Education
Isla Bonita Elementary honors 18 graduates in Class of 2026
The Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES) celebrated its graduating Class of 2026 on Saturday, June 13th, during its 26th commencement exercise held at the Watermark Hotel. Family members, teachers, school officials, and friends gathered to honor the 18 students as they completed their primary school education and prepared to begin the next chapter of their academic journey.
Education
$47 Million Loan Approved for Early Childhood and Women’s Empowerment
On June 5th, the House of Representatives approved a US$23.5 million (BZ$47 million) loan from the International Development Association to fund Belize’s Early Childhood Development and Female Empowerment Project. Members of the House voted in favor of the loan during a session in Belmopan, endorsing a program to expand access to quality early childhood education and create greater economic opportunities for women across Belize, including in communities such as San Pedro.
Community and Society
Hol Chan to Host Free Guardians of the Reef Camp for Young Explorers
Hol Chan Marine Reserve will once again host its Guardians of the Reef Summer Camp, bringing free environmental education opportunities to children in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker Village. The camp will run in San Pedro from June 29th to July 10th at the San Pedro Lions Den and in Caye Caulker from July 13 to 17 at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School. Open to children ages 5 to 13, the camp will take place daily from 8:30AM to 11:30AM.
Education
First National Student Assessment Piloted in Belize
On June 3rd and 4th, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST) administered Belize’s first simultaneous nationwide student assessment. Under the pilot launch of the National Student Assessment System (NSAS), with more than 20,000 students participating across all districts, including schools in San Pedro. Students in Standards 1, 4, and 6 completed the Language Arts assessment on June 3rd, followed by the Mathematics assessments on June 4th.
Education
San Pedro High School Marks 50th Milestone with Record Graduation Class
San Pedro High School celebrated its 50th graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6th, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, beginning at 4PM. A total of 153 students crossed the stage, making this the largest graduating class in the school's history. The ceremony featured speeches, awards, and the formal presentation of diplomas, with Principal Maria C. Flota addressing graduates during the milestone event.
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.