Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
The school is located in Managua, Nicaragua.
The school is divided into Early Education Center (Pathways), Primary School, and Secondary School, with a Specialized Learning Program.
The American Nicaraguan School is a private co-educational international day school with Catholic affiliation.
Diversity includes Nicaraguan 70.10%, USA & Canada 19.15%, Asian 5.82%, Latin American (exc. Nic) 3.70%, European 1.12%, Africa 0.11%, Dual citizens (U.S./Nicaraguan) 27.44%.
A Specialized Learning Program is available for students requiring additional support.
The school has an American educational affiliation.
The school has a Catholic affiliation with a Catholic Life programme.
The 2024–2025 calendar has two semesters totaling 180 instructional days; the first semester runs from mid-August to mid-December, and the second from mid-January to early June.
Secondary students (grades 6-12) must wear the school uniform. The formal uniform consists of a white and green polo-style shirt with the school emblem, navy dress pants, and an official ANS white sweatshirt (purchased at the Tiger Store); a P.E. uniform is worn for physical education.
The Hungry Tiger food service and school bistro/cafeteria are available.
The American Nicaraguan School is a non-profit, coeducational institution governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, primarily elected by the parent community and supplemented by a U.S. Embassy appointee. It is accredited by Cognia and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education.
The school follows an American curriculum with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), AP Computer Science (CS50), and Visual and Performing Arts with Honors in Art and Music.
College and career counseling services are available.
A counseling programme is available.
A Specialized Learning Program is offered.
1. To apply, complete the Student Admission Request Form or the PDF version. The Shared Teacher Recommendation Form must be submitted for all applicants, and for PK3–5th grade include the Parent Questionnaire for the appropriate grade. Official school transcripts and/or report cards from previous schools should be provided, along with recent standardized test scores if available. 2. Submit a copy of the birth certificate, copies of both parents' IDs, and immunization records. Recent sight and hearing exams are required for PK3 through 5th grade, and Educational Support Documentation should be provided if applicable. 3. After submission, the Admissions Committee reviews the application and provides feedback on next steps. The review ensures alignment with program requirements and readiness for the next phase. Families should be prepared to supply any additional information requested. 4. An official decision is communicated by email from the Admissions Office. The email outlines any enrollment actions required and the timeline for next steps. Families should respond promptly to confirm the next steps. 5. The school offers rolling admissions, allowing families to join at any time during the year. This flexibility accommodates varying start dates due to relocation or travel plans. The Admissions team can assist with arranging tours or information sessions as needed. 6. Originals should be submitted upon arrival in Nicaragua. The Admissions Office will acknowledge receipt and provide guidance on next steps.
The school has a Fondo de becas (Scholarship Fund). A Scholarship Fee per student is C$1,831.22.
Km 10.5, Carretera Sur, 800 meters to the west, Managua, Nicaragua.
Kindergarten; Primary; Secondary; GIB and beyond
Psychology; Student counseling
Germany
Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
The school is recognized by the German Federal Government as a German School Abroad and is part of the IB World School network.
The school is a trilingual and bicultural educational institution. German and Spanish are the languages of instruction, with English taught as a third language. German begins in Kindergarten and is developed throughout schooling, enabling exchange with Germany. The German Language Diploma (DSD) is part of the language program, and completion of studies opens access to universities in Germany and worldwide. The school is recognized by the German Federal Government as a German School Abroad and is an IB World School. Teaching uses modern, cooperative methods with group work, differentiated support for language learning, inclusion for students with special needs, and ongoing teacher training and interdisciplinary projects.
The school prepares students for university in Germany and around the world.
The school provides a school psychological support program for students with special needs (inclusion). Differentiated groups and assessment instruments support learning, and a psychopedagogical office assists student development. The Kindergarten aims to develop social and emotional skills through recognizing emotions and identity as part of bio-psycho-social-emotional growth. Daily routines such as the morning circle foster social interaction and emotional development.
