebrating 18 students who completed a hands-on culinary training program. The course, which included school-aged participants from across San Pedro Town, was offered at no cost under the Mama Vilma’s Family Home NGO. The 12-week program was held at Huber’s The Barge Hut Restaurant in the Boca del Rio area.
Education
Rotary Club Introduces Educator of the Year Award for San Pedro
The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye has introduced its first-ever Educator of the Year Award for San Pedro Town, with the winner to be announced during International Teacher Appreciation Week in the first week of May. The award aims to recognize teachers who shape the island’s next generation and often go unnoticed, despite the time, effort, and personal resources they invest in their students.