About

Our Goals

To create a curriculum for 3-5 year-olds that encourages peer-to-peer learning, develops self- confidence and a curiosity for lifelong learning
To enhance local pride through the integration of Mexican arts and culture across the curriculum
To provide English language instruction
To introduce environmental concerns across the curriculum
To include caretakers in the educational setting through volunteerism and skills training
To create a community-based school where families feel welcomed

Our Approach

Vision
To collaborate with the Sayulita community in order to create an innovative educational opportunity for its youngest children.
Mission
La Escuela Cooperativa de Sayulita will collaborate with the local families and educators of Sayulita to create a Montessori-based preschool for 3-5 year olds that will contribute to their early development and start them on the path to lifelong learning.

Our Location

Escuela Cooperativa is located on a hilltop above Heroes Ninos on the southside of Sayulita within easy walking distance from the town and el zocalo. The town is a small fishing village with a population of approximately 4000. It is located about 40 km north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and sits on the Banderas Bay surrounded by jungle.

El zocalo is the center of town where many celebrations take place on a regular basis. There are always children playing there accompanied by their families who come to hear music, dance and participate in events honoring local customs.

Revolution Day and Day of the Dead are two holidays where families gather to honor their deceased family members and to watch children parade in commemoration of their proud history. Huichol artisans fill el zolcalo with their valued handmade artifacts. This town is proud of its traditions and also very engaged.

Our Tuition

For Parents who can Volunteer

There is no tuition for parents who pledge to volunteer to support the school. They are responsible for general cleaning, repairs, building upkeep and assisting the teacher when requested. Their contribution is significant as they bring their experience and expertise to the school through their skillsets.

For Parents who cannot Volunteer

Starting August 2022, tuition for those parents who cannot volunteer will be 1500 pesos per month. They will be asked to commit four hours a month to support the school. We will set up a regular schedule for payment of fees. The school is a not-for-profit, so the fees paid through tuition are applied directly to the children’s education through supplies, teachers’ compensation and overall maintenance.

About Our Founders

Escuela Cooperativa de Sayulita was created by a team.
Members of the team include Martha and Larry Casazza, Cap Sparling and Roxana Adams.

Cap Sparling

Cap has been coming to Sayulita for over 30 years and lives there full time. He is a former Montessori School teacher who chose that educational approach for a variety of reasons including the mixed ages of the children and creating an environment where they learn at their own speed. He also loves how the children teach each other. He feels it's important for children to learn a second language when it's so easy for them, and in Sayulita that is only happening in the private schools and Escuela Cooperativa. It is thanks to Cap’s generosity that Escuela is now located on a beautiful piece of land. In 2019, he donated the property to Escuela’s Civil Association. Cap also frequently volunteers to teach English to the children.

Roxana Adams

Roxy’s family has a long history in Sayulita. Her grandmother was one of its first settlers and is still known to everyone in town for her generosity and community spirit. Roxy follows that tradition by volunteering as our “chief of operations.” She arranges community meetings, deliveries, connections across local groups, and actively uses social media to keep the community informed about activities at the school. Roxy serves as our local translator, often teaching the children English through science experiments. Her enthusiasm and passion are at the heart of Escuela Cooperativa.

Martha and Larry Casazza

Martha and Larry have been coming to Sayulita from Chicago for about 15 years. They instantly fell in love with the people and especially the young children who have all welcomed them into the community. It is an extremely engaged community that encourages local residents to work alongside those just discovering the beauty of the town. Before opening Escuela, they held community meetings to listen to what local families wanted for their children. Escuela is the result of their input, and its operation continues to be a true collaboration with regular meetings and a significant parent voice. Martha and Larry have always been interested in education. Martha spent her career as a faculty member and administrator at the university level while Larry was an attorney who also taught in law school both in Chicago and internationally.