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Colegio Decroly Americano

Guatemala, Mixco

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 993
Type Co-educational
Opened 1993
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Colegio Decroly Americano is a private, bilingual (Spanish–English), coeducational, non-sectarian school serving ages from 15 months to 18 years. Located on a 19‑acre campus on outskirts of Guatemala City, it offers an American-based curriculum accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and MINEDUC-accredited, with a U.S.–Guatemala program. Instruction is delivered in English and Spanish, with French available as an additional language. The school serves Early Learning Center through High School, with an average class size around 22. It offers the Global Impact Diploma (GID) and is an authorized TOEFL iBT Test Center. Facilities include an Innovation Center, STEAM Labs, a Library, a Gymnasium, Weight Room, an Outdoor Stage, and athletic areas; music and art studios; and a multi‑sports arena. Extracurriculars span robotics, MUN, Knowledge Bowl, and English Language Academy, plus arts, drama, and performance opportunities. The school opened in 1993 and enrolls more than 950 students.

11 Calle 6-47, Finca El Naranjo, Zona 4 de Mixco, Guatemala

The Essentials

Colegio Decroly Americano has 993 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Located at 11 Calle 6-47, Zone 4, Mixco, Finca El Naranjo, Guatemala. The campus is in Mixco, near Guatemala City.

Stages
Ages from 15 months to 18 years. The program is organized into four sections: Early Learning Center (Infants–Kindergarten), Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).

Type
Private, bilingual (Spanish–English), coeducational, non-sectarian.

Additional learning support
The Department of Learning & Teaching provides for the individual academic, social, and emotional needs of students through differentiated teaching and curriculum.

Country affiliation
U.S.-based program; NEASC-accredited; MINEDUC-accredited.

Religious affiliation
Non-sectarian.

School day structure
School hours are Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Bus service
Transportation is available to all zones of Guatemala City and surrounding areas.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Private school governed by a Board of Directors.
Fees
Application / Admissions Fees

- An admission assessment fee is required for applicants and must be paid by bank transfer according to the school's payment instructions.

Enrollment / Registration Fee

- A registration (enrollment) fee is required at the registration appointment. The registration fee is payable at the time parents sign the school service contract and is collected together with the first tuition installment. BOTH parents must attend the registration appointment to sign contracts.

Tuition fees by school year (structure and timing — amounts not published on public pages)

- The school requires payment of a first tuition installment at registration; the admissions paperwork and enrollment procedure reference a first installment rather than a single full prepayment. Exact tuition amounts by year group (ELC / Early Learning, Elementary, Middle School, High School) and per-term or per-year figures are not published on the publicly accessible admissions and enrollment documents. Parents are required to pay the enrollment fee and the first tuition installment at the registration appointment.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The enrollment procedure and admissions pages require payment of the enrollment fee and the first tuition installment at the registration appointment. The admissions documentation refers to making bank transfers according to provided instructions for the admission assessment fee. A service contract between parents and the school (and a contract with Penta, S.A. where applicable) is signed at registration and governs payment terms. Specific published schedules showing annual vs. per-term billing, installment counts, due dates, late‑payment penalties or discounts are not available on the publicly accessible admissions documents.

Boarding fees

- Colegio Decroly Americano does not list a boarding/internship (residential) program as part of its offering for ages 15 months–18 years. Therefore, there are no boarding fees published or indicated for this school.

Other costs and recurring fees

- The school's admissions and forms explicitly recognize that families are responsible for tuition, transportation and other services. Typical additional costs referenced in admissions paperwork include transportation services, extracurricular activities, and similar service fees. Uniforms, school supplies, lunch/meal plans, extracurricular program fees and activity-specific charges are handled as separate family costs, though specific prices for these items are not published on the public admissions and enrollment documents.

Refund information

- No publicly published refund policy for enrollment, registration or tuition payments is provided in the school's publicly accessible admissions and enrollment documents. Where refunds or cancellations apply, the signed service contract and the terms agreed at registration (contract with the school and with Penta, S.A. when applicable) determine refund eligibility and procedures.

Fee payment options

- The admissions materials instruct families to make the admission assessment fee and other initial payments by bank transfer following the provided payment instructions. Parents sign a service contract at registration and also sign a contract with Penta, S.A. as part of the enrollment process; these arrangements indicate the school uses bank-transfer payment instructions and contractual billing arrangements for tuition and services. Parent portals (Plus Portal and Parent Access links) are provided for family accounts and school communications. No explicit public statement listing accepted card brands, online payment processors, or an exhaustive list of payment channels (credit card, direct debit, etc.) is published in the admissions documents.

