Colegio Parroquial Cristo del Rosario

Created in 1992 as a Pre-School Kindergarten by Profesora Alicia Espinoza at the invitation of Msgr. Francisco Castrillo, pastor of Cristo Agonizante Parish, Managua, Nicaragua, Colegio Cristo del Rosario has grown into a complete elementary and high school at the service of the Catholic population within the limits of "old Managua", that western section of the old capital city destroyed in large part by the 1972 earthquake.

History

The present structures of the colegio are built on the ruins of the former parish building and several lots that were totally razed by the Somoza government shortly after the devastating quake. The Colegio is part of the Archdiocesan educational system, organized principally under the able leadership of Msgr. Silvio Fonseca, first coordinator of the "Pastoral Educativo" proper to the Archdiocese. At present (2008) some 370 students receive their pre-school, elementary and high school formation thanks to reduced tuition fees, the direct result of many generous benefactors both in Nicaragua and the United States, as well as a yearly grant approved by the Nicaraguan Bishops' Conference.

Mission

The spiritual and philosophical inspiration that motivates the Colegio comes from the Roman Catholic identity and character proposed by the Archdiocese of Managua ("Reglamento Pastoral Educativo", 2008). In December, 2007, the Colegio graduated its first group of 15 "bachilleres" of whom 14 are presently enrolled and have received scholarships in the National University (UNAN), Universidad de Oriente (UDO), American University (AU), and the Polytechnical University (UPOLI), all in Managua. The present Rector of the Colegio is Fr. Aurelian O'Dowd, MS.Ed. There are 18 teachers on staff and the Colegio is accredited with "personeria juridica" as approved by the Nicaraguan National Congress (Gaceta, 2007). The Colegio's colors are green and gold.