Welcome to
TEACH Rwanda
Bright School
About
Bright School, TEACH Rwanda's flagship school, was started in 2012 by Louise Batamuriza, a Rwandan teacher who retired in 2016. The school has expanded every year.
In response to family demand and TEACH Rwanda's dedication to provide continuity of education, our first primary 1 class started in 2016.
In 2022, the school's first P6 class graduated, and 100% of the students without special needs have passed their national primary leaving exams every year!
Bright School began in a small rented house, moved to a bit larger rented house with better ventilation, and then moved into Eglise Presbyterian au Rwanda Gitarama Presbytery headquarters. TEACH Rwanda began building its own classrooms shortly thereafter, and now operates six bustling preschool classes as well as two classes each of Primary 1 through 6 (first through sixth grades) on the Bright School campus. Children from all walks of life attend, from the wealthy to the most vulnerable.
Bright School attracts international visitors, government officials, researchers, other NGOs, and Rwandan educators—all of whom are amazed to see children at Bright write and illustrate original stories at an age when most children in Rwanda are still learning to spell their names. Children are treated with respect by their Rwandan teachers. They work together to explore Rwanda-relevant themes and seek solutions to challenges. Families and visitors are always welcome to see engaging teaching practices in action.
To arrange a visit please contact our school office at +25 078 889 3135.
During Enrichment, between school terms, children choose from a variety of opportunities. This Creativity group, led by artist Francois Ingabire, learned how to dye fabric, much to their delight!
Bright School P2 students saw how isombe (ground cassava leaves) is made at the Nyabisindu Market. Students used both this modern grinder and a traditional mortar and pestle to grind the leaves.
On June 23, 2022, 10 Bright School students were invited to the Kigali Public Library to demonstrate learning through play. The guests? First Lady Jeannette Kagami and Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall! Two of our students (in red uniforms) are shown here.
In 2023 Bright School moved into eight more rooms in this building, named “London.” Lower primary classrooms and a library/resource room all now have sufficient space.
Our morning and afternoon pre-primary classes are now in this building. Students named this building “New York.”
Until 2026, some of Bright School’s classrooms were housed in space rented from Eglise Presbyterienne au Rwanda.
Liliane’s P4 class quickly settled into their new classroom in London. Small group projects, lots of books to read, children’s illustrated stories, a KWLS chart, snowflakes, and a kind, passionate teacher…all evidence of engaged, integrated learning.
Each term at Bright School, teachers discuss children’s detailed developmental progress reports with families, including the student. Josiane shares a child’s drawing and original story about it, indicative of the progress this pre-primary student is making in early literacy, fine motor-skills, and self-expression.
Our students learn in their community. They go to butchers, beekeepers, clinics, dams, and of course our neighbor, the Zipline Droneport. These drones deliver emergency medicine, blood, and pig semen to remote areas of Rwanda.
Beginning at the age of 3, children at Bright School draw freely. Then they tell their teacher their stories--often very long stories--while the teacher writes the words. Teachers also read books with children every day, using props and much expression. Every week, children re-enact a story, too! These early literacy experiences assure that children LOVE to learn to read!
Clare Smith, a long-time TR Board Member, teaches at Farmersville Elementary School in the Bethlehem Area School District in Pennsylvania. Every year, her class Zooms with a Bright School class. They answer each others’ questions about favorite foods, sports, and weather differences. The call always ends with the classes singing their national anthems for each other.
Bright School students at all levels, including these P4 children, explore the world around them, as well as beyond their landlocked country.
The Barbara Reimers Library was dedicated in 2026, celebrating 14 years of development of our collection of high-quality children’s literature. The library is a joyful place for reading, even at lunch time.
Teamwork, analytical thinking, and planning are three of many executive function skills that are embedded in Bright School’s culture. Rwanda is working toward a vision of being a high-income, well-educated country by 2050.
LEGO robotics supports learning through play and projects.
Bright School's first P6 graduation was held in 2022. Several students in this class started with us in pre-primary. And 100% of these eligible P6 students passed their national primary leaving exams with high marks!
In class…outdoors…on the floor…at a picnic table...in the library—you’ll find students at Bright School reading books wherever they go. Our Barbara Reimers Library now has about 4000 titles from which to choose.
Even our youngest students are introduced to computers as a means of communication. Soon they will be old enough for our robotics team.
Bright School’s Alpha and Beta teams have participated in Rwanda’s first LEGO Robotics competitions since their first season in 2021.
Celebratory cake for graduation! Leonce, Headteacher; Aliane, a graduate who began pre-primary at Bright; Jan, Founder and President Emerita of TEACH Rwanda; Pastor Celestin, Pastor Nathan, and Daniel, the District Director of Education, cut the cake. Pastor Celestine, father of Ineza, also a graduate, was instrumental in helping Bright School find a permanent home.
Bright School’s Headteacher, Leonce; graduates; and their friends danced to celebrate their shared accomplishments in July 2023! Many of these students started pre-primary at Bright 8 years before. For the second year, 100% of our students passed the P6 exam with high scores.
Eunice and Visha shared a few Bright School memories and expressed their gratitude to the families, teachers, and TEACH Rwanda for supporting them on their roads to bright futures.
Watch this video to see our students read and reenact one of their favorite books about a female Nobel Peace Prize winner from Africa.
Bright School Staff
Leonce Mwizerwa
Headteacher, began as a preschool teacher at Bright School in 2013. After he earned his bachelor’s degree in education and demonstrated his prowess in coaching co-teachers, he advanced to Teacher Mentor at TR’s National Teacher Development Center. Since 2019, he has been Headteacher at Bright! He’s also married to Chantal and the proud father of a son whose name is Blessing. Blessing is a primary student at Bright School and has a younger brother who will follow him.
Liliane Muhorakeye
Bright School Teacher Mentor, started with Bright School as a parent many years ago, when she admired our innovative approach to education. Liliane went back to school to get her teaching credentials. She was an outstanding P4 teacher, and is now mentoring all teachers on our campus. Liliane is also a LEGO robotics coach and mother of one Bright School graduate, one current student, and one future student.
Bonfils Iradukunda
is Librarian, Resources Manager, and French teacher. Bonfils is from Burundi, where he learned and then taught impeccable French. His two children are Bright School students. Bonfils manages our school library, now with thousands of books. He coordinates daily student volunteers, and a weekly schedule for every class to visit the library. He also maintains our ever-growing inventory of international learning materials, including drums, traditional Rwandan items, puzzles, and pretend vehicles.
Jerome Kayiranga
is the Accountant and Operations Supervisor at Bright School. With more than 6 years of experience in school operations, he's deeply driven by a passion for high-quality education, vulnerable community empowerment, as well as organizational and personal development.
He's pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Management with a focus on accounting, while also strengthening my skills in data science and analytics courses. He strives to bridge systems and people, using both digital skills and leadership to support growth and excellence.
