Domínico Americano School vs Saint Thomas School

	D Domínico Americano School Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic	S Saint Thomas School Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year DOP 6,140 - 8,180	Fees / year DOP 7,750 - 13,400
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 800	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1987	Opened 1995
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The main campus is at Av. Abraham Lincoln 21, Santo Domingo. The Domínico Americano School describes itself as part of an authentic binational community. It uses a USA-type school curriculum enabling transfer to and from accredited American or Dominican institutions.	Location Located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The campus is in the Arroyo Hondo Viejo area and spans over 10,000 square meters. The address is Juan Tomas Mejía y Cotes #43, Arroyo Hondo Viejo, Santo Domingo.
Stages	Stages Preschool; Elementary; Middle School; High School	Stages Early Childhood (Nido to Kinder); Elementary School (First through Fifth); Middle & High School (Sixth through Twelfth).
School type	School type Binational school with USA-type curriculum	School type Private educational institution offering preschool through high school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ESL program; SSL program	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States	Country affiliation Dominican Republic; Ministry of Education recognizes Saint Thomas School as operating at primary and secondary levels.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / New-admission fee - New-admission (registration) fee for new students or students re-entering after three or more years off roll: US$600 for Preschool; US$800 for School (primary/secondary). Tuition fees (annual) by year group - Preschool (annual tuition, in US$): - Toddler: US$3,900. - Nursery: US$3,900. - Pre-Kinder: US$4,100. - Kinder: US$4,600. - Elementary / Primary (annual tuition, in US$): - 1st grade: US$5,100. - 2nd grade: US$5,500. - 3rd grade: US$5,700. - 4th grade: US$5,800. - 5th grade: US$5,900. - Middle School (annual tuition, in US$): - 6th grade: US$5,900. - 7th grade: US$6,100. - 8th grade: US$6,300. - High School (annual tuition, in US$): - 9th grade: US$6,600. - 10th grade: US$6,900. - 11th grade: US$7,100. - 12th grade: US$7,200. - Tuition amounts are quoted as annual fees in US dollars. The school offers a variety of payment plans that divide the annual tuition into equal consecutive installments; the per-installment amount equals the annual tuition divided by the number of installments selected under the chosen plan. Books, curriculum resources & technology (one-off at registration) - These fees are paid in full at registration and are not eligible for discounts or financing. Fees (US$) by grade: Toddler US$280; Nursery US$280; Pre-Kinder US$280; Kinder US$490; 1st US$590; 2nd US$640; 3rd US$640; 4th US$590; 5th US$590; 6th US$590; 7th US$580; 8th US$650; 9th US$620; 10th US$620; 11th US$720; 12th US$720. The kit includes school resources and technology items specified in the registration component. Other mandatory and occasional fees - Parent Committee fee: RD$2,500.00 per family. - Graduation / recognition fees: Kinder US$70; 6th grade US$70; 8th grade US$70; 12th grade US$260. - Special academic program fees: Annual fee US$340 applies to certain programs (examples shown include Advanced Placement, SAT / College Board-related and National Honor Society components); ESL / SSL and other special-program fees are charged in full at registration or when assigned. Sports program subsidy requires a semester payment (sports contribution indicated as US$100 per semester where a 75% subsidy applies in specified levels). Billing schedule and payment terms - First payment at registration: the initial payment includes the first tuition installment plus any applicable book/resource kit, admission fee (if applicable), program fees and graduation fees. Subsequent installments follow the selected payment plan in equal consecutive payments starting the month of registration. - Payment-plan options: plans are offered that permit payment in a single payment or multiple consecutive installments (examples shown in the school schedule include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9-installment plans). Early-payment discounts and interest charges vary by plan and payment method; sample discounts in the published plan matrix include a 10% discount for the single-payment option, 5% for a two-payment option, and 2.5% for a three-payment option when paid by the stated deadlines. Exact plan selection deadlines and any financing interest depend on the plan chosen; the school publishes specific cut-off dates for each plan (examples of plan-deadline dates are May 29–31, June 30, July 31 and August 7, 2026, depending on the plan). Families choosing recurring credit-card plans are required to register a credit card to activate automatic payments; paper or in-person payment at the school cashier and direct bank transfers are also accepted. Late-payment charges apply to overdue instalments. - Late registration: the last day to register for the school year without a late-registration fee is listed as August 3, 2026; late-payment fees are applied to overdue plan payments. Refund and withdrawal policy - The new-admission (registration) charge is non-refundable. - Refund of tuition: the policy states that up to 70% of the tuition payment may be refunded if parents submit a written withdrawal and refund request to school administration before July 31, 2026; no tuition refunds are issued after that date. Specific administrative procedures must be followed to request the refund. Boarding / residential provision - The Domínico Americano School operates as a day school and does not publish boarding or residential fees; boarding is not applicable. Fee-payment methods and practical instructions - Accepted payment methods: payment in cash or by credit card at the school cashier; bank transfer to the school's accounts; and recurring credit-card payments (automatic debit) for eligible plans. Payments in Dominican pesos are converted using the daily Banco Popular exchange rate shown at the time of payment. Families paying by bank transfer must send the payment proof to pagosdas@icda.edu.do and include parent identification, contact details, student name and the selected payment plan; request for an official fiscal invoice (NCF) must be made when sending the payment proof. Bank accounts are listed in the school's published registration documents (accounts in RD$ and US$ with Banco de Reservas and Banco Popular). Notes on timing and applicability - All figures above are the published amounts for the 2026–2027 school year and apply under the school's stated registration, payment-plan and refund policies for that academic year.	Fee details Application fees - No public, fixed application fee amount is published. The school's pre-registration and admissions process indicates that families must complete a pre-registration form and will be contacted to schedule an in-person visit where all admission details are provided. Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year) - The school does not publish a detailed tuition schedule for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, or High School on the publicly accessible admissions/pre-registration information. Specific per-term and per-year tuition figures are not available in the school's public admissions materials. Families are provided full fee details during the admissions meeting that follows pre-registration. Billing schedule and payment terms - A public billing schedule (for example: number of payments per year, due dates by term, or penalties for late payment) is not posted in the school's public admissions or pre-registration materials. Billing and payment terms are handled through the admissions office and are communicated directly to families during the in-person admissions meeting after pre-registration. Boarding fees (if applicable) - Saint Thomas School operates as a day school for Preschool through Grade 12; there is no published information indicating an on-campus boarding program or boarding fees. No boarding fee schedule is available. Other costs and fees (uniforms, books, transport, extracurriculars, deposits, technology, exam fees) - No itemized public schedule for additional costs such as uniforms, textbooks, transportation, extracurricular fees, enrollment deposit, technology fees, or external exam fees is posted in the publicly available admissions or pre-registration materials. These ancillary costs are provided to families as part of the admissions packet or during the in-person admissions meeting. Refund information - There is no publicly posted refund policy or schedule (for application fees, deposits, or tuition) in the school's admissions or pre-registration pages. Refund terms are communicated directly to families during the admissions process. Fee payment options (credit card, bank transfer, checks, installments) - A public list of accepted payment methods is not provided in the admissions or pre-registration information. Payment methods and options are addressed by the admissions office and explained to families during the admissions meeting following pre-registration. How families receive fee information - Families must complete the school's pre-registration form. After pre-registration, the school contacts the family to schedule an in-person visit; all pertinent admissions and fee information is provided at that meeting. For direct inquiries by phone or email, the school's published office phone and email may be used. Office hours are posted for Monday–Friday. Summary of availability (academic year requested) - A detailed, publicly posted fee schedule for the 2026/27 academic year (or for 2025/26) was not found in the school's publicly available admissions or pre-registration materials. The admissions/pre-registration process states that full fee details are provided to families during the in-person admissions meeting scheduled after pre-registration. Because specific fee figures, billing schedules, refund policies, and payment-method lists are not published in the public admissions content, those items must be obtained directly from the school's admissions office.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Directors.	Governance and ownership The school is a private institution. The Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic recognizes Saint Thomas School as operating at the primary and secondary levels.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school uses a USA-based curriculum designed to allow transfer to and from accredited American or Dominican institutions and to acceptance at American or Dominican universities. The program enables acceptance and/or transfer to USA-accredited institutions and to Dominican universities. It provides those who plan to continue at a local university with the necessary competencies in Spanish.	Curriculum details Our meticulously designed curriculum aligns with the Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), AERO Standards, and the Dominican Republic's mandated curricula. This alignment ensures your child receives a comprehensive education that meets local and international expectations. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory program that aligns with the performance standards of local and international universities. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available for high school students who are selected based on strong academic performance. An eclectic, constructivist teaching approach provides students opportunities to develop, integrate, and apply acquired knowledge and social skills.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates typically pursue higher education at USA or Dominican universities. The school facilitates transfer to USA-accredited institutions and to Dominican universities and ensures Spanish-language readiness for local university study.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented AP courses are offered to high school students selected based on strong academic performance.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school integrates social and emotional learning through a Social Well-Being focus in the academic calendar and a Value & Attitude of the Month program.	Social & emotional learning The school has a dedicated values program that supports social and personal development, emphasizing initiative, integrity, and intelligence. Classrooms foster curiosity, creativity, and excellence through discussions, circle time activities, and other engaging experiences.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers ESL (English as a Second Language) program by referral and SSL (Spanish as a Second Language) program by referral as part of DAS Special Programs.	English as an additional language English Language Arts and Spanish are taught as part of the core curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is a core principle, with the school providing a warm, safe and welcoming environment in which students can grow and learn.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school has a Child Protection Policy aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Dominican law; it includes procedures to identify and intervene in abuse, neglect or bullying, training for staff and families, and integrated protection measures across school procedures.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The campus spans over 10,000 square meters in Santo Domingo. It features modern, well-equipped facilities designed to foster learning, creativity, and personal development. Classrooms are designed for innovation and engagement and include interactive smart boards, high-speed internet, and multimedia resources. The campus houses laboratories for applied sciences and a large library with books, digital resources, and study spaces. A large multipurpose auditorium hosts conferences, academic events, artistic performances, and gymnastics; the sports area supports soccer, futsal, basketball, volleyball, and more. There are dedicated spaces for art, music, and dance programs, as well as a chess room and other facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities An extensive sports area is dedicated to physical development, allowing practice and competition of soccer, futsal, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, table tennis, and taekwondo. Facilities include a soccer field, covered multi-purpose court, basketball court, volleyball court, and futsal court. A mini gym provides additional fitness space. These spaces support after-school athletic programs and student clubs.