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Nicaragua Christian Academy International

Nicaragua, Managua

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $203,631 - 309,841
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 280
Type Co-educational
Opened 1991
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, English
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Nicaragua Christian Academy International sits on a seven-acre campus three miles southwest of Managua. It offers preschool through secondary education in an American, college-preparatory program with a North American calendar and AP courses. The school is evangelical and non-denominational, nonprofit, and affiliated with the United States education system; it is accredited by Cognia (AdvancED) and ACSI, and was the first ACSI-accredited school in Central America. The curriculum blends English instruction with Spanish and Nicaraguan studies, using textbooks from Pearson, McGraw-Hill, BJU Press, ACSI, and Christian Schools International. An Accelerated Reading program supports English literacy for grades 1–8. The campus has six classroom buildings, the Eagle Center, libraries, labs, and athletic facilities for soccer, basketball, volleyball. Extracurriculars include Drama Club, National Honor Society, Student Councils, HACIA Democracy, community service, field trips and retreats. AP offerings include Calculus AB, English Language and Composition, English Literature, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature/Culture, and Statistics.

KM 11.2 CARRETERA VIEJA A LEÓN, Managua, Nicaragua (Mailing: Nicaragua Christian Academy, Apartado 842, Managua, Nicaragua)

The Essentials

Nicaragua Christian Academy International has 280 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location
Located at Km 11.2 Carretera Vieja a León, Managua, Nicaragua. The campus sits just outside Managua on the main highway. It is easily accessible by road.

Stages
Preschool, elementary, and secondary.

Type
evangelical, non-denominational, non-profit preschool, elementary, and secondary educational institution.

Pupil Nationality Mix
67 percent of students are Nicaraguan, 20 percent are North American, and 6 percent are Asian; the student body represents 19 countries.

Country affiliation
Affiliation with the United States education system; Accredited in the United States by Cognia (AdvancED) and ACSI; follows North American standards and the North American school calendar.

Religious affiliation
evangelical, non-denominational

School day structure
The School Day runs 7:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. for Preschool and Kindergarten; 7:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. for Elementary and High School.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
NCA International is part of the Association of Nicaragua Christian Academy. All three NCA schools are governed by a seven-member school board elected by the General Assembly of Missionary Parents.
Fees

Annual tuition at Nicaragua Christian Academy International ranges from USD 203,631 to USD 309,841 for 2026/27.

Entrance / Application Fees
- Entrance Fee (one-time, new students): C$ 146,497 (USD 4,000). This fee is required of all new students and is nonrefundable. The entrance fee may be paid in full at enrollment or in ten monthly payments.
- Registration Fee (annual): C$ 9,522 (USD 260). This annual, nonrefundable registration fee covers textbooks, workbooks, classroom materials, and student accident insurance and must be paid to reserve the student's place.

Annual Tuition (standard family-subsidized rates)
- PK1 (age 3 by Sep 30): C$ 146,497 (USD 4,000) per year.
- PK2 (age 4 by Sep 30): C$ 186,784 (USD 5,100) per year.
- Kindergarten (age 5): C$ 194,109 (USD 5,300) per year.
- Grades 1–6: C$ 249,045 (USD 6,800) per year.
- Grades 7–12: C$ 263,695 (USD 7,200) per year.

Corporate / Full-cost Rates (when an employer or organization pays full cost)
- Entrance Fee (one-time, corporate rate): C$ 183,122 (USD 5,000). This fee is nonrefundable and is due upon entrance.
- Registration Fee (annual, corporate): C$ 9,522 (USD 260).
- Annual Tuition (corporate rates):
- PK1: C$ 190,446 (USD 5,200).
- PK2: C$ 241,720 (USD 6,600).
- Kindergarten: C$ 263,695 (USD 7,200).
- Grades 1–6: C$ 333,281 (USD 9,100).
- Grades 7–12: C$ 369,905 (USD 10,100).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Available payment plans for annual tuition:
- One single payment before August 30 (3% discount on tuition).
- Two payments (August and January).
- Four payments (August, October, January, March).
- Ten monthly payments (August–May).
- The registration fee must be paid to reserve space; the entrance fee may be paid in full or in up to ten monthly payments (standard rate). Corporate entrance fee is due upon entrance.

Other annual and recurring fees
- Technology fee (P–12): C$ 7,325 (USD 200) per year.
- Graduation fees: Kindergarten/6th grade C$ 3,662 (USD 100); 12th grade C$ 7,325 (USD 200).
- ELD (English Language Development), if applicable: C$ 21,975 (USD 600).
- Activities (per semester): Sports (Grades 1–6) C$ 1,831 (USD 50); Sports (Grades 7–12) C$ 3,479 (USD 95).
- Bus service is available but is contracted and billed separately by the transportation provider (Transportes Cruz). Families pay the transport provider directly.

