When Gladys became a student at the Amigos Academy, she was in the second grade. Unable to read, she lacked confidence in the classroom. Home life was difficult; her father had recently moved to Costa Rica in search of work and she missed him dearly. Timid and lonely, she struggled to form friendships at school.
Gladys’ needs, her struggles, and her strength did not go unnoticed at the Amigos Academy. Her teachers knew that with a little extra support, Gladys would flourish. She met one-on-one with the school psychologist, and was placed in a small group designed to help students grow their self-esteem. Her teachers did not give up on her, working directly with her to improve her grades.
The investment in Gladys has paid off tenfold. As a sixth grader, something clicked into place for her: she became a leader in her classroom and at the Academy. She speaks up in class, has a tightknit group of friends, and often volunteers to address the whole school at Monday morning meetings. She is friendly, smiley, and attuned to the needs of others. She is truly a bright spot in her school community.
Gladys is one of 24 students who graduated sixth grade this month. She will be a member of the inaugural class of seventh graders thanks to the expansion of the Amigos Academy that started this year and will continue in 2026 & beyond.
“The Amigos Academy has become a second home for me,” Gladys says.
