TEACH Rwanda has high standards for its Exemplary Schools, including:
- 20 children per preschool classroom
- 2 Rwandan teachers in each preschool classroom
- up to 25 children with one Rwandan teacher in each primary classroom
- abundant hands-on learning materials including fiction and nonfiction books for children
- evidence-based, respectful teaching practices
- TR Education Standards
Only those schools that have a TEACH Rwanda record of continuous quality improvements are awarded the Exemplary School status. These schools then can become sites for teachers from around the country—and around the world—to discover how evidence-based practices can be implemented in ways that demonstrate respect for Rwanda's CBC, culture, AND reflect current child development research about the values of learning through play and projects.
Our teachers are dedicated, enthusiastic professionals who continue to learn as TEACH Rwanda staff and volunteers mentor them. Many arrived at early childhood education through other fields, found their work rewarding, and are becoming TEACH Rwanda leaders themselves! |
What about the children? They are thriving! Then rush into school each day and are filled with joy! Their elaborate block constructions, intricate drawings, detailed stories, delightful pretend play scenarios, compelling projects, and engagement in reenacting children’s literature reveal how a Rwandan, integrated, enriched, competency-based curriculum is succeeding!
And the families? They are thrilled! And recognize what a difference TEACH Rwanda has made in their children’s lives. Families frequently tell us that neighbors’ children who are far older do not have the skills that children in TEACH Rwanda schools have: cognitive, language/literacy, math, physical, social, and personal. “What are you doing to my daughter?” asked the father of a girl in P1. “At home every day she is writing, organizing things, doing calculation in math: addition, subtraction. She’s independent.” The journals he got for her to write in are full. “She is like a genius!"
And the families? They are thrilled! And recognize what a difference TEACH Rwanda has made in their children’s lives. Families frequently tell us that neighbors’ children who are far older do not have the skills that children in TEACH Rwanda schools have: cognitive, language/literacy, math, physical, social, and personal. “What are you doing to my daughter?” asked the father of a girl in P1. “At home every day she is writing, organizing things, doing calculation in math: addition, subtraction. She’s independent.” The journals he got for her to write in are full. “She is like a genius!"
BRIGHT SCHOOL, MUHANGA
Home to TEACH Rwanda's national TEacher Mentoring center
Bright School, TEACH Rwanda's flagship school, was started in 2012 by Louise Batamuriza, a Rwandan teacher who retired in 2016. Bright School has expanded every year. In response to parent 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 eligible students passed their national primary leaving exams!
Bright School began in a small rented house, moved to a bit larger rented house with better ventilation, and then moved into our current home in 2019. TEACH Rwanda now operates six bustling preschool classes as well as Primary 1 through 6 (first through sixth grades) at Bright School. Children from all walks of life attend, from the wealthy to the most vulnerable.

Our P6 students top off their school year with a trip to Kigali each year. In 2023, they saw snakes and a crocodile at the Kandt House, rode an escalator to the 18th floor of Kigali City Tower, toured the Campaign Against Genocide Museum at Parliament, and devoured fried chicken and ice cream at Jan and Bill’s house. Here they are walking with Teacher JMV and Rachel in the downtown Car-Free Zone. Everywhere the class went, people asked about Bright School. A memorable day, planned by Eric.
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 +250 78 893 3135.
Families and visitors are always welcome to see engaging teaching practices in action.
To arrange a visit please contact our school office at +250 78 893 3135.
Watch this video to see our students read and reenact one of their favorite books about a female Nobel Peace Prize winner from Africa. |
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