History – Day-Star School

THE FOUNDING OF DAY-STAR SCHOOL

Before moving to Honduras, Mr. Skallman had always dreamed of founding his own school. He and Mrs. Skallman arrived in 1980 to work as teachers at a bilingual school in Siguatepeque, where they connected with other members of the Baha’i faith who shared a similar vision. Together, they decided to establish their own bilingual school and considered three potential locations: Choluteca, Yoro, and Juticalpa.

After only visiting Juticalpa and despite early challenges, they saw great potential in what they felt was a community with a strong and growing population, and committed to establishing their school here. The name “Day-Star” was inspired by Mr. Skallman’s reflection on the sun, a universal symbol of light and guidance.

To generate interest, they traveled on the weekends from Siguatepeque to Juticalpa and went door-to-door speaking with parents and sharing their vision. Their efforts paid off, and on August 27, 1988, Day-Star School officially opened its doors. The school began with 21 students and offered classes from kindergarten through third grade.

As the school began its second year, enrollment reached 100 students, and expanded through to fifth grade. Later that year, in November 1989, the school moved to its current location.

Today, Day-Star School stands as a testament to the founders’ dedication and vision, far exceeding their initial expectations in size and impact.

MILESTONES IN OUR JOURNEY

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER

Education is important because it gives us the skills that we need when we go out into the world. Being bilingual also helps — it opens doors and provides opportunities that might not otherwise be available, such as studying abroad or choosing a career. But the skills that you are learning are not just language.

The skills that you are learning are the values and the virtues that we aim to teach here. These go hand in hand with bilingual education because, in the end, we want our students to graduate with the maturity, responsibility, and discipline to know what they want in life and the capacity to achieve it.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER

Education is important because it gives us the skills that we need when we go out into the world. Being bilingual also helps — it opens doors and provides opportunities that might not otherwise be available, such as studying abroad or choosing a career. But the skills that you are learning are not just language.

The skills that you are learning are the values and the virtues that we aim to teach here. These go hand in hand with bilingual education because, in the end, we want our students to graduate with the maturity, responsibility, and discipline to know what they want in life and the capacity to achieve it.