2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit

School the World

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Economic Development, Education, Educational Services, Elementary & Secondary Schools, Literacy, Microfinance, Rural Economic Development

Mission: Empowerment begins with education! Our goal is to provide access for quality education to those living in the rural villages of Central America. Together with local governments, our partners and deeply engaged parents, we provide young children living in the poorest communities the opportunity to learn so that they can work towards a brighter future. Founded in 2009, School the World broke ground at its first school in Guatemala. Since then, we have built 119 primary schools, trained 7,395 teachers and enrolled more than 15,000 students in Honduras, Guatemala and Panama! We are one of the first NGOs to mandate community partnership. We require municipality to contribute 50% of the costs and the community must contribute land and unskilled labor. We also require the parents to participate in parent education programs; even our supply chain of books and supplies depend on partial parental contribution. It is through these efforts that we have been creating lasting change. Our goals is to expand to other developing countries and replicate the model of success we have witnessed in the last 13 years to bring about change through education.

Community Stories

41 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

JMario2017 Volunteer

Rating: 4

10/24/2023

School the World is helping many children from extreme poverty areas of Guatemala regain their basic learning skills in Mathematics and Reading after the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic with the implementation of its program "Together for a Successful Return to Classes"

cklim3 Client Served

Rating: 4

10/04/2023

My son and his girlfriend went on a trip with School the World in February of 2023. The trip was well organized and thorough. Communication was consistent both leading up to and during the trip. My son said it was a wonderful experience. It's a great organization.

sarah.p Client Served

Rating: 5

10/04/2023

I have with School the World twice while in high school. Each experience I share with them is nothing short of unforgettable. I have gained endless new experiences and new friends as a result. I highly recommend traveling with them and learning more about their cause!

2

SNicole Board Member

Rating: 5

06/23/2023

I’ve been a board member and supporter of School the World since 2017. As an entrepreneur, businessperson and philanthropist, I know how hard it is to transform positive intentions into realities on the ground. I traveled with Kate and School the World to check out the programs on the ground in 2018 and have been a dedicated supporter ever since.

School the World has greater impact with $2M+ dollars a year than most non-profits would with 10. They’re extremely careful in making sure that local villages receiving support are bought into their programs. They incorporate local feedback and programs are run almost entirely by local leadership. The funds are used extremely efficiently and tailored on a child-by-child (with scholarships) and community-by-community requirement. I trust Kate and her team to do great things with resources and am incredibly impressed by this organization.

I also checked carefully the safety of traveling with School the World. While there’s inherent insecurity in traveling in developing countries, the School the World team takes every precaution related to the safety of their guests. I would trust my own child with School the World and know she will have a life-changing experience with them when she’s old enough for one of their journeys.

-on behalf of Nicole S.

STWKBM12 Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/20/2023

I have traveled to Guatemala with School the World twice now and both times were absolutely life-changing, and could not have been more rewarding/eye-opening. I have recommended the service trips to many people and hope to go back again one day! School the World puts on a great trip that incorporates volunteer-work with unforgettable cultural experiences. I don't think anyone left the same person they came as!

v.omalley Advisor

Rating: 5

06/17/2023

I cannot say enough good things about School the World and their service trips for high school students. The trips are a win-win for everyone since the students raise their own funds to support the construction project and pay for their own travel expenses. School the World is incredibly organized and well-run and they vet their locations and staff very well, so the trips are smooth and above all--SAFE. I traveled to Guatemala (as a chaperone) with my rising sophomore daughter in 2019 and we had such an amazing time. There was gratifying labor involved so you really felt like you were helping the community (this is not a superficial in/out trip) and yet we had plenty of time to play with the children, create lasting relationships with the parents, and relax as well. My daughter and her friends were sobbing when they had to leave! I then sent my son (a rising junior) in 2022 with some of his school friends to Honduras and they had an equally life-changing trip. My youngest daughter (a rising sophomore) will be traveling to Honduras on her own with them this summer 2023. I have the utmost confidence in the administrators and I was so impressed with the organization and the changes that they are making in these communities that I became an Advisory Board member. Best service experience for kids to get a new perspective on life, gain appreciation for their education, and make lasting friendships with peers.

Previous Stories

Advisor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

School the World provides rural communities in impoverished areas with modern schools, teacher training, curriculum development and support, parent seminars, as well as essential resources, teaching materials, and supplies. It also allows for high school students in the US to fundraise and travel to these communities to help build the schools and playgrounds themselves, providing an in-person experience to see where the money goes and meet the children it directly impacts. It is a win-win for everyone and I couldn't recommend the organization itself and travel experiences enough!

0verServe. Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/16/2023

My son and I traveled to Guatemala with School the World in April. We had an amazing week in one of the villages where we built 2 schools rooms and a playground. We were impressed with the local STW staff and the staff that traveled with us. The project and work was organized, safe and incredibly fulfilling. The local people were so happy to have us there and it was obvious that School the World not only has great local relationships, but will continue to serve the people of this community for years to come. We loved our trip and we are already planning our next one!

