International Schools Directory

The American Nicaraguan School is a private, nonsectarian coeducational school, which offers an educational program from Nursery (3 years) through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded in 1944. The school year comprises 2 semesters extending from August to December and from January to June. The School is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors, with 6 members elected by the Association Pro-Escuela Americana, the sponsor of the School, and one voting member appointed by the U.S. Embassy. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the School. The School is incorporated and has tax-exempt status in Nicaragua, but not in the United States. The curriculum is comparable to that offered in college-preparatory schools of similar size in the United States and also includes the Nicaraguan Bachillerato program. English is the language of instruction at all levels. Spanish is the required subject of study throughout the system and English-Spanish bilingualism is a major curricula objective. Most graduates enter colleges and universities in the United States. The School also offers a 16-step English Language Institute program in English-as-a-Foreign-Language on Saturday mornings and evenings. The School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education. Its standards based curriculum includes 17 Advanced Placement offerings. TheSchool owns a 26-acre campus which contains 81 classroom units, science laboratories, physical education facilities, playground, sports fields, and a full instructional media center consisting of libraries, meeting rooms, and computer labs housed in the technology building. There is also a resource center, an audio visual room, a food court, and 8 apartments for recruited teachers on campus.