Differentiated groups are used to support learners. A psychopedagogical office provides support, and there is a school psychological support program for students with special needs (inclusion).
The school teaches in three languages: Spanish, German, and English. German and Spanish are languages of instruction, while English is taught as a third language, with high proficiency in both Spanish and English. German is taught from Kindergarten and deepens through schooling, with pathways to the German Language Diploma (DSD). In Kindergarten, the language program uses semi-immersion by native German and Spanish speakers.
A school psychological support program supports student wellbeing and inclusion. A psychologist is on staff in the Kindergarten. Counseling services include university and career guidance to support students' wellbeing and future planning.
The Kindergarten pedagogy emphasizes safety and protection with a psychopedagogical office on site. The APF lists a Security and Hygiene commission to oversee safety and hygiene.
1. Kinder admission requirements: Original birth certificate; Copy of the vaccination card; Meet the age requirement for each level (as of the last day of February of the academic year); Transfer sheet of the student's unique code issued by the Ministry of Education applies (for Levels II and III); Certificate of conduct and solvency from the previous school; Psychopedagogical evaluation; Copy of the guardians' identification cards; Pass the observation and maturity test administered by the German-Nicaraguan School; Pass the admission exam.
2. Enrollment in First Grade: Original birth certificate; Copy of the vaccination card; Academic evaluation; Certificate of conduct and solvency from the previous school; Transfer sheet of the Ministry of Education's Unique Student Code; Psychopedagogical evaluation; Ophthalmological examination; Audiometry examination; Pass the observation and maturity test administered by the German-Nicaraguan School; Pass the admission exam; Copy of the guardians' identification cards.
3. Fees for 2025: Annual tuition: US$ 300.00; Entrance fee (Kinder): US$ 1,000.00 – one-time payment; Entrance fee (School): US$ 1,300.00 – one-time payment; Monthly tuition to be paid from January to December: Maternal US$ 268.00; I, II and III Level US$ 323.00; Primary US$ 385.00; Secondary US$ 403.00; Other costs: Parents' association US$ 10.00; Student card US$ 4.00; Continuity fund varies with the number of students; Maintenance fee US$ 110.00; Technology fee (primary and secondary) US$ 140; School insurance US$ 45; Yearbook US$ 20; Bus service is offered and managed by the school; Extracurricular costs; Fees subject to variation.
4.
Students requesting admission to NDIS should complete the following steps: Fill out the Application Form Copy of the Birth Certificate Letter of financial clearance from the previous school Vaccine Records (only Nursery and Primary School). Students from 6th through 12th grade must present a Health
ni HOME ABOUT US PROGRAMS INQUIRERS (PYP) INDEPENDENT THINKERS (MYP) GLOBAL CITIZENS (DP) STUDENT LIFE ADMISSIONS IB SCHOOL MISSION Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, holistic, multilingual, multicultural, and internationally oriented Catholic education of the highest quality. ni HOME ABOUT
Notre Dame International School | Faith – Honor – Wisdom &
Our students not only excel academically but also develop the social-emotional skills and intercultural understanding essential to thrive in today's interconnected world. Students from 6th through 12th grade must present a Health Certificate Pre-school students: Official last Report Card Students fr
Nicaragua
Notre Dame International School | Faith – Honor – Wisdom &
Sabiduría para buscar el conocimiento y aplicarlo en todos los ámbitos de nuestra vida.
The school is a day school.
Since our foundation, Notre Dame International School has remained steadfast in nurturing an inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual environment.
Notre Dame International School | Faith – Honor – Wisdom &
Students from 6th through 12th grade must present a Health Certificate Pre-school students: Official last Report Card Students from 1st to 6th grade: Original and copy of the transcripts from previous
Students from 6th through 12th grade must present a Health Certificate Pre-school students: Official last Report Card Students from 1st to 6th grade: Original and copy of the transcripts from previous school (in English or Spanish) from the last three years (if applies) Students from 7th to 12th gra
Our students not only excel academically but also develop the social-emotional skills and intercultural understanding essential to thrive in today's interconnected world. An interview with the School Counselor is required.
