Global Perspective
We encourage our students to explore the world. By engaging intellectually and experientially, they develop the understanding that New Mexicans are but one piece in a rich and complex global mosaic.
We anchor this global perspective by offering a rich selection of second languages: English, Spanish, French, and Japanese as well as Spanish Language Arts for those students who's first language is Spanish. We hope in the future to offer Arabic and Chinese. We personalize the experience with relationships and travel opportunities. Monte del Sol has established sister city schools in Oaxaca, Mexico, Tsuyama, Japan, Holguin, Cuba, and Nantes, France.
In 2004, our first overseas trip--a group of fifteen students and three teachers--spent a week in Oaxaca living with Mexican families, learning about their lives and culture. In recent years, we have taken students twice to Japan, three times to Spain and France and have welcomed to Santa Fe students from some our sister schools. In addition, each summer several of our students participate in the Bali Art Project in Indonesia with students from other Santa Fe schools and in 2009 five students will travel to India in a trip organized in part by our Fulbright educational exchange teacher from Kolkata, Sohini Das.
Through a partnership with the United World College in Las Vegas, NM, our students had the opportunity to work with the next generation of international leaders from over 85 countries. Students and faculty from UWC worked with our students to build an inclusive school culture using the UWC's 'The Constructive Engagement of Conflict' curriculum. We were honored in 2006 to host former President of Poland, Mr. Lech Walesa, as part of a conference put on by the United World College on our campus.
A global perspective is woven through the history curriculum so that with real knowledge of the world around them, our students become more capable navigators of the currents of their lives and times. Future leaders must appreciate the diversity and interdependence of the global society. By broadening students' perspectives, we enrich their lives and ours."
There is an energy and excitement that permeates the atmosphere at Monte del Sol that is due, in large part, to the school's remarkable staff. The teachers, whether seasoned veterans or new to the field, all share an enthusiasm that is infectious. The result is a student body that is not only stimulated and challenged, but one that is having fun. - Peggy Gaustad, parent