American Nicaraguan School vs Nicaragua Christian Academy International

	A American Nicaraguan School Managua, Nicaragua	N Nicaragua Christian Academy International Managua, Nicaragua
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $139,172 - 318,631	Fees / year $203,631 - 309,841
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 893	Pupils 280
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1944	Opened 1991
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located in Managua, Nicaragua.	Location 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.
Stages	Stages The school is divided into Early Education Center (Pathways), Primary School, and Secondary School, with a Specialized Learning Program.	Stages Preschool, elementary, and secondary.
School type	School type The American Nicaraguan School is a private co-educational international day school with Catholic affiliation.	School type evangelical, non-denominational, non-profit preschool, elementary, and secondary educational institution.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 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%.	Pupil nationality mix 67 percent of students are Nicaraguan, 20 percent are North American, and 6 percent are Asian; the student body represents 19 countries.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support A Specialized Learning Program is available for students requiring additional support.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has an American educational affiliation.	Country affiliation 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.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has a Catholic affiliation with a Catholic Life programme.	Religious affiliation evangelical, non-denominational
School day structure	School day structure 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.	School day structure 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.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Entrance Fee • Entrance fee (Cuota de Ingreso): C$ 219,745.80 (approx. USD equivalent; no entrance fee for PK3–PK4). Tuition Fees (Monthly and Optional Annual Payments) • PK3 / PK4: C$ 13,917.23 per month. • Kindergarten: C$ 23,073.31 per month. • Grades 1–5: C$ 28,383.83 per month. • Grades 6–8: C$ 30,764.41 per month. • Grades 9–12: C$ 31,863.14 per month. Families may pay tuition monthly, quarterly, by semester, or annually. An 8% benefit applies for tuition paid in advance (annual payment). Annual / One-Time Fees • Registration fee (all students): C$ 14,649.72. • Activities & extracurriculars fee: C$ 8,789.83. • Technology fee: C$ 8,057.35 (PK3–Kindergarten) or C$ 12,818.51 (Grades 1–12). • PTO fee: C$ 366.24 per student. • Scholarship fund fee: C$ 1,831.22 per student. • Graduation fee (Grade 12): C$ 5,493.65. Special / Support Program Fees • Specialized English (ELL) or Spanish (SLL) language programs: C$ 10,987.29 per semester. • Specialized Learning support: ranges from C$ 10,987.29 to C$ 20,143.37 per semester depending on level and weekly frequency. Discounts and Multi-Child • Discounts on monthly tuition are available for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th children enrolled, varying by level (e.g., C$ 1,062.10 off for a 2nd child in Grades 1–5). Boarding • The school is a day school and does not offer boarding. Billing and Payment Terms • Tuition must be paid within the first 10 days of each billing period. An 8% late fee applies to overdue payments. Payments by credit card are accepted only through the school’s automatic debit program. Refunds • The entrance fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If a student attends any portion of a semester, 100% of that semester’s tuition is due. Payment Options • Payments are typically made in Córdobas; tuition may be paid monthly, quarterly, by semester, or annually. Credit card payments are processed via the Automatic Debit Program; bank transfers and checks are subject to additional fees if drawn on international accounts. All fees are current for the 2026–2027 academic year and are quoted in Nicaraguan Córdobas (C$). Approximate USD conversions vary with exchange rates.	Fee details Entrance / Application Fees - Entrance Fee (one-time, new students): C$ 146,497 (USD 4,000). This fee is required of all new students and is nonrefundable. The entrance fee may be paid in full at enrollment or in ten monthly payments. - Registration Fee (annual): C$ 9,522 (USD 260). This annual, nonrefundable registration fee covers textbooks, workbooks, classroom materials, and student accident insurance and must be paid to reserve the student's place. Annual Tuition (standard family-subsidized rates) - PK1 (age 3 by Sep 30): C$ 146,497 (USD 4,000) per year. - PK2 (age 4 by Sep 30): C$ 186,784 (USD 5,100) per year. - Kindergarten (age 5): C$ 194,109 (USD 5,300) per year. - Grades 1–6: C$ 249,045 (USD 6,800) per year. - Grades 7–12: C$ 263,695 (USD 7,200) per year. Corporate / Full-cost Rates (when an employer or organization pays full cost) - Entrance Fee (one-time, corporate rate): C$ 183,122 (USD 5,000). This fee is nonrefundable and is due upon entrance. - Registration Fee (annual, corporate): C$ 9,522 (USD 260). - Annual Tuition (corporate rates): - PK1: C$ 190,446 (USD 5,200). - PK2: C$ 241,720 (USD 6,600). - Kindergarten: C$ 263,695 (USD 7,200). - Grades 1–6: C$ 333,281 (USD 9,100). - Grades 7–12: C$ 369,905 (USD 10,100). Billing schedule and payment terms - Available payment plans for annual tuition: - One single payment before August 30 (3% discount on tuition). - Two payments (August and January). - Four payments (August, October, January, March). - Ten monthly payments (August–May). - The registration fee must be paid to reserve space; the entrance fee may be paid in full or in up to ten monthly payments (standard rate). Corporate entrance fee is due upon entrance. Other annual and recurring fees - Technology fee (P–12): C$ 7,325 (USD 200) per year. - Graduation fees: Kindergarten/6th grade C$ 3,662 (USD 100); 12th grade C$ 7,325 (USD 200). - ELD (English Language Development), if applicable: C$ 21,975 (USD 600). - Activities (per semester): Sports (Grades 1–6) C$ 1,831 (USD 50); Sports (Grades 7–12) C$ 3,479 (USD 95). - Bus service is available but is contracted and billed separately by the transportation provider (Transportes Cruz). Families pay the transport provider directly. Multi-child discounts and promotions - Tuition discounts for multiple children in the same family: 3rd child receives 25% off tuition; 4th child and beyond receive 35% off tuition. - Preschool promotion for 2026–2027: - Permanent discount for PK1 students enrolled in 2026–2027: USD 250 off per year for each year through graduation (applies from preschool through high school). - Entrance fee discount: if the entrance fee is paid in full before Kindergarten graduation, the entrance fee is reduced to USD 3,000. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school; transportation is arranged through an external bus provider billed separately. Refund information - The Entrance Fee (one-time) is nonrefundable. - The Registration Fee (annual) is nonrefundable. - No additional tuition refund terms are listed in the published tuition table. Fee payment options - The published tuition table specifies available payment schedules and discounts but does not list accepted payment channels (for example: credit card, in-person cash, or bank transfer). Families should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the school's finance office or admissions office.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement 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.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The Hungry Tiger food service and school bistro/cafeteria are available.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership 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.	Governance and ownership 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.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details 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.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 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.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression College and career counseling services are available.	Higher education progression 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.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning A counseling programme is available.	Social & emotional learning 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.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) A Specialized Learning Program is offered.	Special educational needs (SEN) 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.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language 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	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing 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.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding 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.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has a library, clinic, and health services.	Facilities overview NCA International sits on a 7-acre campus about three miles outside the southwest edge of Managua. The elevation provides cooler temperatures and breezes. The campus is lush with plants and greenery. It consists of six classroom buildings and a large multi-purpose Eagle Center, plus lunch areas, offices and athletic fields, courts and facilities. The property was purchased in 1995 and has grown with campus improvements over the years.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Athletics programmes include volleyball and swimming.	Sports facilities On-campus athletic facilities include athletic fields and courts. The athletics program focuses on soccer, basketball and volleyball, with varsity teams in the secondary grades and training camps for younger students. After-school sports camps for elementary students, called Eagles in Training, run for six one-hour sessions to develop skills. Intramural options are organized by the secondary Student Council for short after-school tournaments.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities A school library is available.	Academic facilities Campus facilities include six classroom buildings and a large multi-purpose Eagle Center. Lunch areas and offices are on campus, alongside athletic fields, courts and facilities. The elementary program includes library classes, and a library is available for student use. Computer labs support technology instruction during the day and are available for student use after school. The cafeteria serves food and beverages throughout the day. AP courses offered include AP Calculus AB, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature, AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature/Culture and AP Statistics.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After-school programmes are available across all divisions.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include Elementary and Secondary Student Councils, a Drama Club, and the National Honor Society. The HACIA Democracy conference is an annual activity the school participates in. Other activities include community service, Youth Group, Bible studies and retreats, a school newspaper, field trips and retreats.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The American Nicaraguan School was founded in 1944 and has been serving the international community in Managua for over 80 years.	History NCA International began as the result of three evangelical missionary families seeking an English-language Christian education for their own children, starting as a cooperative homeschool program in 1991 with two teachers and seven students. In 1995, NCA purchased land and began construction through the labor and donations of hundreds of volunteers and supporters. NCA International became the first ACSI-accredited school in Central America in 2001, and in 2009 added SACS/AdvancED accreditation through its parent organization, AdvancED. Today, NCA International has about 320 students and 33 teachers. In 2005, NCA Nejapa opened to offer Spanish-language education, and in 2013 NCA Matagalpa opened, with the three schools serving over 900 students.