Multi-child discounts and promotions
- Tuition discounts for multiple children in the same family: 3rd child receives 25% off tuition; 4th child and beyond receive 35% off tuition.
- Preschool promotion for 2026–2027:
- Permanent discount for PK1 students enrolled in 2026–2027: USD 250 off per year for each year through graduation (applies from preschool through high school).
- Entrance fee discount: if the entrance fee is paid in full before Kindergarten graduation, the entrance fee is reduced to USD 3,000.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school; transportation is arranged through an external bus provider billed separately.

Refund information
- The Entrance Fee (one-time) is nonrefundable.
- The Registration Fee (annual) is nonrefundable.
- No additional tuition refund terms are listed in the published tuition table.

Fee payment options
- The published tuition table specifies available payment schedules and discounts but does not list accepted payment channels (for example: credit card, in-person cash, or bank transfer). Families should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the school's finance office or admissions office.
Academics

Nicaragua Christian Academy International teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum at all levels. It follows a North American school calendar year and is based on a United States and international school framework with integration of Spanish and Nicaraguan social studies. Textbooks come from Pearson Education, McGraw-Hill, BJU Press, ACSI, and Christian Schools International. The Spanish program uses Nacho Nicaragüense and Roger Matus Lazo Ediciones. An Accelerated Reading program is incorporated into English language arts for grades 1–8.

Student Teacher Ratio
Preschool 15–20 students per class; Elementary 22–24 students per class; Secondary 22–25 students per class. Each level is taught by a certified teacher with several teacher assistants.

Higher Education Progression
About 60% of NCA graduates enroll in four-year universities in the United States; about 30% continue studies in Nicaragua; remaining 10% attend universities in Europe or Asia, enter military service, or begin their careers.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
NCA International integrates a Biblical worldview in every class and promotes spiritual and social growth through structured programs. Bible classes are offered across all levels, including Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Foundations, Faith and Discipleship, Biblical Ethics, and World Religions. Chapel programs involve the school chaplain and regular worship activities, with students participating in small groups to discuss Scripture and pray, fostering healthy relationships and leadership development. The school encourages service and community engagement through Faith in Action and various community service opportunities. Retreats and a Student Leadership framework provide ongoing opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership, and peer community under the oversight of the Spiritual Life initiatives.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
NCA International runs an inclusive SOAAR Program that supports students with a range of learning needs, including those with disabilities, within general education classrooms wherever possible. Students may have an individualized education program (IEP) or accommodation plan (AP) to tailor learning in a least restrictive environment, with services such as modified or adapted curricula, behavior and social skills support (including Circle of Friends), reading remediation (Wilson Reading Program), and access to a SOAAR classroom or resource support. Additional provisions include after-school tutoring, alternative assessment options, and consultations with experts in speech and language, occupational, and physical therapy through Tesoro de Dios and other providers, plus classroom assistant support as needed. The program is designed to welcome English-speaking students with disabilities, with a dedicated Student Support Team guiding admissions on a case-by-case basis. The SOAAR staff includes certified specialists and a school counseling team to support learning and well-being.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The program of study follows the North American school calendar and provides an accredited North American liberal arts, English-language education, preparing students to enter higher education worldwide. Instruction is delivered in English and the school is accredited by Cognia (AdvancED) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through dedicated counseling resources and a faith-centered, community-based approach to student life. The SOAAR Program includes the school psychologist and a high school counselor as part of its staff, providing evaluations, counseling, and guidance. Spiritual Growth activities—Bible classes, chapels, small groups, and youth group—support emotional and relational health within a Christian context, complemented by servant-leadership and community service opportunities.

Safeguarding
The school promotes healthy and safe development of all students and adheres to a Child Protection Policy, as reflected in the Family Covenant and school policies. The Family Covenant requires parents to uphold child-protection standards and to collaborate with the school using Biblical principles, while the Inclusion and Non-Discrimination statements affirm a commitment to safe, respectful learning environments for all students. The ATODS policy (Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs and Sexual Activity) governs student conduct, with clear notification and reporting procedures. Together, these policies establish safeguarding, clear reporting channels, and ongoing policy adherence within the school community.
Parent Experience

History
NCA International began as the result of three evangelical missionary families seeking an English-language Christian education for their own children, starting as a cooperative homeschool program in 1991 with two teachers and seven students. In 1995, NCA purchased land and began construction through the labor and donations of hundreds of volunteers and supporters. NCA International became the first ACSI-accredited school in Central America in 2001, and in 2009 added SACS/AdvancED accreditation through its parent organization, AdvancED. Today, NCA International has about 320 students and 33 teachers. In 2005, NCA Nejapa opened to offer Spanish-language education, and in 2013 NCA Matagalpa opened, with the three schools serving over 900 students.

