Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
On July 2, 2025, the Vallarta School for Girls reached a powerful milestone that marks more than the start of construction—it marks the beginning of a brighter future. With final permits secured on May 29, the school officially broke ground on its new campus, signaling a significant step forward in its mission to uplift, educate, and empower girls from underserved communities in Puerto Vallarta.
Founded under the Girls Education Fund Foundation, the Vallarta School for Girls offers a nurturing, bilingual learning environment designed to meet the needs of the whole child. Education is more than just textbooks and tests—it’s about building confidence, cultivating leadership, and equipping each girl with the tools she needs to succeed in life. All essential needs—school supplies, books, uniforms, and nutritious meals—are provided at no cost to students. The school’s holistic approach creates a space where every girl feels supported, safe, and capable of reaching her full potential.
Now, thanks to overwhelming community support, the school is poised for growth. Its new campus—located on Calle Golondrinas in Colonia Los Sauces—has been thoughtfully designed in collaboration with Alfonso Aguilar and his team at Home Improvement PV, who are also serving as the project developers. The upgraded facility will allow the school to expand enrollment from 40 to 60 students, welcoming 20 additional girls into its vibrant and empowering community.
The new building will feature modern classrooms, a well-stocked library, a gymnasium, a rooftop gathering space, a garden, and additional amenities that support an expanded curriculum and future enrichment programs. These upgrades will allow the school to continue evolving and meeting the growing needs of its students.
The groundbreaking event was a joyful celebration of what’s possible when a community comes together. Under the warm Vallarta sun, school founder and board chair Francie Nguyen was joined by board members, staff, and generous supporters who have stood by the school since its early days. The occasion brought out a spirited crowd including Deborah Cole, Rick Bazaldua, Sylvia Toy, Connie Argus, Thom Barnes, Chiara Montante, Derek Carkner, Cassandra Shaw, Tricia Lyman, Duc Nguyen, Martha Angel, Kevin Anthony, Randy Lee, Tom Montante, Magada Faias Romero, Alfonso Aguilar, Carlos Estrada, Oscar Noriega, Joe Aguilar, and others. Local media outlets—PVEverything.com, Out and About Puerto Vallarta, Vallarta Calendar, and Vallarta Mirror—were also on hand to share the story with the broader community.
During the event, Francie shared an exciting update: 65% of the school’s $350,000 capital campaign goal has already been raised. “The support we’ve received has been humbling and heartwarming,” she said. “It’s incredible how quickly we’ve reached this point. Every gift, every kind word, reminds us that people truly believe in what we’re building—not just a school, but a better future.”
Fundraising efforts continue, and there are many ways for the community to get involved. Donations are tax-deductible in the U.S. and eligible for tax receipts in Canada through the Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation. Additionally, facturas are available in Mexico, where the school is a registered non-profit. Contributions can be made directly on the school’s website at www.girlsedfund.org, and questions can be directed to admin@girlsedfund.org.
In addition to supporting the capital campaign, friends of the school are invited to attend its upcoming signature fundraising events, which help fund day-to-day operations, including teacher salaries, supplies, and meals:
- Christmas Garden Party – December 14, 2025
- Stars with a Heart – January 25, 2026
- Black and White Ball – March 2, 2026
These events aren’t just fundraisers—they’re celebrations of love, purpose, and the life-changing power of education.
As the first shovels broke ground, they did more than turn the earth—they turned a dream into a reality. This is more than just a building project. It’s a promise: that every girl who walks through the doors of the Vallarta School for Girls will be seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.
Hope has taken root in Puerto Vallarta. And with the help of this extraordinary community, it’s beginning to grow.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