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Classrooms are designed for innovation and engagement and are equipped with interactive smart boards, high-speed internet, and multimedia resources. The campus houses laboratories for applied sciences to enable hands-on learning. There are science laboratories as well as an innovation laboratory and a technology laboratory. An extensive library provides a vast collection of books, digital resources, and quiet study spaces. Other facilities support creative and collaborative learning in arts and technology.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities After-school program allows students to practice different sports and join various clubs. Spaces support art, music, and dance programs, including an art room, music room, and dance room. Chess room provides space for strategic games. A large multipurpose auditorium hosts performances and events after hours. Libraries and conference rooms support clubs and study groups.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History The school's educational journey started in 1995, beginning with pre-kindergarten and continuing to second grade, then expanding by one grade each year until high school. Saint Thomas School was founded as a private, independent, non-sectarian school serving Dominican and foreign populations seeking a United States–based curriculum. The school provides Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and High School education and prepares students for the 21st century by offering instruction in world languages and technology, supported by a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school envisions a model of education offering a United States standard-based education that promotes lifelong learning, academic excellence, and the social skills necessary for a fulfilling, productive life.
Community	Community Carnival Gala explores the historical and cultural roots that shape Dominican identity, with Taíno culture, European Arrival, African Heritage, Living Mestizaje, The Voice of the People, Mystical World, and a Carnival finale. Choral Concert “Tribute to the Homeland” brings together ensembles to highlight Dominican roots through music, including the Julio Alberto Hernández Male Choir of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, the National Lyric Company of the General Directorate of Fine Arts, and the Mixed Choir of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano. A Valentine's Day celebration fosters friendship and community, with EVAIA Seniors organizing a Bake Sale during the event. Dominican Independence Community Event is part of Preschool and Elementary activities on the school calendar.	Community The school believes parents are essential participants in the learning process and should remain integral to their children's educational experience. The mission describes a nurturing learning environment where students, faculty, and community work together to develop the skills and knowledge essential for academic excellence, ethical behavior, and personal responsibility through a balanced education that will prepare students to contribute to a global society.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that promotes parent involvement in school activities. The PTA coordinates the Parental Growth Program (PGP), known as Escuela de Padres. The PTA organizes a Christmas Opening Event to engage families. DAS Family Field Day appears on the school calendar as a DAS community event. The recent Parents' School Program is a PTA-related activity that strengthens parent-teacher collaboration.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual DAS Virtual Science Week 2020 Full Conference Schedule is an academic enrichment event featuring student and guest science talks on coral reefs, algae, bacteria, and local ecosystems. Presenters include Jenny Gil-Acevedo, Jake Kheel, Maria Villalpando, Aldo Croquer, Laura Díaz, Someira Zambrano, Aurelio Reyes, Jesús Gilberto Concepción, and Paola Tineo.	Academic & intellectual The curriculum aligns with Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the Dominican Republic's mandated curricula. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students who demonstrate strong academic performance. The school uses an eclectic, constructivist teaching approach that encourages students to develop, integrate, and apply knowledge and social skills through meaningful, real-world learning experiences. It prepares students for college and international universities through a standards-based, college-preparatory program.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school has choral concerts and a school play as part of cultural and artistic activities. A choral concert titled 'Tribute to the Homeland' celebrated Dominican musical identity, and the 11th Grade Annual School Play is part of the calendar.	Arts & creative The school provides music, visual arts, and plastic arts as part of the curriculum, with additional performance opportunities. In Elementary, students study Music and Arts, while the Innovation Lab supports learning in Mathematics, Science, Engineering, and Robotics through technology and hands-on projects. The After School Program offers Dance, Guitar, Piano, and Arts and Crafts, expanding creative expression after the classroom day. Readathons and Cultural & Science Fairs showcase student creativity and projects.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school hosts cultural events such as Carnival Gala celebrating Dominican identity, a choral concert celebrating national culture, and Francophonie Day observances.	Cultural & language The school provides instruction in world languages and technology. The After School Program includes Model United Nations and a Chess Club, fostering cultural awareness and debate skills. Elementary students participate in Cultural & Science Fairs and celebrate events such as Dominican Week, Thanksgiving, Christmas Concert, Independence Day Concert, and Mother's Day Concert & Exhibit.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Student social activities and community events are part of the calendar, including Valentine's Day events, Color Day and Bake Sale, and other student-led celebrations.	Social & hobbies The After School Program offers Model United Nations, Chess Club, and a range of sports and arts activities. Activities include soccer, basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, dance, arts and crafts, guitar, piano, and table tennis. Students may participate in up to two activities per semester and enjoy opportunities to build friendships and teamwork after the regular day.