Our students not only excel academically but also develop the social-emotional skills and intercultural understanding essential to thrive in today's interconnected world. Students from 6th through 12th grade must present a Health Certificate Pre-school students: Official last Report Card Students from 1st to 6th grade: Original and copy of the transcripts from previous school (in English or Spanis
Students from 6th through 12th grade must present a Health Certificate Pre-school students: Official last Report Card Students from 1st to 6th grade: Original and copy of the transcripts from previous school (in English or Spanish) from the last three years (if applies) Students from 7th to 12th grade: Original and copy of the transcripts from previous school (in English or Spanish) from the last
Mental wellbeing is supported as part of the IB learner profile, which emphasizes balance and holistic development.
There are safeguarding and student welfare processes, including a student counseling service that supports socio-emotional and psychopedagogical needs with confidential handling of student information.
+505 2276-0353 | +505 7656-7999 admissions@notredame. ni HOME ABOUT US PROGRAMS INQUIRERS (PYP) INDEPENDENT THINKERS (MYP) GLOBAL CITIZENS (DP) STUDENT LIFE ADMISSIONS IB SCHOOL MISSION Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, holistic, multilingual, multicultural, and internationally oriented Catholic education of the highest quality. Our ultimate goal is to prepare students for admission to and success in the world's leading universities, to equip them for fulfilling lives, and to empower th
Notre Dame International School has college counseling partnerships with universities that offer scholarships to senior students. For example, Universidad Anáhuac Cancún provides a 100% academic scholarship to one senior; Maria Alejandra Urroz is a former recipient. Universidad Europea del Atlántico offers a 100% academic scholarship to a senior studying Computer Engineering and may provide a 1,000€ scholarship for other majors. The Global First Year program with Florida International University includes a $5,000 scholarship for qualified students ranking in the top third of their graduating class, with additional benefits such as admissions process adjustments and a Global Citizenship Course certificate. The school also notes an educational alliance with Tecnológico de Monterrey and a collaboration with Your College Crew for admissions consulting.
Located at Km 11.2 Carretera Vieja a León, Managua, Nicaragua. The campus sits just outside Managua on the main highway. It is easily accessible by road.
Preschool, elementary, and secondary.
evangelical, non-denominational, non-profit preschool, elementary, and secondary educational institution.
67 percent of students are Nicaraguan, 20 percent are North American, and 6 percent are Asian; the student body represents 19 countries.
Affiliation with the United States education system; Accredited in the United States by Cognia (AdvancED) and ACSI; follows North American standards and the North American school calendar.
evangelical, non-denominational
The School Day runs 7:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. for Preschool and Kindergarten; 7:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. for Elementary and High School.
NCA International is part of the Association of Nicaragua Christian Academy. All three NCA schools are governed by a seven-member school board elected by the General Assembly of Missionary Parents.
Comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum at all levels. It follows a North American school calendar year and is based on a United States and international school framework with integration of Spanish and Nicaraguan social studies. Textbooks come from Pearson Education, McGraw-Hill, BJU Press, ACSI, and Christian Schools International. The Spanish program uses Nacho Nicaragüense and Roger Matus Lazo Ediciones. An Accelerated Reading program is incorporated into English language arts for grades 1–8.
Preschool 15–20 students per class; Elementary 22–24 students per class; Secondary 22–25 students per class. Each level is taught by a certified teacher with several teacher assistants.
About 60% of NCA graduates enroll in four-year universities in the United States; about 30% continue studies in Nicaragua; remaining 10% attend universities in Europe or Asia, enter military service, or begin their careers.
