About Us:

America Latina Schools and Ministries is the fruit of a dream that God gave to the hearts of Dr. Virgil Zapata and his wife, Bea.  Both born in Latin America and educated in North America, they had the cultural and academic combination necessary to undertake the task of meting the needs of the Guatemalan people.  Because they had dedicated their lives to preaching the Gospel to Latin people, they possessed the spiritual vision and passion to reach the hearts and souls of the Guatemalans for God through much needed education.  Thus, America Latina Schools were born as the first Christian high school in Guatemala.  From its inception, the school has been a leader in educations, in Christian Education and in other innovative programs in Guatemala.

In January of 1954, the doors of this education center opened with prayer, the Bible and $25.00 that Dr. Zapata had dedicated to God and to the your of Guatemala. During the first year, 154 students enrolled in classes.  Today, it serves over 4,000, and has already graduated more than 9,000.  All have heard the Gospel.  Many are in heaven today because they accepted Christ as their Savior at school.  Many are pastors, missionaries and evangelists, after having dedicated their lives to ministry while they ere in school.  Many are professionals and high government officials, giving a clear testimony of Jesus, because they once heard of Him at America Latina.

America Latina schools and ministries serve children and young people from K-13th.  We cater to lower middle class children and in one of our schools we have full scholarships for all the children.  Thus, we have over 300 students with financial aid.

While preaching in small villages 44 years ago, Dr. Zapata saw the educational needs of many pastors who barely know how to read and write.  Education by Extension was born to serve those adults in need of grade school and high school education.  To this day, pastors and their families, those with special disabilities and other special needs are helped financially so they may continue studying.

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