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American Nicaraguan School

Nicaragua, Managua

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees $139,172 - 318,631
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 893
Type Co-educational
Opened 1944
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary, Secondary
Introduction

Founded in 1944, the American Nicaraguan School (ANS) is a premier, private, co-educational day school located on a vast 26-acre campus in the Lomas de Monserrat neighborhood of Managua. Serving approximately 893 students from over 30 nationalities, the school offers a highly rigorous, US-accredited American curriculum to students from age 3 through 12th grade. Instruction is delivered entirely in English, and graduates benefit from a Dual Diploma program that awards both a US High School Diploma and the Nicaraguan Baccalaureate. ANS provides extensive academic enrichment through its robust Advanced Placement (AP) program. The campus features unparalleled facilities in Nicaragua, including a 28,500-volume lending library, modern science labs, and comprehensive athletic complexes. With a deep emphasis on community service, robust arts programs, and competitive AASCA sports, ANS comprehensively prepares students to enter top-tier universities worldwide.

4P7F+3H, Pista Suburbana, Managua, Nicaragua

The Essentials

American Nicaraguan School has 893 pupils, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
The school is located in Managua, Nicaragua.

Stages
The school is divided into Early Education Center (Pathways), Primary School, and Secondary School, with a Specialized Learning Program.

Type
The American Nicaraguan School is a private co-educational international day school with Catholic affiliation.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Diversity includes Nicaraguan 70.10%, USA & Canada 19.15%, Asian 5.82%, Latin American (exc. Nic) 3.70%, European 1.12%, Africa 0.11%, Dual citizens (U.S./Nicaraguan) 27.44%.

Additional learning support
A Specialized Learning Program is available for students requiring additional support.

Country affiliation
The school has an American educational affiliation.

Religious affiliation
The school has a Catholic affiliation with a Catholic Life programme.

School day structure
The 2024–2025 calendar has two semesters totaling 180 instructional days; the first semester runs from mid-August to mid-December, and the second from mid-January to early June.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Secondary students (grades 6-12) must wear the school uniform. The formal uniform consists of a white and green polo-style shirt with the school emblem, navy dress pants, and an official ANS white sweatshirt (purchased at the Tiger Store); a P.E. uniform is worn for physical education.

Food Options
The Hungry Tiger food service and school bistro/cafeteria are available.

Governance and Ownership
The American Nicaraguan School is a non-profit, coeducational institution governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, primarily elected by the parent community and supplemented by a U.S. Embassy appointee. It is accredited by Cognia and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education.
Fees

Annual tuition at American Nicaraguan School ranges from USD 139,172 to USD 318,631 for 2026/27.

Application / Entrance Fee
• Entrance fee (Cuota de Ingreso): C$ 219,745.80 (approx. USD equivalent; no entrance fee for PK3–PK4).

Tuition Fees (Monthly and Optional Annual Payments)
• PK3 / PK4: C$ 13,917.23 per month.
• Kindergarten: C$ 23,073.31 per month.
• Grades 1–5: C$ 28,383.83 per month.
• Grades 6–8: C$ 30,764.41 per month.
• Grades 9–12: C$ 31,863.14 per month.
Families may pay tuition monthly, quarterly, by semester, or annually. An 8% benefit applies for tuition paid in advance (annual payment).

Annual / One-Time Fees
• Registration fee (all students): C$ 14,649.72.
• Activities & extracurriculars fee: C$ 8,789.83.
• Technology fee: C$ 8,057.35 (PK3–Kindergarten) or C$ 12,818.51 (Grades 1–12).
• PTO fee: C$ 366.24 per student.
• Scholarship fund fee: C$ 1,831.22 per student.
• Graduation fee (Grade 12): C$ 5,493.65.

Special / Support Program Fees
• Specialized English (ELL) or Spanish (SLL) language programs: C$ 10,987.29 per semester.
• Specialized Learning support: ranges from C$ 10,987.29 to C$ 20,143.37 per semester depending on level and weekly frequency.

Discounts and Multi-Child
• Discounts on monthly tuition are available for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th children enrolled, varying by level (e.g., C$ 1,062.10 off for a 2nd child in Grades 1–5).

Boarding
• The school is a day school and does not offer boarding.

Billing and Payment Terms
• Tuition must be paid within the first 10 days of each billing period. An 8% late fee applies to overdue payments. Payments by credit card are accepted only through the school’s automatic debit program.

Refunds
• The entrance fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If a student attends any portion of a semester, 100% of that semester’s tuition is due.

Payment Options
• Payments are typically made in Córdobas; tuition may be paid monthly, quarterly, by semester, or annually. Credit card payments are processed via the Automatic Debit Program; bank transfers and checks are subject to additional fees if drawn on international accounts.

All fees are current for the 2026–2027 academic year and are quoted in Nicaraguan Córdobas (C$). Approximate USD conversions vary with exchange rates.
Academics

American Nicaraguan School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows an American curriculum with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), AP Computer Science (CS50), and Visual and Performing Arts with Honors in Art and Music.

