School Services

Individualized Learning:

At STA the teachers recognize that each student has unique strengths and needs. They use a range of ongoing testing throughout the year to assess each learner's ability level. Teachers use this knowledge to plan lessons and units to extend each student in the class. In doing so, they measure individual progress throughout the year and give parents a clear understanding of how their child is developing through progress reports and updates. They set rigorously high expectations for all students and encourage each student to achieve his or her best.

Highly Qualified Teachers:

STA is proud to have some of the best teachers in Tanzania. We recruit talented educators from across the country to deliver a well-rounded curriculum that includes Science, Mathematics, English, the Arts, Vocational Skills and Physical Education and is tailored to each unique student. Meet the teachers (link to teacher section in about us tab).

Professional Development for Teachers:

At STA, teachers are provided with many opportunities to continue learning and developing their skills and teaching strategies. A wide range of materials and resources are available to teachers to help them plan quality lessons. Every week, teachers meet during Professional Development (PD) sessions to ensure they are receiving the support they need to help each student to achieve their best.

English Medium School:

In all Tanzanian government primary schools, each subject is taught in Swahili. However, Secondary Schools or High Schools are taught in English. Consequently, many students struggle to adapt to an all-English language curriculum, and unfortunately can be left behind and underachieve. Our point of difference is that students learn English from their first day of primary school to help them be well prepared for secondary school.

Small Class Sizes:

In order to provide students with the individual attention that they need, STA has a policy of no more than 25 students per class. Small class sizes allow the teachers to get to know each student and tailor their teaching approach to the students' strengths and needs.

Alanon:

Many of our children face challenges at home with loved ones who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. In the privacy of a small group of peers and a trusted mentor, kids  share challenges and learn coping methods that work when applied. This is a program with many decades of proven success. Students learn that the only person they can change is themselves. 

Vocational Education:

Vocational education is important as it enables students to learn extracurricular activities that can be helpful in their everyday life. Students are taught sewing, cooking, bicycle riding and repair, business, scouts, theatre, computer knowledge, and agriculture.

Sports:

Physical Education and sport are important at STA as they contribute to teaching confidence, mental alertness, and self-esteem, in addition to other skills like leadership, patience, teamwork, and social skills. At STA, students are taught football/soccer, volleyball, netball, athletics, and martial arts to strengthen hand-eye coordination and teamwork. 

Nutrition:

A hungry child finds it difficult to concentrate in class and has little energy for sport, playtime or learning. All students at STA receive morning uji (Tanzanian porridge made from corn, soy, rice, millet, and peanut) and a nutritious lunch with organic fruit and vegetables from our own farm. STA students are encouraged to develop and maintain healthy eating habits, in order to make positive life choices, post-school when it comes to diet and exercise.

School Materials:

At STA, students are provided with stationary and multiple resources to support their learning. STA students are able to access a wide range of books that help foster a love and passion for reading. Learning resources provide students with important opportunities to practice a new skill, explore a new idea, and solve problems.

Transport:

Many of our students live near enough to walk to school. Every day STA provides safe transport to those students who live in town and cannot afford transport. Some parents pool their resources and the children travel to school together.  Thus, all students get to school on time and get home safely.

Family Contributions:

Families of all fully sponsored students are asked to offer one day of service or trade each month back to STA. This fosters responsibility for their child's education and involves them in the day-to-day life of the school. STA parents contribute in many different ways from gardening and building to coaching soccer or helping out in the school kitchen.These days we also offer parents training in soil health and organic gardening. We provide meals to parents and younger siblings and see a lot of mutual benefit.  All of our parents are valued members of our learning community.