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Santiago Christian School

Dominican Republic, Santiago

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 655
Type Co-educational
Opened 1967
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Spanish, French
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Located in Santiago, Santiago Christian School offers an English-immersion PK3–12 education. The program blends an American curriculum with AP courses and is U.S.-accredited. Early Childhood and Elementary curricula align with United States Common Core Standards; English language arts use HMH Into Reading and mathematics uses HMH Into Math. FOSS provides K–6 science, and Deep Roots Bible guides Bible instruction; Spanish grammar and Dominican social studies meet MOE requirements. In Secondary, language is central: English-language arts, mathematics, science, American history, and Bible are taught in English, while Spanish grammar, literature, and Dominican social studies are taught in Spanish. Founded in 1967, the school serves PK3–12 with about 655 students, features a library and Health Office, and fosters a biblically grounded culture with Love and Logic and Responsive Classroom. It is recognized by the Dominican MOE and accredited by Middle States and ACSI, with English as the primary language of instruction worldwide.

Autopista Duarte KM 5 1/2 Sabaneta, Santiago de los Caballeros 51000, Dominican Republic

The Essentials

Santiago Christian School has 655 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Autopista Duarte Km 5 1/2, Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Stages
Elementary School; Secondary School (Junior High and High School).

Type
Private Christian school; on-campus and online programs; U.S.-accredited.

Additional learning support
Counseling Services; Language Support Services; Learning Support Program (LSP) with two levels of services, including replacement classes, in-class support, accommodations, and individualized plans.

Country affiliation
Dominican Republic

Religious affiliation
Christian

School day structure
Daily Christian devotions and Bible courses; chapel attendance is required.

Bus service
School transportation to and from school is provided; bus transportation injuries are covered by accident insurance, including up to one hour before and one hour after school dismissal.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required. PK-4 wear solid khaki pants with dark blue polo shirts bearing the SCS emblem, while grades 5–12 wear solid khaki pants with the same polo. Shirts must be purchased from the school, and hats may not be worn during the school day.

Food Options
Students should bring their lunch and snacks from home or purchase them in the school cafeteria.

Governance and Ownership
The Board of Directors is self-perpetuating and governs the school, approving policy-level decisions and long-range plans. The Executive Director is accountable to the Board to implement these policies.
Fees
Application / Admissions Fees

- Application processing fee (new applicants): USD 85 per student.
- Academic evaluation fee (new applicants): USD 115 per student.
- Admission / enrollment fee (one-time, new families): 1st student USD 1,743; 2nd student USD 1,538; 3rd student USD 1,435.

Tuition fees by year group (annual structure and instalments)

Note: the school collects a first tuition payment and a separate Capital Fee with that payment; the remaining tuition is billed on the remaining-payment schedule below.

- PK3 – PK4:
- First tuition payment: USD 1,785.
- Capital fee (one-time, paid with first payment): USD 324.
- Remaining tuition: USD 3,548 (payable in the remaining-payment plan).
- Total annual tuition (first payment + remaining tuition, excluding Capital Fee and other fees): USD 5,333.
- Remaining installment amount (remaining tuition divided into 10 equal installments): USD 354.80 per installment.

- Kindergarten – Grade 4:
- First tuition payment: USD 1,979.
- Capital fee (one-time, paid with first payment): USD 392.
- Remaining tuition: USD 4,992.
- Total annual tuition (first payment + remaining tuition, excluding Capital Fee and other fees): USD 6,971.
- Remaining installment amount: USD 499.20 per installment.

- Grades 5 – 8:
- First tuition payment: USD 2,156.
- Capital fee (one-time, paid with first payment): USD 407.
- Remaining tuition: USD 5,907.
- Total annual tuition (first payment + remaining tuition, excluding Capital Fee and other fees): USD 8,063.
- Remaining installment amount: USD 590.70 per installment.

- Grades 9 – 12:
- First tuition payment: USD 2,313.
- Capital fee (one-time, paid with first payment): USD 459.
- Remaining tuition: USD 7,272.
- Total annual tuition (first payment + remaining tuition, excluding Capital Fee and other fees): USD 9,585.
- Remaining installment amount: USD 727.20 per installment.

Other recurring and one-time school fees

- Student Activity Fee:
- Grades PreK–4: USD 73 per student.
- Grades 5–12: USD 94 per student.
- Technology fee: USD 31 per student per year.
- Parents' Association fee: USD 92 per family per year.
- Guided studies / credit recovery / online course fees (where applicable): registration USD 57; one semester USD 595; full year USD 713; additional fee for AP classes USD 113.
- Student Support Program (ESL, LSP, SSL) services carry additional charges for students who require them; families are notified when such services are assigned.