Brief summary of findings and missing detail

- The admissions and enrollment documents confirm the existence of an admission assessment fee, a registration/enrollment fee, and the requirement to pay the first tuition installment at registration; they also show families sign service contracts (including one with Penta, S.A.) and use bank-transfer instructions for payments. However, the school does not publish specific numeric tuition amounts, per-term or per-year fee schedules for each year group, detailed billing dates, refund-policy language, or itemized prices for uniforms, transportation and extracurriculars on the publicly accessible admissions and enrollment pages. For precise numeric tuition amounts per year group, per-term breakdowns, any published refund policy text, and detailed payment-channel options, the signed service contract and the school's enrollment office will provide the official figures and terms at registration.
Academics

Colegio Decroly Americano teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers a U.S.-based curriculum accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The school is U.S.-Based – National. Instruction is delivered in English and Spanish, with French as an additional language. The levels include Early Learning Center (ELC), Elementary, Middle School, and High School. The average class size is 22. The school serves ages from 15 months to 18 years and offers the Global Impact Diploma (GID) and is an authorized TOEFL iBT Test Center.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 22.

Exam Results
NEASC accreditation; Graduation rate is 100%.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school prioritizes safety and compassionate, human-centered relationships within the community, which inspires the joy of learning. The wellness approach underpins daily practice, blending academic excellence with a foundation in responsibility, values, and wellness. The School Wellness Program fosters attitudes and skills that support a healthy lifestyle and the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of every member of the school community. Teachers provide supportive, one-on-one care to help each student stay on track. The school fosters a welcoming environment that supports social-emotional growth through daily interactions and activities. The school offers programs and activities that promote well-being and resilience as part of education.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school uses psychopedagogical assessments to understand each student's development and to guide individualized support. A Psychopedagogical Report is used to collect information to better serve students' needs. The school emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion and mutual respect in a diverse, inclusive learning environment. Counseling is available and staff are trained to support students; the Harassment and Child Protection Policy references a counselor and reporting processes. The Wellness Committee and DEI policy further support inclusive, supportive approaches to learners with diverse needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches in English and Spanish; French is offered as an additional language. English and Spanish are the primary languages, with French listed as an additional language. The English Language Academy (ELA Guatemala) provides English language instruction for students and professionals, with courses from beginner to advanced levels. The ELA program emphasizes immersion to develop language proficiency, and the school operates an authorized TOEFL iBT testing center. Adolescent English courses are offered for ages 11–18, conducted as live classes in groups or individually with certificates awarded on completion.

Mental Wellbeing
The School Wellness Program promotes attitudes and skills that support a healthy lifestyle and the well-being of every member of the school community, covering physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions. This wellness program is overseen by the Wellness Committee, which guides initiatives aimed at student and community well-being. The school also emphasizes safety and compassionate, human-centered relationships as foundational to a nurturing learning environment. Counseling and wellness-related activities are part of the holistic approach to student well-being.

Safeguarding
The school is committed to providing all students and employees with a safe and supportive environment, free from hostility. Harassment and bullying of students by students, staff, or volunteers is prohibited, with a detailed policy covering verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying. The policy defines harassment and outlines reporting and disciplinary procedures, including steps to investigate and actions that may be taken. The policy is publicized in the Student-Parent Handbook and Employee Handbook, and on the school website. Training programs are in place for students, school officials, employees, and volunteers to prevent harassment, and reporting mechanisms direct concerns to the appropriate school counselors and administrators.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1993, CDA is a private, bilingual (Spanish–English), coeducational, non‑sectarian school governed by a Board of Directors. It is authorized by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education and offers a U.S.–Guatemala program. The school started with about 225 students in grades 1–4 and now serves infants through 12th grade with enrollment above 950, organized into Early Learning Center, Elementary, Middle School, and High School. The campus has expanded with new classrooms and laboratories, a synthetic soccer field, a weight room, additional restrooms, and a multisports arena in addition to the gymnasium. Since 2007, CDA has been NEASC-accredited and is a member of associations including AASCA, Tri‑Association, AAIE, and AMISA.