Higher Education Progression
College and career counseling services are available.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
A counseling programme is available.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A Specialized Learning Program is offered.
Parent Experience

History
The American Nicaraguan School was founded in 1944 and has been serving the international community in Managua for over 80 years.

Community
ANS community includes the diplomatic corps, foreign and local businesses, and international assistance groups working in Nicaragua. Parents and teachers participate through the Parent Teacher Organization, which provides a forum of participation and elects a Board of Directors to coordinate activities. The PTO hosts a variety of events throughout the year to connect, celebrate, and have fun, including Staff Luncheon, Welcome New Families, Open House PS, Open House SS, Fall Festival, Morning with Dad PS/SS, Morning with Mom PS/SS, and Teacher Appreciation Week. The campus sits on 26 acres in Managua and includes a 28,531-volume lending library and campus-wide high-speed Internet.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
ANS encourages parents/guardians to become involved in activities at the school; all parents/guardians and teachers are members of the PTO, which provides a forum of participation. The PTO annually elects its Board of Directors to coordinate and execute activities at ANS. The PTO hosts a variety of community activities throughout the year to connect, celebrate, and have fun. Examples of events include Staff Luncheon, Open House PS, Open House SS, Fall Festival, Morning with Dad SS/PS, Morning with Mom SS/PS, Teacher Appreciation Week, Final PTO Meeting, Facilities Appreciation Day. The PTO contact is pto@ans.edu.ni.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a library, clinic, and health services.

Sports Facilities
Athletics programmes include volleyball and swimming.

Academic Facilities
A school library is available.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school programmes are available across all divisions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Robotics and Debate clubs are offered. Honor Societies are available.

Arts & Creative
Visual and Performing Arts programmes with Honors in Art and Music.

Cultural & Language
The school supports cross-cultural understanding and language-related engagement through the Global Leadership Development Program in Debate and international competitions. Debate features in the program with participation in AASCA Debate, PANAMUN, and HACIA Democracy. These activities promote discussion, cross-cultural communication, and language skills.

Social & Hobbies
The After School Activities program welcomes over 500 students from Kinder to 12th grade and offers activities designed to support growth, wellness, and leadership beyond the classroom. Robotics, Debate, and other enrichment opportunities are offered as part of the program, fostering teamwork, creativity, and personal interests. The program emphasizes inclusive participation and ongoing opportunities beyond the regular school day.

Community & Service
Community service is integrated into student life through clubs focused on service and social impact. Next Chapter centers on reading and learning, Green Club empowers environmental action, SHE supports education for girls, and Love for PAWS and Elder Care focus on care for animals and seniors. Catholic Life is an extracurricular program serving Pathways to 12th grade with weekly sessions under the Archdiocese.

Leadership & Professional
The College and Career Program guides students in grades 8–12 through a structured curriculum that builds self-awareness, career exploration, and college planning. Weekly PAW (Personalized Advancement Wednesdays) and CLAW (College/Career & Leadership Advancement Wednesdays) offer career and leadership development, taught by credentialed professionals and following curricula from leading organizations. The Internship Program provides 10th and 11th graders real-world professional experience, and the Senior Capstone Project enables students to design and implement a project with community impact. Parents participate in engagement sessions to stay informed about grade-level goals and the college application journey.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics including volleyball and swimming. Summer camp for ages 3-12.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Spanish are both languages of instruction.

Bilingual Teaching
The school operates as a bilingual institution with English and Spanish instruction.

Immersion Programs
Language immersion in English and Spanish is provided from the youngest learners through 12th grade. All children develop literacy skills in both languages, with ELL/SLL support for eligible students. The Language team screens students in August to determine eligibility and, if eligible, ELL or SLL services begin by the first week of September; these services incur an additional charge. Mastery is tracked in both languages, while other subjects are assessed in English (levels range from Level 1 Entering to Level 5 Bridging).
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
1. To apply, complete the Student Admission Request Form or the PDF version. The Shared Teacher Recommendation Form must be submitted for all applicants, and for PK3–5th grade include the Parent Questionnaire for the appropriate grade. Official school transcripts and/or report cards from previous schools should be provided, along with recent standardized test scores if available. 2. Submit a copy of the birth certificate, copies of both parents' IDs, and immunization records. Recent sight and hearing exams are required for PK3 through 5th grade, and Educational Support Documentation should be provided if applicable. 3. After submission, the Admissions Committee reviews the application and provides feedback on next steps. The review ensures alignment with program requirements and readiness for the next phase. Families should be prepared to supply any additional information requested. 4. An official decision is communicated by email from the Admissions Office. The email outlines any enrollment actions required and the timeline for next steps. Families should respond promptly to confirm the next steps. 5. The school offers rolling admissions, allowing families to join at any time during the year. This flexibility accommodates varying start dates due to relocation or travel plans. The Admissions team can assist with arranging tours or information sessions as needed. 6. Originals should be submitted upon arrival in Nicaragua. The Admissions Office will acknowledge receipt and provide guidance on next steps.

Scholarships
The school has a Fondo de becas (Scholarship Fund). A Scholarship Fee per student is C$1,831.22.
School Events
The school has not added events
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