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Cathedral International School

Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 2 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1995
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages French
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Cathedral International School is a private, bilingual PreK–12 institution in the Dominican Republic offering the American curriculum with English as the primary language of instruction and Spanish taught for coursework under Minerd. Founded in 1995, it has been NEASC-accredited since 2011, Eco-School since 2017, and joined the National Honor Society in 2022. The campus comprises three interconnected buildings serving different pre‑university levels, with 52 classrooms planned by 2025, plus laboratories, a library, a robotics lab, Art rooms, a dance room, a sports field, and an adapted gym. Little Cathedral, for ages 2–5, uses Play‑Work and Project‑Based Learning anchored in The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, developing six key areas: Language and Communication; Physical Development; Socioemotional; Cognitive Development; Artistic Expression; and Knowledge of the Environment. The school delivers bilingual education across all grades, emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration, and offers career guidance, environmental programs, and service initiatives. Extracurriculars include Chess, Dance, Oratory, Taekwondo, volleyball, tennis, basketball, football; Little Playhouse after‑school; summer camp 2–14; and the CIS Chess Cup 2025.

C. Club Rotario #1, Santo Domingo Este 11501, Dominican Republic

The Essentials

Cathedral International School has instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Juan Goico Alix #1, Ensanche Ozama, Santo Domingo Este (SDE), Dominican Republic. The campus is in the Ensanche Ozama district of Santo Domingo Este, an urban area serving the capital region.

Stages
Preschool (Little Cathedral); Primary; Middle School (Intermedia); High School (Bachillerato).

Type
Private school

Country affiliation
Dominican Republic

School day structure
Preschool/Nursery: 7:15am–12:45pm; after‑school care 12:45–5:30pm. Pre‑kindergarten and Kindergarten: 7:15am–1:15pm; after‑school 1:15–5:30pm. Grades 1–4: 7:15am–2:00pm; Grades 5–6, 7–8, and 9–12: 7:15am–2:45pm. Extracurriculars (e.g., tennis, soccer, dance, volleyball, catechesis, chess) occur on specified days; Little Playhouse vespertino provides after‑school programming.

Bus service
The school provides bus transport through the Association of Eastern School Transport (Asociación de Transporte Escolar del Este). There are 10 routes serving Santo Domingo Este, Santo Domingo Norte, and the Distrito Nacional. For routes, fees and availability, contact 829-926-4533.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Regular uniforms are worn daily and include a white shirt with the CIS logo, navy blue pants or skirts, a black belt, white socks, and black closed-toe shoes. A navy blue coat with the CIS logo and embroidered name is worn in cooler weather, and uniforms are sold at the CIS Bookstore. Sports uniforms include a white dry-fit T-shirt with the CIS logo and navy athletic pants with red stripes, plus athletic shoes.

Food Options
The cafeteria serves a great variety of foods, snacks, and fruit. The cafeteria area is extensive for dining, and staff provide service to students, teachers, and staff.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private, mixed, and secular institution; accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic and by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Fees
Application / Admission fee
- An admission (application) fee is charged as part of the registration process and must be paid at the time of registration or to reserve a place.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)
- The school does not publish detailed per-grade or per-term tuition amounts for the 2026/27 academic year (and no public 2025/26 full fee schedule for individual grades was found). Families are required to complete registration and sign the enrollment contract at the time the tuition/registration payment is made.
- Historical reporting from earlier public listings shows past total tuition figures in the range of RD$271,450 with separate re‑registration and admission charges documented in older public material; these older figures are cited here for historical context only and should not be assumed current.
- Parent communications published in the press for the 2023–2024 period reported proposed increases in annual charges in the range of RD$26,870 to RD$49,385 (described as the annual increase amount, not as the full tuition total). These figures reflect reported change amounts rather than an itemized fee schedule by grade.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Matriculation is formalized when the family completes documentation, signs the enrollment/tuition contract, and completes payment of the inscription or reservation fee. Exact billing cycles, installment options, due dates, late‑payment penalties, and discount structures are not published in a public fee schedule.

Boarding fees
- Cathedral International School operates as a day school and no boarding program or boarding fees are listed. No boarding-related charges were identified.