Community
The school's tagline Inspire · Innovate · Lead expresses its identity as a purposeful learning community. Every member is an influencer, empowered to inspire others to act with integrity, and the school encourages innovation by creating practical, creative solutions to real-world challenges. Students, staff, and families are prepared to lead and positively transform themselves and their communities, grounded in strong academics and a compassionate mindset. CDA learners are described as empathetic, collaborative leaders, global citizens, creative, and thoughtful problem-solvers.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent Organization is a volunteer group of parents who fundraise to support the school's growth and development. They organize activities that encourage student and family participation and foster school pride. The Booster Club supports the CDA Sports Department by fundraising to expand athletic opportunities for student‑athletes, particularly participation in AASCA events. Their efforts help students gain valuable skills and competitive experience. The Booster Club is an essential part of the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is a 19-acre green campus located on the outskirts of Guatemala City. It includes buildings for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and High School. The grounds feature an Innovation Center, STEAM Labs, a Library, a Cafeteria, a Gymnasium, and a Weight Room. Additional facilities include an Outdoor stage, a Multipurpose Room, Music and Art studios, and Athletic areas. Preschool and Upper Elementary play areas are on campus.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes a Gymnasium and Weight Room and dedicated Athletic areas. Athletics include Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Table Tennis, and Track and Field.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include an Innovation Center, STEAM Labs, and a Library. The Innovation Center supports innovative learning and collaboration. STEAM Labs provide hands-on spaces for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The Library serves as a research and study resource.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities begin in Preschool. In Secondary School, activities include Art, Piano, Band, French, Drama, Knowledge Bowl, MUN, Leadership Club, Robotics Club, Painting, and Contemporary Dance. Athletics include Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Table Tennis, and Track and Field.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a variety of after-school clubs and enrichment programs in areas such as the arts and sciences. These activities deepen students' knowledge and mirror the academic curriculum to complement the teaching-learning experience.

Arts & Creative
After School Activities include clubs and enrichment programs in the arts. These arts-based activities complement the curriculum and enhance the teaching-learning experience.

Cultural & Language
English Language Academy (ELA) is a branch of CDA dedicated to measurable language-learning outcomes. Innovative, research-based strategies are employed to foster students' personal growth in an international learning environment.

Social & Hobbies
After School Activities include a variety of after-school clubs and enrichment programs. These activities enable students to explore interests and build peer connections.

Community & Service
The Parent Organization is a volunteer group of parents who fundraise to support the school's growth and development. They organize activities that encourage student and family participation and foster school pride. The Booster Club supports the CDA Sports Department by fundraising to expand athletic opportunities for student-athletes, particularly participation in AASCA events.

Leadership & Professional
The Parent Organization is a volunteer group that funds fundraising to support the school's growth and development. They organize activities that encourage student and family participation. The Booster Club supports the CDA Sports Department by fundraising to expand athletic opportunities for student-athletes.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Athletic Department focuses on helping students stay active, healthy, and build lifelong habits around physical activity. Coaches and PE teachers work with students to build healthy daily habits and promote an active lifestyle. Trainers and wellness staff provide extra support to help students understand their needs, improve their performance, and avoid injuries. The Wellness Committee promotes attitudes and skills that support a healthy lifestyle and the well-being of every member of our school community.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are English and Spanish. French is offered as an additional language.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in English and Spanish. French is offered as an additional language.
Reputation

Accreditations
NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and MINEDUC (Ministerio de Educación de Guatemala) accreditation.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions Documentation: Fill out and send the Documentation listed below. Documentation includes the Admission Form, Psychopedagogical Report, and Recommendation Form; copies of the current school year's report card, as well as official transcripts from the two previous grade levels completed, and a copy of the withdrawal letter submitted to the previous school signed and stamped as received (G1). Send documentation to info@cda.edu.gt. Enrollment will be official upon receipt of all documents and fulfill all requirements. 2. Cancel Admission Assessment Fee: Cancel Admission Assessment Fee by making the bank transfer according to the instructions in the attached information. NOTIFICATION FROM ADMISSION DEPARTMENT: Admissions will contact you via email to provide information about the process. REGISTRATION APPOINTMENT: Attach the remaining documentation listed below. For more information please write to info@cda.edu.gt. 3. Admission Exam: Take and pass admission exam. 4. Principal and Counselor Interview: Interview with the Principal and Counselor. 5. Registration Appointment: Attach the remaining documentation listed below; appointment with the Admissions Department to sign contracts between parents and Colegio Decroly Americano and between parents and Penta, S.A.; pay the enrollment fee and first tuition installment to Colegio Decroly; BOTH PARENTS MUST ATTEND THE APPOINTMENT TO SIGN CONTRACTS. 6. Documents from Current School: Official Certificates of previous schooling; Student's personal Code issued by MINEDUC (Guatemalan program only); a solvency letter. 7. Remaining Information and Appointment Details: Send the documentation to info@cda.edu.gt and complete the appointment steps as directed. 8. Enrollment Finalization: Enrollment will be official upon receipt of all documents and fulfillment of all requirements. 9. Contacts: For more information, write to info@cda.edu.gt. 10. Get in Touch: 11 Calle 6-47, zona 4 de Mixco, Finca El Naranjo, Guatemala; (502) 2380-2380 - Ext. 4020; info@cda.edu.gt.
School Events
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