NCA International integrates a Biblical worldview in every class and promotes spiritual and social growth through structured programs. Bible classes are offered across all levels, including Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Foundations, Faith and Discipleship, Biblical Ethics, and World Religions. Chapel programs involve the school chaplain and regular worship activities, with students participating in small groups to discuss Scripture and pray, fostering healthy relationships and leadership development. The school encourages service and community engagement through Faith in Action and various community service opportunities. Retreats and a Student Leadership framework provide ongoing opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership, and peer community under the oversight of the Spiritual Life initiatives.
NCA International runs an inclusive SOAAR Program that supports students with a range of learning needs, including those with disabilities, within general education classrooms wherever possible. Students may have an individualized education program (IEP) or accommodation plan (AP) to tailor learning in a least restrictive environment, with services such as modified or adapted curricula, behavior and social skills support (including Circle of Friends), reading remediation (Wilson Reading Program), and access to a SOAAR classroom or resource support. Additional provisions include after-school tutoring, alternative assessment options, and consultations with experts in speech and language, occupational, and physical therapy through Tesoro de Dios and other providers, plus classroom assistant support as needed. The program is designed to welcome English-speaking students with disabilities, with a dedicated Student Support Team guiding admissions on a case-by-case basis. The SOAAR staff includes certified specialists and a school counseling team to support learning and well-being.
The program of study follows the North American school calendar and provides an accredited North American liberal arts, English-language education, preparing students to enter higher education worldwide. Instruction is delivered in English and the school is accredited by Cognia (AdvancED) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Mental wellbeing is supported through dedicated counseling resources and a faith-centered, community-based approach to student life. The SOAAR Program includes the school psychologist and a high school counselor as part of its staff, providing evaluations, counseling, and guidance. Spiritual Growth activities—Bible classes, chapels, small groups, and youth group—support emotional and relational health within a Christian context, complemented by servant-leadership and community service opportunities.
The school promotes healthy and safe development of all students and adheres to a Child Protection Policy, as reflected in the Family Covenant and school policies. The Family Covenant requires parents to uphold child-protection standards and to collaborate with the school using Biblical principles, while the Inclusion and Non-Discrimination statements affirm a commitment to safe, respectful learning environments for all students. The ATODS policy (Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs and Sexual Activity) governs student conduct, with clear notification and reporting procedures. Together, these policies establish safeguarding, clear reporting channels, and ongoing policy adherence within the school community.
NCA International enrolls about 300 students from preschool through twelfth grade, with roughly 55% from Nicaraguan families and most of the remainder children of international missionaries. Admission requires an age-based placement with a September 30 cutoff (PK1 for 3-year-olds, PK2 for 4-year-olds, Kindergarten for 5-year-olds; first grade should be six years old; children who do not turn three by September 30 are not eligible). English fluency is required for entry into PK2 and above, as determined by an entrance evaluation and interview. A family partnership is required; a family interview is conducted for all new families, and the school emphasizes commitment to its Christian philosophy, expectations, and policies. Classes are capped at 15 in PK1, 18 in PK2, 20 in Kindergarten, 22 in Grades 1–3, and 24 in Grades 4–12. The school primarily serves evangelical missionary families, but all families are welcome to apply. Admission steps include submitting documents, an entrance evaluation (either a recent English-language test for transfers from American schools or an on-site evaluation; PK1 does not require an evaluation but must be potty-trained and 3 by Sep 30), and family/student interviews (student interviews for Grades 7–12). For the normal admissions cycle, all steps should be completed by the third Friday in April, with decisions communicated by email before May 15; late and midyear applications are considered only if space is available. Upon acceptance, families meet with the business administrator, sign a payment contract, and pay a non-refundable registration fee of $260 per student.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides financial support to families; about 20% of students receive TAP, and assistance can cover up to 75% of tuition. TAP is funded both by internal tithing and external gifts, and it is not a single-child sponsorship; there is a formal process to review TAP applications. Donations to TAP can be made through Resourcing Christian Education (RCE) International for U.S. contributions. The program operates as a partnership between the schools and supporters to help families in need access the program.