Aftercare and incidental charges

- Aftercare (elementary K–6): students may remain through 4:30 pm and family accounts are charged RD$150 for the first 15 minutes and an additional RD$150 for each 30 minutes thereafter.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Timing for first tuition payment and Capital Fee: collected at the time indicated in the school's tuition schedule (first payment/Capital Fee item in the published tuition table).
- Remaining tuition payment plan: remaining tuition is divided into 10 equal installments with scheduled payment windows (examples of scheduled windows include late-April, late-May, late-June, late-July, late-August, late-September, late-October, mid-late November, mid-December, and late January). Late payments incur a late fee at 5% per month on past-due amounts.
- Tuition discounts for full payment (when remaining tuition is paid in full by the deadline): PK3–PK4 discount USD 142; K–4 discount USD 200; 5–8 discount USD 236; 9–12 discount USD 291.
- Multi-child family tuition discounts (applied per published policy): discount examples include USD 740 for two children, USD 1,050 for three children, USD 1,470 for four or more (family discount structure as published).

Refunds and non‑refundable items

- First tuition payment and all fees paid with the first payment (including Admission and Capital fee when applicable) are non‑refundable.
- Refunds of the remaining tuition (only) require a written request and follow the published refund schedule: 100% of remaining tuition paid is refundable if written notice is received before June 1; 50% refundable if written notice is received between June 1 and August 1; no refunds after the first day of school.
- All refund requests must be made in writing; late fees are applied to past-due accounts.

Boarding fees

- Santiago Christian School operates as a day school; there is no boarding program and therefore no boarding fees charged to families. Evidence of daily schedules and aftercare programming is provided in school materials.

Fee payment options and currency

- Accepted payment methods: cash, bank transfer, credit card, or check. A 2.44% discount is applied to payments made by cash, bank transfer, or check when that discount applies. For families using the installment/payment plan, the school requests authorization for automatic payment by credit or debit card.
- Payments may be accepted in USD or in Dominican pesos at the current exchange rate, per school policy.
- The school uses a payment-management service for billing; families are expected to set up the required authorization when selecting an installment plan. Late payments are assessed a 5% monthly late charge.

Other notes on charges

- No additional fees are charged for participation in extracurricular athletics as a general rule; specific activity trips, interscholastic conference participation, travel, or overnight events may incur separate charges for registration, travel, and lodging as required.
- Any additional course fees (online courses for credit recovery or enrichment, AP examination supplements, or specialized support services) are assessed separately and billed to families when applicable.
Academics

Santiago Christian School teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum
English-language education that adheres to Dominican educational guidelines and US accreditation standards. ECE and Elementary (PreK–Grade 6) curricula are aligned to United States Common Core Standards, with English language arts taught using HMH Into Reading and mathematics with HMH Into Math; Deep Roots Bible guides Bible instruction, and FOSS provides science learning for K–6. Spanish and Dominican Social Studies materials meet the Dominican Ministry of Education requirements. In Secondary School, language is central: English-language arts, mathematics, science, American history, and Bible are taught in English, while Spanish grammar and literature and Dominican social studies are taught in Spanish; French is offered as an elective. Graduation requirements include four years of English, four years of Spanish, and four semesters of French.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates are prepared to enroll in competitive universities in the United States, the Dominican Republic, and other international universities. The school is accredited by Middle States and ACSI, and offers pathways such as Advanced Placement and dual enrollment to support college readiness.

Gifted and Talented
Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment are available for advanced students. Current AP courses include Calculus AB, English Literature and Composition, Physics, Computer Science, and Principles of Computer Science; there is a dual enrollment option with Colorado Christian University for college credit.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides Counseling Services to support students' social and emotional development. The goal is to help students become personas íntegras, individuals characterized by fullness of health in academic, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical aspects, through a biblically-based holistic approach. Elementary services include ongoing support for students and families, with the counselor meeting with students individually and in small groups and delivering guidance lessons in the classroom. The elementary counselor oversees the Second Step social and emotional program and focuses on stress management, healthy peer and adult interactions, bullying, appropriate boundaries, goal-setting, emotion regulation, and biblically-based character traits. Parent forums and training sessions help families address current issues, while the secondary program provides individual and small-group counseling and supports college and career planning under the guidance of the school counseling team and school psychologist, who handles social and emotional concerns in confidential settings and coordinates testing and referrals.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Program (LSP) provides additional academic support to qualified students with learning disabilities, reflecting the biblical view that all children are equally valued by God. The program aims to give students the tools and support needed to experience success in school through individualized plans and strategic staff support. Admission requires documented disability from an approved professional, and services are offered at two levels, including replacement classes, in-class support, accommodations, and direct instruction in social, organizational, and study skills. Each student receives an individualized plan to foster academic growth, enhance classroom functioning, teach self-regulation and self-advocacy, and help students pursue God's purpose. LSP staff include coordinators and teachers who work collaboratively with general teachers to optimize learning conditions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Second language acquisition is essential at SCS, with all students learning in English or Spanish and substantial investment in second-language training for all faculty. Teachers are trained in the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) to promote fluency in English across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Core curriculum is taught in English by native English speakers, with literacy development in English and Spanish in the early grades. English as a Second Language (ESP) provides additional English-language support, with testing to determine need and levels of service, and most students exit ESP within three years. Spanish as a Second Language (SSP) offers guided instruction for non-Spanish-speaking students, integrated into Spanish and Social Studies classes, with students exiting the program when language skills enable success in a Spanish-language classroom.