Other costs and recurring charges
- Re‑registration / matriculation fee: Students returning for a new school year update registration and pay matriculation; the school's enrollment procedures require this payment at re‑registration.
- Association of Parents fee and miscellaneous school charges: Press reports and parent communications have referenced a Parents Association fee (examples in reporting noted a proposed increase from RD$1,000 to RD$1,400 per year) and increased charges for resources and technology. These items have been referenced as separate line items in public complaints about proposed increases.
- Cafeteria and meal account: The cafeteria uses a prepaid on‑line system; families load funds by bank transfer to the account specified for cafeteria operations. The cafeteria specifically accepts transfers to a Banco Popular account for prepaid cafeteria balances.
- Transport: Transportation is provided by an external Association (Asociación de Transporte Escolar del Este) with its own routes and fees; transport fees are managed separately by that provider.
- Uniforms, extracurriculars, health/medical requirements and incidental supplies are charged separately or purchased through school‑recommended channels; specific prices are not published in a public fee schedule.

Refund information
- No publicly available refund policy or detailed refund terms for matriculation, registration, tuition, or other fees was found in the school's published admission materials or manuals. Matriculation is described as formalized upon completion of payment and contract signing, but specific refund terms are not published.

Fee payment options
- The school's published services information shows use of bank transfer for cafeteria top‑ups (Banco Popular account details provided for cafeteria payments). No publicly stated, detailed list of accepted payment methods for tuition (for example specific bank transfer instructions for tuition, in‑person payments, credit card acceptance, or installment processors) was located in published admissions materials. Transport and some services are billed/managed separately by third parties.

Brief summary of findings and limits of available public information
- The school's admissions pages and handbooks describe the admission process, matriculation requirements, and that admission costs are set each academic year by the finance department, but a public, itemized fee schedule by grade and by term for 2025/26 or 2026/27 was not published online. Press coverage and older public listings provide some historical totals and reported increase amounts, but they do not substitute for a current, itemized annual fee schedule broken down by grade and by term.

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

Cathedral International School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Little Cathedral runs from age two to five, and knowledge is developed through the Play-Work methodology and Project-Based Learning (PBL). These teaching strategies allow acquisition of diverse knowledge to occur naturally, in a fun and collaborative environment that encourages active participation, while respecting the main pedagogical principles of this stage: activity and autonomy, individualization, socialization, globalization, and play. The program's academic foundation is The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, an internationally recognized framework that guides teachers in planning meaningful experiences and supports learning through research and inquiry. The curriculum develops six key areas: Language and Communication; Physical Development and Motor; Socioemotional Development; Cognitive Development; Artistic Expression and Creativity; and Knowledge of the Environment. Language and Communication develops communicative skills through experiences that invite listening, dialogue, and expression, including oral production, literacy initiation, and vocabulary expansion through stories, songs, dramatizations, and guided conversations. Little Playhouse is the afternoon program of Little Cathedral for children from 2 to 6 years old, providing an after-school environment where play-based activities support continued development and well-being.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates proceed to national and international universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Student Wellbeing department focuses on physical and socio-emotional development. It promotes emotional, social, and academic wellbeing to help students reach their full potential. A team of professionals leads programs that support holistic development and learning needs. They assess the academic and socio-emotional conditions of new entrants and assist their adaptation to the school. They provide emotional and psychological support and support students with special educational needs to unleash their talents. They also advise families and teachers and run workshops on topics such as sexual education, bullying, and addictions, promoting empathy, responsibility, and respect.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school supports students with special educational needs to empower their talents and abilities. The Wellbeing Department coordinates support for these students. It collaborates with families and teachers to implement appropriate educational and socio-emotional strategies. Programs focus on personal, social, and emotional development to foster inclusion. The school aims to create an inclusive environment where every student can grow. The approach emphasizes monitoring progress and adapting supports as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
The mental wellbeing program centers on emotional health and resilience. The Wellbeing department offers counseling and psychological support to students. Programs promote social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, and healthy coping strategies. They run workshops and activities that foster wellbeing and a positive school climate. Staff collaborate with families to monitor mental health needs and respond promptly. Empathy, responsibility, and respect are promoted through a range of activities.

