Ginny Marxuach Lausell, at age 15, knew she was destined to work with children.
Ginny graduated from the Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City with a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education. She had already completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hartford University in Connecticut in 1986.
Pregnant with her third child, Ginny Marxuach decides to homeschool her children to spend more time with them while researching alternative education models such as Montessori, Waldorf, Sudbury, and “unschooling,” amongst others.
Ginny officially joins the “democratic school” movement and travels worldwide, visiting conferences and participating in the emerging paradigm change in education. She hones in on her belief in educational models that foster universal principles and respect towards human beings as unique and capable of designing their life and education.
espacio a is born as a pop-up, traveling educational community of a group of families meeting at parks, museums, beaches, and community centers, to engage with learning activities and community service initiatives.
espacio a becomes the first democratic school in Puerto Rico and opens its first brick and mortar home in the beautiful and historic city of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. espacio a’s three pillars, Democratic Education, Self-Directed Learning, and Nonviolent Communication, are established as the founding building blocks of the school’s mission to develop lifelong learners connected to and involved with their communities.
The General Council of Education grants espacio a the Registered Certification for Basic Education. Allowing espacio a, as a private educational institution, to offer courses and programs conducive to a degree and diploma.
As an influx of families recognized a need for self-directed, democratic, and holistic learning environments, espacio a’s community grew exponentially! We remodeled and moved into the historic building where Luis Muñoz Marín, first elected governor of Puerto Rico, was born. The larger building, having an open floor plan with multiple outdoor spaces, provided the community with more opportunities to incorporate movement, physical activity, nature, and collaboration into the day-to-day learning experience.
When the pandemic upended how things were "done," espacio a recognized that students’ ability to succeed in the XXI century required more skills than previously considered. Financial Education was added as the fourth guiding pillar in espacio a’s school model.
Founder / Director
Administration Documentation and Finance
Administration and Finance
Administration Programs Coordinator
Administration Programs Coordinator
Sustainability and Expansion
Sustainability and Expansion
a1 CORE Teacher
a1 CORE Teacher
a1 Teacher Assistant
CORE Teacher - Fitness and a1
CORE Teacher - Math and Science
CORE Teacher - Math and Science
CORE Teacher - English & Humanities
CORE Teacher - English & Humanities
Our calendar reflects the diverse programs espacio a offers its students. Learn more about the multidisciplinary, active, and holistic approaches that anchor our educational practices.
