Profiles: Ani Almario

Summary

This video showcases the inspiring story of the Raya School, co-founded by Annie Almario, which promotes progressive education in the Philippines. Focusing on a personalized learning approach, the school blends creativity, Filipino culture, and a strong sense of patriotism. Inspired by Almario's studies at Stanford, Raya aims to foster students' intellectual and social growth. It is deeply connected to Filipino literature through the Adarna House, a publishing house run by Almario's family. With a mission to develop socially aware, patriotic citizens, Raya continues to evolve as a beacon of hope for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The Raya School is a progressive institution that focuses on personalized learning and fostering intelligence, not just memorization.
• 🇵🇭 The school emphasizes 'Filipinizing' education, instilling a strong sense of patriotism and Filipino culture in its students.
• 🎨 Art plays a central role at the Raya School, with murals and creative spaces designed to reflect the school’s philosophy of liberal, child-centered education.
• 📚 Annie Almario, co-founder of Raya School, grew up surrounded by literature, as her father is Virgilio Almario, a National Artist for Literature.
• 🏫 Raya started as a preschool in 2005, but due to parental demand and Annie’s vision, it expanded to elementary and eventually high school.
• 🌏 Annie was inspired by progressive education during her time at Stanford, particularly from her experience with the Bing Nursery School.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Raya School collaborates with Adarna House, a publisher of educational children's books, to foster a love for literature in its students.
• 🤔 The school teaches students to critically analyze national issues and encourages discussions on citizenship, identity, and Filipino values.
• 📖 Adarna House aims to provide a wide range of Filipino-authored books, from children's literature to young adult novels, enriching the literary landscape for Filipino youth.
• 💡 Annie sees small revolutions taking place in Raya’s classrooms, where students are encouraged to take social action and create change in their communities.

Q & A

What is the primary educational philosophy of the Raya School?

The Raya School follows a progressive education philosophy that focuses on the individual needs of students, encouraging them to understand concepts for themselves rather than simply memorizing information.

How did Annie Almario's experiences at Stanford University influence her vision for the Raya School?

While studying at Stanford, Annie was inspired by the liberal, child-centered approach she observed at Bing Nursery School, where children were free to explore and learn in a nurturing environment. This experience solidified her desire to create a progressive school in the Philippines.

What makes Raya School’s curriculum unique?

Raya School integrates 'Philippinizing education,' which instills a strong appreciation for Filipino culture, history, and values. It aims to develop a sense of patriotism and identity among its students.

Why did Annie Almario and her husband, CP David, decide to expand the Raya School beyond preschool?

They expanded the school to elementary, junior high, and soon senior high because parents of the preschool students expressed a desire for their children to continue in a similar educational environment, and Annie wanted to continue the educational experiment to see the children’s progress.

How does the architecture of the Raya School reflect its educational philosophy?

The Raya School's building is designed to reflect its progressive philosophy, with an emphasis on art, literature, and a liberal education. The campus features murals, art spaces, and three libraries, all emphasizing the importance of creativity and learning.

How does the Raya School prioritize art and literature in its curriculum?

Art plays a central role in Raya School's education. Students from different levels participate in art activities, fostering creativity and freedom. Additionally, the school serves as a testing ground for new children's books from Adarna House, encouraging a love for reading and literature among students.

What role does patriotism play in Raya School's educational approach?

Patriotism is a key element of the Raya School's approach. The school aims to develop students' love for the Philippines by emphasizing national identity, history, and values, fostering social awareness, and encouraging students to take action for social change.

How does the Raya School approach teaching social studies and Filipino identity?

Raya School takes an in-depth approach to social studies, incorporating field trips to important historical sites and engaging students in debates about current events and Filipino values. The curriculum focuses on citizenship, identity, and social awareness.

What is Annie Almario's stance on the 2018 Supreme Court ruling regarding the exclusion of Filipino and Panitikan as core subjects in college?

Annie Almario is saddened by the ruling, as she believes it diminishes opportunities for Filipino students to engage deeply with their language and culture. She stresses that learning Filipino literature and language is never 'enough' and advocates for the continued promotion of Filipino in education.

How does the Raya School address the balance between technology and traditional learning?

While acknowledging the benefits of technology in advancing learning and student engagement, Raya School emphasizes the importance of helping students regulate their use of technology. The school ensures that students do not lose the ability to interact face-to-face and engage in physical play.