Gimnasio El Hontanar

Gimnasio El Hontanar structures its academic approach on pedagogical theories that respond to current needs. The learning process starts from experience and reflection and emphasizes applying what has been learned in real contexts to support the student's integral development and commitment to the community. Competence is defined as putting knowledge into practice, so learning is evident when students can use what they have learned in everyday life. Teaching for Understanding guides the academic process, and Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences informs the school's project‑based approach.

The school offers programs for music (choir, guitar, keyboards, violin), art, dance, and marching band. Artistic skills developed by students are regularly exhibited at project fairs, talent shows, Christmas shows, inter‑school activities, and various student performances at festivals. Students participate in performances and exhibitions that showcase their talents. These activities are integrated into the school's program.

Students study a bilingual Spanish‑English curriculum, with proficiency assessed through Cambridge University examinations at different levels. Complementary activities reinforce language acquisition, and the institution offers summer camps or student exchanges in Canada or England. Gimnasio El Hontanar has an agreement with the Alberta Educational Division in Canada for immersion trips, and with Buckswood School in England for academic exchanges. The language policy emphasizes Spanish as the official language and promotes learning a second language to connect with a global community, complementing the IB mission and its communicative component.

Sport activities are promoted through collaboration with nearby clubs, and large sports fields support soccer, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading. During school hours, students participate in additional activities such as swimming, horseback riding, taekwondo, tennis, ballet, figure skating, hockey, golf, squash, bowling, ultimate Frisbee, fitness, Pilates, spinning, and other options. Artistic activities include music, art, dance, and marching band, with performances at fairs and festivals. Extracurricular activities strengthen self‑esteem and expressive abilities within the school.

Gimnasio El Hontanar has adopted the CHARACTER COUNTS! program to develop institutional values. The program centers on pillars such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and related ethical virtues. The pillars guide activities including community service and volunteering and promote a culture of ethical behavior. The program supports personal and social growth through actions that benefit the school and wider community.

The School Government at Gimnasio El Hontanar comprises the General Director, Principal, Board of Directors, Administration Board, Coexistence Coordinator, Academic Council, Student Council, and Student President. A democratically elected School Government Committee includes a student representative, a teacher representative, and an administrator representative for a one‑year term. The committee organizes the government, registers candidates, conducts elections, and presents the results through official acts. It also reviews candidate resumes, advises on program feasibility, and periodically verifies compliance with the electoral process.

The Welfare and Support Services department leads the personal and social growth program. The Psychology Department includes three educational and juvenile psychologists who support students and staff with social isolation, emotional regulation, risk of addictive conduct, and academic difficulties, and run preventive activities through the Character Counts! program. Occupational Therapy focuses on attention, handwriting, and motor skills to strengthen the learning process. Speech Therapy assesses and helps with speech, articulation, reading, and writing, and a school nurse is on site during the day; Chaplain services provide spiritual guidance at formal functions and in school life.