Myusername21 Advisor

Rating: 5

06/16/2023

I traveled to Guatemala as a chaperone with School the World and was immensely impressed with the organization they have built. The impact to the local community and to the high school students who traveled in our group was outsized. School the world is making a huge difference globally.

Previous Stories

Advisor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

Fantastic organization making an enormous difference to some of the most impoverished children in the world while helping to develop global citizens from some of the most privileged.

astackhouse97 Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/15/2023

I travelled with School the World three times in high school (2014-2016) to Guatemala. Every trip was a fantastic experience where we spent one week in a rural village in the highlands of Guatemala either helping to complete a school we raised money for or building a playground. Each trip was a great learning experience for me to experience a different culture and language, but also bond with my classmates from high school who were also travelling. Leading up to trips, STW makes sure that you are fully prepared to fundraise and they work through everything you will need to know for your time with them. After you return from the trip, there is a post-trip meeting where you discuss what you learned and what you liked/didn't. Overall, I don't think my high school experience would have been the same had I not travelled with STW. I have met lifelong friends and have only fond memories looking back. I hope to return on a service trip soon!

jingram Donor

Rating: 5

06/14/2023

My daughter has participated in two life-changing service learning trips with School The World. It is a wonderful organization with a noble mission that works closely with the Central American communities they serve and allows true cultural exchange for students from often very privileged U.S. communities.

Previous Stories

General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

Their service learning trips for teens are AMAZING! The staff is outstanding and their mission is so important.

nparnold Advisor

Rating: 5

11/02/2022

My two teenage boys and I traveled to Honduras in summer of 2022 with School the World. We had a tremendous experience from the travel planning, the preparation of the students, the setup on the ground, the wonderful and warm staff in the region - translators, country hosts, drivers, engineer - and the Boston-based staff who managed every step of the trip. Everyone was ready for us, helpful, and enhanced the entire experience working with the community to build a school and playground that will be a destination for so many students and parents alike. So rewarding and eye-opening and joyful! Can't wait to go on another trip!

jackmack1972 Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2022

We are grateful for all that School the World does to promote education, equality, and to create opportunities for the children of Guatemala.

aqberna Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2022

I LOVE this nonprofit as the service trips have transformed my 3 kids. Being in Guatemala and Honduras with School the World has opened their minds and hearts to how they can make a concrete difference in this world and support kids' access to education. They started a School the World club in NYC when they returned since the impact was so powerful and School the World has been nothing but supportive, genuine, and effective in their good work.

abuffinger Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2022

My experience with school the world was life changing. I cannot wait to go on another trip again, and I recommend this program to anybody in high school.

Panama General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2022

Attended meetings and daughter is currently signed up to go with her school. Super excited for this experience for her

sblasbalg Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

School the World gave me such a life changing experience when I traveled with them to Panama this past April. I had an amazing time and learned so many new things. I would highly recommend traveling with them!

kchuff13 Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

STW helps form future leaders by having high school students participate in service projects.

jnennis Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

School the World's mission is simple, yet powerful -- lifting children out of poverty through education. I had the honor of fundraising and building a school with STW, and the experience was life changing. By supporting School the World, you are changing the future for these communities providing education to the children and support to their families.

eeisenhauer Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

My daughter & I feel so lucky to have traveled to Panama in April 2022 with School the World —an expertly run service-learning-immersion opportunity. Highly recommend.

crissweiss General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

Great organization and run by a very Compassionate Leader with a passion to make education available to the underserved areas of underdeveloped countries.

pcwilliamson Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

I was introduced to School the World through my daughter, who participated in two trips when she was in high school. Every aspect of the trip was great—information and updates from STW before the trip, the travel arrangements, updates during the trip, etc. The work that the kids did while in Guatemala was not just helpful but also meaningful to them, knowing that they’ve contributed to a dedicated and positive learning environment for children in a country that has vastly fewer resources than we do here. Since the trips we’ve provided additional support so that STW can give the school kids more modern tools for learning as well. I know that my contributions to STW are used both efficiently and effectively. It’s a terrific organization doing great work.

MariaEGobbee Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

I have been involved with this charity from the beginning and I follow their growth with admiration and awe

AF1996 Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

My son took a service trip with this organization and it was a spectacular experience filled with meaningful work, treasured new relationships, and a widened worldview. They are the real deal.

Marybeth01 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

both of my daughters have participated in going to Guatemala to build a school. It was reasonable priced for us and life changing for them. Well managed and money is competently handled..no fat in the budget

BClifford Client Served

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

Great organization from the top down. Fiscally very well managed. Great social impact

Manuela

Manuela Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

School the World is doing critical work in Central America, breaking the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by providing access to education to underserved communities. Beyond building schools, STW supports the success of students, teachers, and parents by providing ongoing support, training and tutoring, which were pivotal to keeping kids on track during the pandemic. As a nonprofit leader, I have partnered with School the World in Guatemala to bring education and social emotional learning to kids most in need, and I look forward to continuing our impact together.

