by Edward Potocek
Big things are happening for the Vallarta School for Girls. On July 2, 2025, the school officially broke ground on its brand-new campus—a huge step forward for an organization that’s changing lives one girl at a time.
Just weeks after securing final permits on May 29, the excitement was palpable as staff, board members, and community supporters gathered under the Vallarta sun to celebrate the start of construction. But this isn’t just about new walls and windows—it’s about opening doors to opportunity.
Founded through the Girls Education Fund Foundation, the Vallarta School for Girls offers a safe, bilingual learning environment for girls from underserved communities. Beyond academics, the school empowers each student with confidence, leadership skills, and a solid foundation for a brighter future. Everything they need—books, uniforms, school supplies, and meals—is provided at no cost.
The new school building will be a game-changer. Designed in collaboration with Alfonso Aguilar and his team at Home Improvement PV, the expanded campus will be located on Calle Golondrinas in Colonia Los Sauces. It will feature modern classrooms, a library, a gym, a rooftop space, a garden, and ample space for new programs and initiatives. Once complete, the school will grow its enrollment from 40 to 60 girls.
The groundbreaking ceremony was filled with smiles, hugs, and heartfelt speeches. Founder and board chair Francie Nguyen was joined by a fantastic group of supporters—including Deborah Cole, Rick Bazaldua, Sylvia Toy, Connie Argus, Chiara Montante, Derek Carkner, Cassandra Shaw, Tricia Lyman, and many others—who have helped bring this dream to life. Local media outlets, including PVEverything.com, Out and About Puerto Vallarta, Vallarta Calendar, and Vallarta Mirror, were also present to capture the moment.
Francie announced an exciting update on the school’s $350,000 capital campaign: they’ve already raised 65%! “The generosity has been incredible,” she said. “To be this far along already is beyond encouraging. We still have a bit to go, but I know the Vallarta community will get us there.”
Want to be part of it? There are plenty of ways to help. Donations can be made online at the Vallarta School for Girls website, and contributions are tax-deductible in the U.S. and Canada, as well as eligible for facturas in Mexico.
And if parties are more your style, mark your calendar for these upcoming terrific fundraising events:
- Christmas Garden Party – December 14, 2025
- Stars with a Heart – January 25, 2026
- Black and White Ball – March 2, 2026
Each of these events helps fund daily operations, from paying teachers to providing meals.
This new school is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a promise to every girl who walks through its doors: that she matters and her future is worth investing in.
Visit www.girlsedfund.org to learn more, make a donation, or get involved. The future is bright—and thanks to this community, it’s only just getting started.
