Compare International Schools in Samana, Dominican republic

Samana International Academy is located on a 16,000+ m2 (4+ acres) property in Juana Vicenta, Samana, Dominican Republic, on the main road between Samana city and Las Terrenas. The grounds are gated and include more than 30 fruit and vegetable trees, coffee and cacao plants, two natural springs, horses, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs, with 180-degree views of the Samana Bay, the Los Haitises mountains, and nearby Cayo Levantado and Cayo La Farola. Classes are held in open-air classrooms and outdoor settings to support outdoor, nature-based learning.

Kiwis - 5K & 1st Grade; Mangos - 2nd & 3rd Grade; Coconuts - 4th & 5th Grade; Dragon fruits - 6th thru 8th Grade. The school serves students ages 5–14 and uses multi-age groupings (ages 5–6, 7–9, 9–11, 12–14).

Independent private school. Owned and independently operated. Uses a United States-based curriculum blending Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, and Montessori philosophies; Most instructors are bilingual and all classes are taught in English, with Spanish and French offered.

Small class sizes (less than 12:1) and one-on-one tutoring for students needing extra support. Academic support hours run August 14 through June 4, and schedules can be customized.

Not affiliated with the Dominican Republic Ministry of Education.

Academic year runs August 14 through June 4; daily hours are Monday–Thursday from 8:30 to 3:45. A typical day includes morning and afternoon instructional blocks, language instruction, nature studies, art, music, and project-based learning, with classes held in open-air classrooms and outdoor settings.

No formal uniform; clothing should be suitable for outdoor play.

The school is owned and independently operated. Founders are Jason and Emily Ryan.

The curriculum blends Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, and Montessori philosophies. It uses a United States–based, rigor-focused curriculum designed to be college preparatory. Outdoor exploration forms the foundation of learning, with hands-on, project-based instruction across science, technology, engineering, art, music, history, geography, entrepreneurship, and field trips. Classes are taught in English, with Spanish and French lessons and ESL tutoring available; teaching is organized in multi-age groups for ages 5–14, with class sizes under 12 students per teacher.

Less than 12:1

The school provides a nurturing and supportive community for children and families, with an inclusive environment where students thrive academically and grow into compassionate, responsible citizens with a strong sense of purpose and connection to the world around them.

The school offers one-on-one tutoring for children who need extra support.

All classes are taught in English, with Spanish and French lessons offered; ESL tutoring is available for students.

Holistic and experiential education in outdoor, open-air settings supports student well-being through nature, community, and character development.

1. Eligibility and grade structure. Samana International Academy is open to all children ages 4 and up. For the 2025-2026 school year, the school offers grades 5K through 8th. Classes are organized as Kiwis (5K & 1st Grade), Mangos (2nd & 3rd Grade), Coconuts (4th & 5th Grade), and Dragon fruits (6th through 8th Grade).

2. Application submission. Use the 2025-2026 Application Form and fill in all information completely. The form requests family information, student information, and background information. Applications must be approved by the Samana International Administrative Team before the applicant is considered a member of the school. The school reserves the right to deny applications for any reason without explanation.

3. Transcripts and materials.” Transcripts should be provided as part of the application process.

4. Administrative review. All applications must be approved by the Administrative Team before enrollment is confirmed. The school may deny any application for any reason without explanation.

5. Placement testing. Levels are based on English Language Arts and Math placement tests given before admission by the parent. If desired, the instructor can administer the tests upon request; specific links are provided for ELA and Math testing.

6. Registration and initial payment. Registration fees are due by July 1 to secure a seat. The first month's tuition is due by August 13.

7. Tuition structure and payment options. Level-based tuition is listed as follows: Kindergarten $3,000 USD annually, Grades 1–2 $4,000 USD, Grades 3–4 $4,500 USD, Grades 7–8 $5,500 USD. A level-specific Registration Fee is required (e.g., Kindergarten $300). Fifty percent of tuition is due by July 1 and the remaining 50% by July 15. Discounts include 15% off full annual tuition paid by July 15 and 10% off full semester paid by July 15 and December 13. Monthly payments are available, and a late fee of $50 applies if payment is late after the 1st. Sibling discounts apply as well.

8. Availability and class size. The school strives to maintain a maximum of 12 students per level in Levels 2–8; availability should be confirmed before traveling to Samana for enrollment.

9. Enrollment period and policies. The 2025–2026 school year runs from August 13, 2025 to May 28, 2026. Enrollment is non-refundable once a student is enrolled. Continued enrollment requires that assignments be submitted and tuition payments remain current; failure to meet these requirements may result in the loss of enrollment status.