Building the Renaissance Elementary School

The Renaissance Elementary School first operated out of a converted house. Its four classrooms were cramped to capacity, averaging 28 students in each 10' X 10' classroom.

For most of the students this is their only chance to attend school or to learn to read and write.

The school has expanded so fast there is no building in Au Centre large enough to hold it.

We have purchased enough land to build a new school building, a community kitchen and gardens to support the school lunch program.

The Land: Just up-slope from the village center, it is gentle slope land with nice views up and down the valley. It’s a perfect site with fresh air and a cool breeze, lots of room for a recreation field, and good soil for a community garden.

The Building: Our design is L-shaped and uses materials and methods typical of the area. Cooling is by natural breezes with a porch for rain protection.

The new school building has seven classrooms and a library and science lab, plus a community kitchen and food warehouse. The completed building is 4,000 square feet.

We first built the kitchen and food warehouse and began planting crops to support our school lunch program.

The foundation was laid for the school building, and a further $20,000 in donations raised the block walls, poured the roof, plastered the building and currently, is installing windows and doors.

Click for more about the Renaissance School construction.

The Renaissance Elementary School Lasting Legacy Program

In a mountain hamlet that had never had a free elementary school, the whole village turned out to build the foundation for their new 4000 sq. ft. public school house. Parents who never had the gift of education understand that this is the greatest legacy they can offer their children. With the foundation complete, we're ready to build the 8 classrooms. One person has stepped forward and donated $5,000, the cost of building one of those classrooms. Now we're looking for seven more partners to help us create the lasting legacy of education to those who need it most. Would you like to reach out to a forgotten mountain community and build a classroom for generations of kids to learn to read and write?

Your $5,000 donation toward the school building will ensure that a classroom is built. In recognition of your generosity, we will name this classroom in your honor. We will put a plaque next to the door of each classroom with your name and an inspirational quote of your choice. For more information please call Mathilde at 340-244-1483 or 340-772-4380 or email