Safeguarding
Health and prevention are part of the school's educational responsibility, with measures, protocols, and care services to respond to medical situations. A medical form is completed at enrollment to record health information and support routine or emergency needs. In emergencies, families provide health insurance and meet related obligations. These protocols enable the school to act efficiently and responsibly for the student community. Transportation is provided by the Eastern School Transportation Association, an external organization that operates ten routes to Santo Domingo Este, Santo Domingo Norte, and the National District, ensuring safe and timely arrivals. The cafeteria is managed through the Tangerine Schools online platform to enable pre-paid accounts, reduce cash handling, and enhance safety.
Parent Experience

History
Cathedral International School began in 1995 as Centro Educativo 1, 2, 3 in a Lucerna neighborhood home with 45 children, under the leadership of Delores Sánchez, introducing the area's first bilingual program. In 2000 it moved to Ensanche Ozama and adopted the Cathedral School name, aiming to become a high-level pre-university college. The first primary building was completed in 2005, followed by a second building for the secondary grades in 2007 to unify all levels on a single campus. Since 2011 it has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); it became an Eco-School in 2017, joined the National Honor Society in 2022, and MINERD renewed its license in 2023. By 2025 the campus includes 52 classrooms, specialized spaces, laboratories, a library, a robotics lab, athletic facilities and a cafeteria, reflecting ongoing growth.

Community
Cathedral International School hosts and participates in community events, including paying homage to Dominican musician Johnny Ventura with his family. It signs collaboration agreements with universities, such as Universidad Panamericana de México, to strengthen educational partnerships. The school participates in Eco School 2025, promoting environmental projects and sustainability. It organized the CIS Chess Cup 2025 to foster school spirit and strategic thinking, and offers the Little Playhouse afternoon program and a summer camp for children aged 2 to 14.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The facilities consist of three interconnected buildings corresponding to the three levels of pre-university education, with classrooms equipped with audiovisual resources, security cameras, and restrooms in every area. Building 1 serves ages 2–6 (Little Cathedral), offering 13 classrooms designed to promote active learning and guided play, plus an area director's office, a psychology department, continuous supervision and support services, an adapted gym, a dining hall, an outdoor play area, and a sports area. Building 2 houses grades 2–6 with 17 classrooms, an Art room, a Robotics room, an area director's office, and a psychology office, along with administrative offices on the first floor. Building 3 serves grades 7–12 with 16 classrooms, the academic director's office, a psychology department, area directors for grades 5–8 and 9–12, a human resources department, an Art room, an entrance lobby, and a shop. Common spaces include a library, laboratories, a robotics lab, a medical department, a sports field, a cafeteria and dining area, a dance room, and a teachers' lounge.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes an adapted gymnasium for physical and psychomotor development, a sports area, and a sports court.

Academic Facilities
The school has an Art room, a Robotics room, laboratories, and a library.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Little Cathedral starts at age two and ends at age five, with learning developed through a play-based learning methodology. Little Playhouse is an afternoon program. Summer Camp is for children aged 2 to 14. The CIS Chess Cup 2025 was organized.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a bilingual education from preschool through 12th grade. The main language of instruction is English, with Spanish taught for coursework in line with the Dominican Ministry of Education (Minerd). The pedagogy emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and holistic development through collaborative learning and project-based learning. The program includes environmental programs, socioemotional development, service initiatives, and elective offerings for 7th through 12th grade, plus career guidance.

Arts & Creative
Complementary activities include art, sports, music, and technology. Dance classes provide space for self-expression and strengthen creativity, artistic sensitivity, and personal confidence. Chess club strengthens logical thinking, concentration, and strategic decision-making. Oratory helps students develop communication, diction, and public-speaking leadership.

Cultural & Language
English is the main language of instruction, with Spanish taught for coursework according to Minerd. The program covers preschool through 12th grade. Electives for students in 7th through 12th grade and career guidance programs are part of the school's approach. The learning model combines collaborative learning with project-based learning to develop critical thinking and problem-solving.

Social & Hobbies
Extracurricular activities include volleyball, tennis, basketball, and football, scheduled throughout the week. Chess, public speaking (oratory), Taekwondo, and dance are available as additional clubs. Catechism is offered for students preparing for sacraments or seeking spiritual formation.