Mental Wellbeing
The counseling team provides emotional support for students and is available via email for concerns about your child. The School Psychologist assists with social and emotional concerns in a confidential setting, coordinates psycho-educational testing, and helps develop plans for addressing issues, including referrals to external agencies when appropriate. In elementary, the counselor provides ongoing guidance and short-term counseling, while in secondary, counseling covers college and career planning in addition to academic counseling, emphasizing mental health prevention and ongoing support.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a top priority, with a highly trained security team and clear protocols to maintain a safe environment at all times. The campus employs camera surveillance, trained staff, and strict access controls, and maintains the S+ Child Safety Certificate from the National Child Safety Association of Spain to recognize commitment to safe, high-quality learning environments. The security program includes structured arrival/drop-off procedures, strict delivery policies, and designated lanes for pick-up, along with communication channels to notify the school community about safety procedures.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1967, Santiago Christian School provides an English-immersion, college-preparatory PK3-12 education recognized by universities in the Dominican Republic, the United States, and beyond. Faculty come from around the world, bringing best-practices and a high-quality curriculum to guide students within a Christian framework. Spiritual life is integrated on campus through spiritual life coordinators who oversee Bible curriculum, chapel, advisory programs, Thursday Night Live, and staff devotions. Santiago Christian School is internationally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and is recognized by the Dominican Ministry of Education as a monolingual school with English as the primary language of instruction.

Community
The SCS community emphasizes spiritual life and service, with a spiritual life program that includes Bible curriculum, chapel, advisory activities, Thursday Night Live, and staff devotions. The school operates a Service Learning program that trains students to lead by serving and collaborates with four partner ministries in surrounding communities to build relationships and promote justice-oriented service. There are twenty-two athletics teams across soccer, basketball, futsal, and volleyball, competing locally in the Liga Deportiva Colegial de Santiago (LDCS) and regionally through the Association of Colombian and Caribbean American Schools (ACCAS). Arts and publications are part of campus life, including SCS Musicals and Voices Magazine, and events such as the Spring Musical provide community experiences.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Association (PA) of SCS is an organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the educational experience and fostering a united, collaborative school community where parents, teachers, and students work together to achieve academic and personal excellence. Officers include President Jenny Ramia and Vice-President María Elena Pastoriza. Objectives include promoting parent involvement through regular meetings, collaborating with the administration and teaching staff to support academic and extracurricular programs, and providing resources and support to students and families in need. The PA helps plan and organize social, cultural, and educational events and coordinates fundraising activities to finance school projects and improvements, while facilitating communication between parents, teachers, and the administration. Contact information for the PA includes Joselin Castillo, PA Assistant, and the email parentsassociation@scs.edu.do.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates on Autopista Duarte Km 5 1/2 in Santiago, Dominican Republic, offering on-campus and online education. It provides an accredited English-language program that prepares students for top universities in the United States, the Dominican Republic, and around the world. The SCS library is available to students throughout the school day, with elementary students visiting for checkout and reading, and secondary students using it for research, printing, and book checkout. The Health Office supports student and staff health and emergencies, with hours and personnel designated to manage health needs. The learning environment emphasizes a biblically grounded, respectful culture and uses Love and Logic and Responsive Classroom approaches to discipline and learning.

Sports Facilities
SCS offers athletic programs including Girls Volleyball, Boys Soccer, and Girls Soccer across multiple grade levels. For the 2025-2026 school year, practices are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM for different groups and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM for others. Participation requires a signed Health Form. The athletics program emphasizes sportsmanship and a Christ-centered approach to activities. Resources for athletics include Practice Schedules and Health Record documents.

