Dr. Sonia Bustamante

Superintendent
bustamantes@ebv.org.ve

Welcome to Escuela Bella Vista (EBV) in Maracaibo, Venezuela!

As we begin our 78th year, EBV remains a vibrant community that values our culture and language while embracing international education and fostering a love of learning. Now in my fourth year as Superintendent, I am proud of our clear focus on high-quality teaching, professional growth, and student learning. In recent years, EBV earned Cognia accreditation with an IEQ of 313, above the global average, and achieved "Excellence" in our IB evaluation for the first time. Literacy is at the forefront of our work, and this year we begin a partnership with Erin Kent Consulting to strengthen literacy instruction and support the diverse learning needs of our international community.

Our 62-member faculty is a diverse international team, with educators from Venezuela, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Ecuador, South Africa, the Philippines, Honduras, and Azerbaijan. Together, they offer a creative and varied learning experience that recognizes and nurtures every student's strengths and talents through academics, extracurricular activities, and clubs. Our focus on 21st-century skills (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving) ensures students are prepared for success.

Innovation is central to the student experience. Through VEX and REV Robotics, AR/VR technologies, and our new Innovation Lab, students engage in design thinking, collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning from the early years. Families will also notice significant facility upgrades across campus, reflecting our commitment to an inspiring and safe environment.

Inclusion is at the heart of EBV. We welcome students from all backgrounds and abilities and foster respect, empathy, and understanding.

In their final two years, students prepare for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which continues to show strong outcomes, including a 100% Diploma pass rate in 2026. Our comprehensive college counseling program helps students identify their strengths, set goals, and navigate the application process with confidence, and our graduates pursue university opportunities in the United States, Europe, and around the world.

I invite you to explore our campus, experience our community's energy, and say hello. Together, we will continue building a school where all students feel valued, respected, and challenged to reach their full potential.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sonia Bustamante
Superintendent