Community & Service
Solidarity is a pillar of the school's four-form framework, realized through community projects and partnerships with the Avanzare Foundation and the De Blank Foundation. The school undertakes service and social responsibility initiatives as part of its educational philosophy. Projects promote service and mutual support within the community. External partnerships and community campaigns reinforce the school's commitment to social impact.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is developed through student leadership initiatives, clubs, and debates. The pillar emphasizes ethical leadership and civic thinking as part of the school's mission. Career orientation and elective offerings support students' professional development and goal setting.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Socioemotional development is a formal part of the educational program. The school promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility as part of campus life, encouraging responsible resource use and green thinking. The Little Playhouse after-school program provides evening care for younger students. Sports programs such as volleyball, tennis, basketball, and football contribute to physical health and wellness.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction is English.

Bilingual Teaching
The school does not offer bilingual teaching.

Immersion Programs
The school provides an English Immersion Program across core subjects, including math, science, social studies, English language arts, and technology. Spanish-language classes focus on Spanish language arts, social studies, and civics. Some specialized classes, such as art, music, and physical education, may be presented in English or Spanish. This dual-language model aims to develop bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
NEASC accreditation since 2011, re-accredited recently; MINERD recognizes the school for English monolingual instruction; Eco-School international environmental certification; National Honor Society (NHS); AMEI-WAECE; AINEP.
Admissions

Admissions
Education with purpose for life!
We are pleased to invite you to join our educational community: a space where your child will learn and grow, cultivating talents and abilities in an environment that promotes respect, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
Choosing a school is defining the environment in which your child will develop their early skills and lay the foundations for holistic development.
At this important stage, the school becomes a key space to form character, build connections, and establish the emotional, social, and academic foundations that will accompany them throughout their life.
The family assumes a great responsibility when making this decision, so it is important to look beyond academics. A true school not only provides knowledge; it also inspires, supports, develops, and transforms.
If it is time to make this decision, you are invited to learn about our Educational Project; we work with purpose, vision, and a firm commitment to excellence.
Visit us
Would you like to learn more about our educational offering? You can schedule a guided tour of Cathedral International School and explore our facilities while discovering what school life is like in our community. You only need to schedule an appointment, and we will contact you to coordinate it.
You can also attend one of our Open House events, spaces designed for families to learn about our Educational Project and to interact with part of the leadership team.

Admission Criteria
1. Applicants may apply to Cathedral International School if they meet the requirements established by the Ministry of Education for entry to preschool, primary, middle, and secondary levels.
2. Only families who formally accept our Educational Project, Policies and Procedures are admitted.
3. Applicants are admitted in the order of enrollment and according to the number of vacancies offered by the school.
4. The admission process has a fee defined each school year by the finance department, payable at the time of registration.
5. If during the admission process a situation arises that harms the school, the school administration has the authority to suspend the process at any stage.
6. The school reserves the right to admit or continue enrollment of families who do not meet the institution's requirements.

Admission Process in 4 Steps
Step 1: Request the applicant evaluation.
Step 2: Grade evaluation. After the evaluation tests are completed, results are delivered within one business day. If required, the department head may request a meeting with the applicant's family.
Step 3: Documentation. Once admission is approved, submit all required documentation for registration, including registration forms, medical forms, and the enrollment contract.
Step 4: Enrollment. Enrollment is formalized when: the school approves admission; the form is complete and signed; the required documents are submitted; the contract/tuition is signed; and the payment of registration or seat reservation is made.

Why choose Cathedral International School
Because learning here makes sense. Each class, activity, and experience is designed to connect with real life and spark curiosity.
Because we build confidence before haste. The classroom is a safe space where mistakes are seen as part of the journey and not obstacles.
Because we accompany each stage, supporting the unique pace of each student, without rushing processes and valuing their time for maturation and discovery.
Because at CIS no one is a number; every boy and girl has a name, history, and dreams, and that is the first thing we recognize.
Because here memorization is not the goal; understanding goes beyond content, and we seek that each student understands, questions, applies, and proposes.
Because we care about the personal and emotional development of our students.

Schedule a visit to learn about our school. Schedule Visit
If you need more information, explore our Frequently Asked Questions and clarify all your doubts. Contact us:
- Juan Goico Alix #1, Ensanche Ozama, S.D.E.

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