About Us
A Story of Hope, Inclusion & Possibility
Since 1958, we’ve been a community where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated — guided by Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
School History & Mission
Founded in April 1958, Stella Maris Special Education and Life Skills Learning Center began with a single goal: provide quality education and dignity to children with disabilities in Belize. Moved by a young boy who lost his sight, leaders and the Pallottine Missionary Sisters chose to build a school here at home instead of sending him abroad.
Sister Serapia learned best practices in Jamaica and returned to help establish the school under challenging conditions. Named for Our Lady Star of the Sea, Stella Maris stands for guidance, hope, and inclusive acceptance for children across the country.
- 67+ years of service to Belizean families
- Individualized learning and therapies
- Life skills for independence and confidence
Mission & Core Values
Every child is unique and capable. We nurture strengths, inclusion, and a love of learning.
Kindness
Every act of love makes learning possible — patience, empathy, and joy guide everything we do.
Inclusion
Differences strengthen our family. Every learner belongs, contributes, and shines in their own way.
Growth
We build skills, confidence, and independence — celebrating progress at every step of the journey.
Commitment to Special Education & Life Skills
We care for the whole child — head, heart, and hopeful future.
Together, we celebrate every achievement — big and small — and help each child discover their strength.— Principal Doreth Pascasio Griffith
?Why is Stella Maris not a traditional school?
Stella Maris Special Education and Life Skills Learning Center is different from traditional schools because our students learn in their own ways and need a flexible, personalized approach.
We do not group students by age or grade level, like Infant or Standard classes. Instead, we use a Rooms 1–9 model, placing students based on their abilities, independence, communication needs, and overall development.
This model helps us to:
- Create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for every student.
- Provide small-group and targeted instruction.
- Support flexible progress based on each student’s growth, not just their grade.
The Rooms 1–9 framework also lets us:
- Deliver differentiated instruction across a range of learning needs.
- Provide multidisciplinary support, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
- Promote functional independence, communication, and vocational readiness.
- Maintain safe, structured spaces where students feel respected and engaged.
Aligned with the Education Bill 2026, Belize
Applying a traditional grade-level model at Stella Maris would not reflect these principles. Our structure is a practical and effective way to put inclusive education into action.
At Stella Maris, we design learning around each child:
- Life skills such as cooking, self-care, and communication
- Therapy services that support development
- Building independence, confidence, and dignity
Stella Maris is not separate from the system — we bring its goals to life every day. With this special structure, we ensure every child has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed in ways that suit their needs.
Every child matters. Every ability matters.
At Stella Maris, every child belongs and can succeed.