Karen, our founder and Academic Director, is a Venezuelan educator with a deep-rooted passion for teaching, shaped by her upbringing in a family dedicated to education and her mother’s special needs after-school program. Her career spans various educational levels and continents, significantly influenced by the child-centric Reggio Emilia approach. Karen is committed to lifelong learning and dreams of creating an inclusive, creative school that honors each child’s uniqueness. Her journey reflects a dedication to blending cultural richness with educational practices to inspire and shape future generations.
Jesus Bolivar is an accomplished engineer and economist, deeply rooted in a family legacy of educators and entrepreneurs from Venezuela. He holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Master’s in Public Administration in International Development from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. His early education at I.E. Juan XXIII, an International Baccalaureate K-12 school founded by his grandparents in 1964, instilled in him a passion for education and innovation. As the founder of Open Minds Early School, he aims to provide educational support for children, drawing inspiration from his journey as a father of two boys and the legacy of his family.
At Open Minds Early School, our mission is to ignite the spark of lifelong learning in every child by providing quality education tailored to their unique needs. We foster an inclusive, play-based environment inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where children are seen as capable and curious learners. We teach love, respect, empathy, and teamwork, preparing them for a brighter future. By creating a supportive community that involves both children and their families, we ensure well-being, stability, and love, planting seeds of education and compassion that will flourish throughout their lives.
Guided by the Reggio Emilia approach, we embrace a philosophy that views children as unique, capable, and full of potential from the very beginning. We believe that each child brings their own experiences, curiosities, and ideas into the learning process. Our thoughtfully designed and responsive curriculum is tailored to meet individual needs while encouraging exploration, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and self-expression. By fostering a respectful and engaging environment, we support children in becoming confident, lifelong learners who actively shape their world.
Our vision at Open Minds Early School is to be a beacon of excellence in early childhood education, where every child is nurtured to reach their full potential in a loving, inclusive, and stimulating environment. We aspire to be a place of reference and inspiration, not only for our students and their families but also for educators and professionals in the field. By fostering a community of continuous learning and innovation, we aim to lead the way in best practices and professional development, ensuring that our impact extends far beyond our classrooms.
Our ethos revolves around collaborative learning, recognizing each child’s voice to foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. We emphasize the joy of group discovery and collective problem-solving.
Our team of educators brings a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives from over 6 Spanish-speaking countries, working collaboratively to tailor a holistic educational experience that meets the unique needs of each child.
We believe in the power of community in shaping the educational experience, forging strong partnerships with families to create a supportive network for our students.
Our approach harnesses various mediums—from art to technology—to ensure that learning is an immersive, multi-sensory journey that resonates with every child.
