Cofounder
Amanda Cásares Zurita
Essential part of the educational and spiritual vision that gave origin to the school.
The School
More than half a century forming people with purpose.
Founded on March 19, 1969 by the Cásares Zurita sisters, the school originated as the preschool “Toby and Lulú”, a school only for girls, and over time it became — at the request of parents and representatives — the mixed and comprehensive institution we know today as Colegio "San José", a social and educational beacon for Catia La Mar.
Founders
The pioneering women who planted the foundations and identity of our school.
Behind each classroom built, each daily gesture of care, and each educational dream we see materialized today, were four extraordinary women. With unwavering faith, admirable discipline, and a deep love for the community, they undertook the challenge of building from scratch not only a physical structure but also a home of learning that has transformed the lives of entire generations.
Cofounder
Inocencia Cásares Zurita
Committed to the integral formation and personal growth of each student.
Cofounder
América Cásares de Massó
Guided its first steps from its foundation as the preschool “Toby and Lulú”.
Cofounder
Elizabeth Cásares Zurita
Part of the family effort that consolidated it as an educational reference in Catia La Mar.
Mission and vision
To form people capable of doing excellent things, taking advantage of opportunities, and turning difficulties into positive actions that transcend the classrooms, with higher preparation and integrity, capable of undertaking any goal or career in higher education with excellence.
To be a prosperous, advanced school, a promoter of universal knowledge, with a constant and permanent projection toward excellence.
- Respect — Honor the coexistence and identity of each member of the community.
- Solidarity — Promote mutual support and collective work for the common good.
- Commitment — Encourage responsibility in each action, as the foundation for building conscious citizens.
- Justice — Teach the value of equity as a principle in daily interaction.
Key milestones
- 1969 · Foundation of the preschool “Toby and Lulú” for girls in the hills of Catia La Mar, under the direction of América Cásares de Massó.
- 1970s · Move to Urb. Atlántida and opening of mixed courses and primary education (1st to 6th grade), at the request of parents and representatives.
- 1980 · Opening of high school (basic cycle and diversified middle), under the direction of Professor Amalia Rojas de Ferrer.
- 2024-2025 · The school serves 527 students, from early education to secondary, with around 50 teachers and administrative staff, under the direction of Professor Pedro L. Hernández.
- June 2026 · The earthquake that shook the state of La Guaira severely damaged the school infrastructure, which began its reconstruction campaign.
Community role
The school did not only teach classes: it was a space for sports, social, and community gatherings. Its sports court and large central patio were used by students and, at times, by the school community, strengthening the bond between families and students.
After the earthquake, reconstruction is not just a physical effort: it is the recovery of a center that represented hope for many generations.