Community	Community ANS community includes the diplomatic corps, foreign and local businesses, and international assistance groups working in Nicaragua. Parents and teachers participate through the Parent Teacher Organization, which provides a forum of participation and elects a Board of Directors to coordinate activities. The PTO hosts a variety of events throughout the year to connect, celebrate, and have fun, including Staff Luncheon, Welcome New Families, Open House PS, Open House SS, Fall Festival, Morning with Dad PS/SS, Morning with Mom PS/SS, and Teacher Appreciation Week. The campus sits on 26 acres in Managua and includes a 28,531-volume lending library and campus-wide high-speed Internet.	Community Nica Youth Group is a shared ministry between NCA International and International Christian Fellowship Managua, meeting at NCA International. It is open to students in grades 6-12 from NCA International, other schools, and homeschooling families. The group runs four regular events: Thrive for grades 6-8, Launch for grades 9-12, Amplify for worship and fellowship, and Serve for service outings, each roughly once a month on Friday evenings. A Middle School Retreat in April and a High School Retreat in May are also held.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association ANS encourages parents/guardians to become involved in activities at the school; all parents/guardians and teachers are members of the PTO, which provides a forum of participation. The PTO annually elects its Board of Directors to coordinate and execute activities at ANS. The PTO hosts a variety of community activities throughout the year to connect, celebrate, and have fun. Examples of events include Staff Luncheon, Open House PS, Open House SS, Fall Festival, Morning with Dad SS/PS, Morning with Mom SS/PS, Teacher Appreciation Week, Final PTO Meeting, Facilities Appreciation Day. The PTO contact is pto@ans.edu.ni.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Robotics and Debate clubs are offered. Honor Societies are available.	Academic & intellectual The program of study follows the North American school calendar year and provides an accredited North American liberal arts English-language education that prepares students to enter institutions of higher learning worldwide. It is fully accredited in the United States with Cognia (AdvancED) and ACSI. The education emphasizes holistic development of mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects and fosters critical thinking from a Biblical perspective. Students are encouraged to apply what they learn in service to God and humankind.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Visual and Performing Arts programmes with Honors in Art and Music.	Arts & creative Drama Club engages students in grades 7–12 in annual major drama or musical productions with after-school rehearsals; participants contribute as actors, stage crew, musicians, photographers/videographers, and audio/visual technicians. The Student Council also organizes performing arts events such as Talent Show.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school supports cross-cultural understanding and language-related engagement through the Global Leadership Development Program in Debate and international competitions. Debate features in the program with participation in AASCA Debate, PANAMUN, and HACIA Democracy. These activities promote discussion, cross-cultural communication, and language skills.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The After School Activities program welcomes over 500 students from Kinder to 12th grade and offers activities designed to support growth, wellness, and leadership beyond the classroom. Robotics, Debate, and other enrichment opportunities are offered as part of the program, fostering teamwork, creativity, and personal interests. The program emphasizes inclusive participation and ongoing opportunities beyond the regular school day.	Social & hobbies The Student Council plans and leads activities throughout the year, including events such as Talent Show, Intramural Soccer and Ultimate Frisbee, Box Lunch Social, Heroes of the Faith Celebration, and many other activities that foster school community.
Community & service	Community & service Community service is integrated into student life through clubs focused on service and social impact. Next Chapter centers on reading and learning, Green Club empowers environmental action, SHE supports education for girls, and Love for PAWS and Elder Care focus on care for animals and seniors. Catholic Life is an extracurricular program serving Pathways to 12th grade with weekly sessions under the Archdiocese.	Community & service National Honor Society members engage in leadership and service projects, including organizing the school's recycling program.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The College and Career Program guides students in grades 8–12 through a structured curriculum that builds self-awareness, career exploration, and college planning. Weekly PAW (Personalized Advancement Wednesdays) and CLAW (College/Career & Leadership Advancement Wednesdays) offer career and leadership development, taught by credentialed professionals and following curricula from leading organizations. The Internship Program provides 10th and 11th graders real-world professional experience, and the Senior Capstone Project enables students to design and implement a project with community impact. Parents participate in engagement sessions to stay informed about grade-level goals and the college application journey.	Leadership & professional Student Council develops leadership abilities among students and serves as a channel of communication between students and staff. National Honor Society emphasizes leadership and service, and HACIA Democracy provides a platform for debate, diplomacy, and policy discussion through an annual Harvard-sponsored model conference.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics including volleyball and swimming. Summer camp for ages 3-12.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics include intramural soccer and ultimate Frisbee. Additional extra-curricular activities include Community Service, Youth Group, Bible Studies and Retreats.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and Spanish are both languages of instruction.	Language provision The school teaches in English and provides an accredited North American liberal arts English-language education. The program follows the North American school calendar year and prepares students to enter institutions of higher learning worldwide.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school operates as a bilingual institution with English and Spanish instruction.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Language immersion in English and Spanish is provided from the youngest learners through 12th grade. All children develop literacy skills in both languages, with ELL/SLL support for eligible students. The Language team screens students in August to determine eligibility and, if eligible, ELL or SLL services begin by the first week of September; these services incur an additional charge. Mastery is tracked in both languages, while other subjects are assessed in English (levels range from Level 1 Entering to Level 5 Bridging).	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations null	Accreditations Dual U.S. accreditation through Cognia (AdvancED) and accreditation by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI); NCA International was the first school in Central America to be accredited by ACSI. The school is fully authorized by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education (MINED) to issue the Bachillerato degree, and many graduates receive both a Nicaraguan and a U.S. diploma.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 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.	Admissions 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.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school has a Fondo de becas (Scholarship Fund). A Scholarship Fee per student is C$1,831.22.	Scholarships 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.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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