Community & service	Community & service The school runs family- and community-facing programs such as the Parents' School Program to strengthen engagement with the school community.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional ACCAS Youth for Global Issues Conference and Expo 2021 Full Conferences features leaders and professionals, including Nikita Chernin (Founder/CEO of 360 Creativity), Agustina Besada (Unplastify co-director), Lei Santiago (Consular Officer, U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo), Marta Curti (Biologist), and Laura Díaz (Marine Biologist).	Leadership & professional Saint Thomas School emphasizes leadership and personal growth. The Middle & High School program serves grades 6 through 12 and is committed to a student-centered environment with high expectations that actively promotes leadership, academic excellence, initiative, and integrity.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The calendar includes wellbeing- and mentorship-related activities, such as Attitude & Values Student of the Month Recognition and the Adult Advocacy Program – Mentors Program.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Campus facilities span more than 10,000 square meters in Santo Domingo, with 3,000 square meters dedicated to sports facilities and 1,000 square meters for arts facilities. The school offers extensive after-school sports and wellness activities and a broad athletics program that supports physical health and teamwork. The campus and programs are designed to support students' physical, mental, and social well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision ESL (English as a Second Language) and SSL (Spanish as a Second Language) programs are offered by referral. They are listed as Special Programs in the DAS tuition materials. The language support is designed for students needing English or Spanish as a second language.	Language provision English Language Arts and Spanish Language Arts are taught across levels. Elementary includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Health, Social Studies, and Spanish. Middle & High School includes Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, Spanish Language Arts, Social Studies, and Sociales. The school serves students from Early Childhood through Middle & High School (6th–12th).
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English and Spanish language arts are taught across grade levels. English Language Arts is offered in Middle & High School. Spanish Language Arts is offered in Middle & High School, and Spanish is part of the Elementary curriculum. Early Childhood to 12th grade encompasses all levels.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The National Honor Society (NHS) membership is listed among the school's accreditations and memberships.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The Domínico Americano School (DAS) is accredited by Cognia Global Commission (formerly AdvancED; including NCA CASI, SACS CASI, and NSSE). The current Cognia accreditation certificate is valid through June 2024, and the school has held this accreditation since 2001. DAS maintains active membership with the Tri-Association and the Association of Colombian-Caribbean American Schools (ACCAS). DAS is recognized under Dominican private school education laws by AINEP and the Ministry of Education. DAS is also part of The National Honor Society (NHS).	Accreditations The Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic recognizes Saint Thomas School as operating at the primary and secondary levels. Cognia College Board AINEP Get Alma National Honor Society Core Standards Next Generation Science OnAtlas Core Essentials Ministerio de Educación.gob.do Tynker Amira Learning
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Required documents for all grades. The school requires two original birth certificates for educational purposes, two 2×2 photographs, proof of enrollment from the previous school, medical certificates (general, visual, and dental), vaccination records, and a debt clearance letter from the previous school if transferring from a local school. A copy of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Education MINERD system information Histórico del Sistema de Información del MINERD (historical records) is requested, along with grades from the previous grade level current to the registration date. Copies of parents' local IDs or passports for foreigners and a recommendation or conduct letter from the previous school are also required. For preschool, an auditory certificate and an admissions interview are added to the documents for all grades. Open House sessions are scheduled throughout the year to learn about the school, programs, and facilities. 3302.	Admissions To enroll a new student at Saint Thomas School, you must complete and send the Pre-registration form. After you do so, we will reach out to you to schedule an in-person visit, during which you will receive all pertinent information. The Pre-registration form collects details such as the student's grade, school year, previous school, and parental contact information, among other items. Office hours are Monday–Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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