Academic Facilities
The school provides an accredited, English-language education that prepares students to enter top universities in the United States, the Dominican Republic, and around the world. Students articulate ideas in English and Spanish and study from a biblical worldview, gaining global and civic leadership skills. The school adheres to Dominican educational guidelines and US accreditation standards. The school comprises Primary Division (Early Childhood and Elementary) and Secondary Division (Middle School and High School). The learning environment includes an honor system and Love and Logic and Responsive Classroom approaches to support learning and behavior. PK3 to grade 12 enrollment is 655, and the school is accredited by Middle States and ACSI.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student life provides numerous clubs, sports, leadership development activities, and fellowship opportunities. Clubs and after-school activities provide spaces to express creativity, explore subjects beyond the classroom, and discuss topics with peers and teachers. Model United Nations is offered for grades 6–12 and participates in national and international conferences. The Fine Arts program covers visual, theatrical, and musical arts for PK3 through grade 12, with Fall plays and the Spring Musical and private music lessons. Spiritual Life includes chapel programs and Thursday Night Live, supporting spiritual growth and leadership. The athletics program includes twenty-two teams across soccer, basketball, futsal, and volleyball.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school provides an accredited English-language education that prepares students to enter top universities in the United States, the Dominican Republic, and around the world. Students think critically about the ideas shaping their world, engage with curriculum from a biblical worldview, and articulate their ideas in both English and Spanish. The school adheres to Dominican educational guidelines and the rigorous standards of US accreditation bodies. Students graduate with the skills and knowledge to become global and civic leaders guided by values and faith.

Arts & Creative
The fine arts curriculum consists of visual, theatrical, and musical arts. From PK3 to grade 12, fine arts are an integral part of the SCS education. Musical offerings include Elementary and Middle School Music, High School Choir, Music Appreciation, Guitar, and Chapel Band, with the Fall Play and Spring Musical providing performance opportunities. Private music lessons are available.

Cultural & Language
Santiago Christian School exposes students to the Dominican culture and the Spanish language. It provides an accredited English-language education while integrating Dominican culture and the Spanish language, with bilingual skills encouraged across coursework. Language Support includes English as a Second Language (ESL) for grades 1-8, Spanish as a Second Language (SSL) for grades 1-12, and the Learning Support Program (LSP).

Social & Hobbies
Clubs and enrichment provide spaces to express themselves through art and movement, discuss topics with peers and teachers, and belong to a supportive community. Model United Nations trains students to be globally minded and to participate in national and international conferences. National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society chapters offer service, leadership, and character-building opportunities, including community service and fundraising activities. Spiritual life programs, including Thursday Night Live and advisory groups, strengthen social connection and personal growth.

Community & Service
Community service projects in partner communities encourage students to put faith into action as part of the Bible curriculum. The NHS/NJHS chapters have a longstanding tradition of service to the community, including involvement with partner schools and fundraising activities for local ministries. Discipleship at SCS emphasizes applying a biblical worldview through a year-long mentoring program and weekly chapel gatherings.

Leadership & Professional
Model United Nations trains students to be globally minded, think critically, research, and participate in conferences nationally and internationally. NHS/NJHS chapters provide leadership opportunities and service, building character. Discipleship at SCS develops leaders through year-long mentoring with a mature Christian, plus weekly chapel-based leadership experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
SCS Athletics fosters the physical, mental, and spiritual development of students through competitive sports. The programs emphasize teamwork, discipline, and a Christ-centered approach to all activities, with a diverse range of sports and regular practice schedules. These activities support overall wellbeing as part of a balanced student life. Spiritual life activities and chapel experiences—such as Thursday Night Live—further contribute to student wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Spanish is taught as part of the curriculum, and students are exposed to the Spanish language and Dominican culture alongside university-preparatory courses. The program spans Primary and Secondary levels (PreK–12).

Bilingual Teaching
English-language education is provided. Spanish is integrated into the curriculum, and students articulate ideas in both English and Spanish. Dominican culture and language are introduced alongside university-preparatory coursework.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The school provides an English-language, university-preparatory education. 2. A $250 USD application fee is assessed per student for admissions testing and processing; the fee is non-refundable. 3. The admissions process begins with completing an inquiry form, and you click the Online Inquiry Form to begin. 4. A family account is created through the online system and is used to track the application and view documents; the account can be used for multiple children. 5. Supplemental materials are required during the application process and are uploaded by families; the following information is requested: copy of most recent report card or transcript (if applicable), immunization records, birth certificate, and a recent student photo. 6. Following testing and completion of the application, the SCS Admissions Committee evaluates the results and informs you of your child's status; the Admissions department is available to answer questions throughout the process. 7. The application asks for signed MINERD forms, a student medical health record (to be completed by a physician), a finance letter from the previous school (if applicable), acknowledgment of the digital handbook, and parent permissions for activities, tuition, and photo authorization. 8. After submission, the application status can be tracked in the online portal; applications for current and future enrollments are accepted year-round; the registration and enrollment period for current and prospective families occurs during February and March; new families are enrolled in the order they are received; if class space is not available, students will be placed on a waiting list.

Scholarships
SCS offers a scholarship for eligible dependent children who meet admissions requirements, where space is available (fees apply).

Waitlist
If class space is not available, students will be placed on a waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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