1

mjbartsch Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

In 2019 I was looking for a non-profit to partner with to build a school in central america. I came across School the World and was very impressed with their business model that partners with the local community to build the school and works afterwards with teacher training, book drives, etc. I traveled to Guatemala to see firsthand the school and the community and it was life-changing for me as much as for the children. I have gotten to know the CEO Kate Curran and am equally impressed with her unbelievable dedication to the mission of School the World. They deserve all the accolades they can get.

jimjones Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

Amazing people & mission! The amazing service trips they complete & the impact they have on these rural communities in LATAM is truly inspiring!

Bella2014 Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

Very well run, offers lots of ordinary folks the gift of contribution, the international programs have a five year length of involvement so they don’t just pop in, build a school And leave, the entire community is committed to improving their lives and providing opportunity for their children, A++

WallyWashington Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

Our son joined a group of students to help a community in rural central America. The entire activity was well organized and well run. The experience for our teenage son was transformative. I highly recommend this nonprofit organization.

Kenny_q Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2022

I had an absolutely amazing experience with school the world. Part of the great thing with them is you can actually see the funds being put to good use and help out. Not only helping but being able to be integrated into the community you are helping as the school is being constructed is wonderful.

1

MJBH General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/06/2021

Not only does School the World provide educational opportunities for students in Central America but also for US students who go on 'field trips' to the STW regions themselves. What better way to give Central American kids greater opportunities in their lives but also to broaden the world view of US students and their parents!

MattSands General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/19/2021

Phenomenal group of people having a massive positive impact on the world.

brendandriscoll Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/14/2018

I traveled as a chaperone with my daughter and a group of friends from Winchester in April of 2016 on a trip to Guatemala. School the World is an extremely well-run non-profit that is making a difference in children's lives in Guatemala and other Central American countries by affording them an opportunity to learn, something we expect in the US. Helping to build a school in rural Guatemala was something I'll never forget.

beaujena21 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/14/2018

I have attended two service trips to Guatemala with STW, and am attending my third this upcoming February. I could never have imagined how much these trips would impact me.. I truly fell in love with Guatemala and all of its people. But the truth is, I never would have had such a great experience if I hadn't been with STW. Everything about the organization--the amazing cause, the devotion, the passion, and most of all, the people and staff on hand-- made my trips that much more incredible. I felt so supported by every staff member, both from the U.S. and from those native to Guatemala. It is such an incredible, life-altering organization and experience, that would not be possible without the passion its representatives share.

jmkmcintyre Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2018

True impact. This group doesn't just look good, they deliver the goods! My HS age daughters participated in a week long trip to Guatemala where they helped build a new rural school, playground, and discovered new friendships with the local students and fellow volunteers. It opened their eyes to how others live in our world with up-close experience. I joined as a chaperone and it was equally eye-opening for me. These hard-working, simple-living rural people are so appreciative for the new school shelter and materials. But it is the followup provided by School The world that most impressed me. They have created a strong local team in rural Guatemala to support the new school's team and encourage parents to educate their kids. School The World is making an amazing difference in our world. Educating our children is the future. Bravo! It was an honor to join one of their trips.

1

Diane F from CT Donor

Rating: 5

02/03/2018

I have two daughters who both went on trips during high school with STW to build a school and a playground in Guatemala. They both had amazing experiences which i believe has shaped their views on so many things but particularly compassion and caring for others. Both are pursuing education toward careers which will eventually allow them to help others. I truly believe that their experiences with STW showed them that there is an astonishing world out there to experience, to be a part of, and to help in bettering others' lives through volunteerism. Thank you, STW, for giving my girls an experience of a lifetime!

1

nspineau Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/02/2018

I cam across this non-profit through the recommendation of a friend. After doing my research, I decided I wanted to get involved. However as a full time university student I did not have money to donate or time to allocate for a trip; thus I reached out to Kate and Natalie to inquire about interning for School the World, which they gladly accepted the idea of.

When interning for School the World I was able to see how a transparent, wholesome, driven, honest, inclusive, and successful local non-profit operates. Kate and Natalie handled each person they interacted with as family, treating each person with respect and gratitude. All volunteers and employees that allow this non-profit to succeed share the passion of putting the mission statement of School the World into action.

I highly recommend this program to all students (high school and college) as an organization to work with. Going abroad to volunteer with provide perspective while improving the lives of others. I also recommend School the World to any person who is looking to donate their money to a transparent organization, where it is guaranteed their finances will be adequately used to improve the lives of children and families in Central America. Through my experience of working with School the World, I experienced and participated in the effort of making this non profit genuine and successful on a daily basis.

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