The Full Story
About
Manglares is a vibrant and nurturing learning community dedicated to the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students. Since opening our doors in 2018, we have been committed to promoting academic excellence and fostering independence in children. The school has grown hand-in-hand with the communities of the area. Nestled in a picturesque jungle setting, our school provides a unique environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. With a holistic approach, we focus on developing 'the whole child' by addressing their academic, cognitive, socioemotional, physical, relational, and identity development. From preschool to Grade 7, we are here to support and guide our students on their educational journey.
Mission & Vision
Manglares is Spanish for “mangroves,” a type of tree that grows along the marshy coastlines of Panama. The convoluted network of roots survive in the hardest saline conditions, protect the coast from erosion and storms, as well as provide a nutrient-rich habitat for many species of animals.
The mangrove is symbolic of our hopes for our students: we hope to foster resilient minds who are able to thrive and contribute to the community at large.
Confident
A confident person with a strong sense of right and wrong, knows him/herself, , thinks independently, and communicates effectively.
Self-directed learner
Resilient, takes responsibility for his/her own learning, questions, reflects and perseveres in the pursuit of learning, and who is able to constantly adapt their approach to inspire and ignite their imagination
Imaginative Creator
embraces the uniqueness of thoughts and lets energy sparks real creativity.
Active Contributor
is able to work effectively in teams, exercises initiative, takes calculated risks, is innovative and strives for excellence.
Concerned Citizen
strong civic consciousness, is informed, and takes an active role in bettering the lives of others around him/her.
Authentic Experiences. Inspiring Discoveries.
Committed to Education
At Manglares Discovery School, we believe in a holistic and child-led approach to education. Our innovative teaching methods inspire and empower learners to become leaders, fostering a love for learning in a purposeful manner. In our natural environment, students learn how to be change-makers, developing both academically and personally. We are a close-knit community committed to mutual respect and shared learning. Explore our website to learn more about the unique academics and supportive community that Manglares Discovery School offers. Contact us today to schedule a tour, inquire about enrollment, or ask any questions you may have.
Community Driven
At Manglares, we believe in providing a nurturing and innovative learning environment for all our students. Our holistic approach focuses on empowering learners to become leaders and change-makers. With a child-led curriculum, we encourage students to thrive and learn in a purposeful manner. The school is integrated into its surroundings, with a waterfall and forest that add to many of the children's inquiries. We get almost daily visits from three species of monkeys and other birds and animals. The campus is created by students for the students - they utilize materials to build troll villages, forts, ziplines, We embrace culture, which means we frequent exchanges with the community at large.
Founding and Strategic Advisors
Co-Founder
Aya Osuga
Aya is the Co-Founder and School Leader of Manglares Discovery School. In this role, she oversees the school operations, strategic development, and partnerships. She works closely with faculty to develop interdisciplinary curriculum aligned with international standards.
Before founding Manglares Discovery School, Aya worked in the financial sector as a Vice President in the Prime Services division at Lehman Brothers and Nomura Securities. She is a published writer of short stories, whose work explores themes of culture, identity, and human experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Yale University.
Her work focuses on developing inquiry-driven learning environments that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and global citizenship.
Co-Founder
Scott Andrews
Scott Andrews is a co-founder of Manglares Discovery School and supports the school's lont-term strategic vision and development. While not involved in the daily academic operations of the school, he contributes to broader planning related to campus development and community partnerships.
Scott Andrews graduated from Trinity College with a degree in Economics before embarking on a 15-year career in global finance. During this time, he worked in New York, London, Japan, and Hong Kong with leading investment banks including Nomura, Merrill Lynch, and Deutsche Bank. While based in Asia, Scott began investing in and developing real estate in emerging resort destinations such as Niseko, Japan, and Bali, Indonesia. Inspired by these experiences—and after traveling to over 83 countries—he set out to find the next global hotspot for sustainable community and lifestyle development.
Over the past 13 years, Scott has led the growth of AMF Capital, a development company, and Wao Venao, a hospitality brand. He continues to apply his global expertise to building vibrant, sustainable communities.