Community
Nica Youth Group is a shared ministry between NCA International and International Christian Fellowship Managua, meeting at NCA International. It is open to students in grades 6-12 from NCA International, other schools, and homeschooling families. The group runs four regular events: Thrive for grades 6-8, Launch for grades 9-12, Amplify for worship and fellowship, and Serve for service outings, each roughly once a month on Friday evenings. A Middle School Retreat in April and a High School Retreat in May are also held.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
NCA International sits on a 7-acre campus about three miles outside the southwest edge of Managua. The elevation provides cooler temperatures and breezes. The campus is lush with plants and greenery. It consists of six classroom buildings and a large multi-purpose Eagle Center, plus lunch areas, offices and athletic fields, courts and facilities. The property was purchased in 1995 and has grown with campus improvements over the years.

Sports Facilities
On-campus athletic facilities include athletic fields and courts. The athletics program focuses on soccer, basketball and volleyball, with varsity teams in the secondary grades and training camps for younger students. After-school sports camps for elementary students, called Eagles in Training, run for six one-hour sessions to develop skills. Intramural options are organized by the secondary Student Council for short after-school tournaments.

Academic Facilities
Campus facilities include six classroom buildings and a large multi-purpose Eagle Center. Lunch areas and offices are on campus, alongside athletic fields, courts and facilities. The elementary program includes library classes, and a library is available for student use. Computer labs support technology instruction during the day and are available for student use after school. The cafeteria serves food and beverages throughout the day. AP courses offered include AP Calculus AB, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature, AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature/Culture and AP Statistics.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities include Elementary and Secondary Student Councils, a Drama Club, and the National Honor Society. The HACIA Democracy conference is an annual activity the school participates in. Other activities include community service, Youth Group, Bible studies and retreats, a school newspaper, field trips and retreats.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The program of study follows the North American school calendar year and provides an accredited North American liberal arts English-language education that prepares students to enter institutions of higher learning worldwide. It is fully accredited in the United States with Cognia (AdvancED) and ACSI. The education emphasizes holistic development of mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects and fosters critical thinking from a Biblical perspective. Students are encouraged to apply what they learn in service to God and humankind.

Arts & Creative
Drama Club engages students in grades 7–12 in annual major drama or musical productions with after-school rehearsals; participants contribute as actors, stage crew, musicians, photographers/videographers, and audio/visual technicians. The Student Council also organizes performing arts events such as Talent Show.

Social & Hobbies
The Student Council plans and leads activities throughout the year, including events such as Talent Show, Intramural Soccer and Ultimate Frisbee, Box Lunch Social, Heroes of the Faith Celebration, and many other activities that foster school community.

Community & Service
National Honor Society members engage in leadership and service projects, including organizing the school's recycling program.

Leadership & Professional
Student Council develops leadership abilities among students and serves as a channel of communication between students and staff. National Honor Society emphasizes leadership and service, and HACIA Democracy provides a platform for debate, diplomacy, and policy discussion through an annual Harvard-sponsored model conference.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics include intramural soccer and ultimate Frisbee. Additional extra-curricular activities include Community Service, Youth Group, Bible Studies and Retreats.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English and provides an accredited North American liberal arts English-language education. The program follows the North American school calendar year and prepares students to enter institutions of higher learning worldwide.
Reputation

Accreditations
Dual U.S. accreditation through Cognia (AdvancED) and accreditation by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI); NCA International was the first school in Central America to be accredited by ACSI. The school is fully authorized by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education (MINED) to issue the Bachillerato degree, and many graduates receive both a Nicaraguan and a U.S. diploma.
Admissions

Admissions
NCA International enrolls about 300 students from preschool through twelfth grade, with roughly 55% from Nicaraguan families and most of the remainder children of international missionaries. Admission requires an age-based placement with a September 30 cutoff (PK1 for 3-year-olds, PK2 for 4-year-olds, Kindergarten for 5-year-olds; first grade should be six years old; children who do not turn three by September 30 are not eligible). English fluency is required for entry into PK2 and above, as determined by an entrance evaluation and interview. A family partnership is required; a family interview is conducted for all new families, and the school emphasizes commitment to its Christian philosophy, expectations, and policies. Classes are capped at 15 in PK1, 18 in PK2, 20 in Kindergarten, 22 in Grades 1–3, and 24 in Grades 4–12. The school primarily serves evangelical missionary families, but all families are welcome to apply. Admission steps include submitting documents, an entrance evaluation (either a recent English-language test for transfers from American schools or an on-site evaluation; PK1 does not require an evaluation but must be potty-trained and 3 by Sep 30), and family/student interviews (student interviews for Grades 7–12). For the normal admissions cycle, all steps should be completed by the third Friday in April, with decisions communicated by email before May 15; late and midyear applications are considered only if space is available. Upon acceptance, families meet with the business administrator, sign a payment contract, and pay a non-refundable registration fee of $260 per student.

Scholarships
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides financial support to families; about 20% of students receive TAP, and assistance can cover up to 75% of tuition. TAP is funded both by internal tithing and external gifts, and it is not a single-child sponsorship; there is a formal process to review TAP applications. Donations to TAP can be made through Resourcing Christian Education (RCE) International for U.S. contributions. The program operates as a partnership between the schools and supporters to help families in need access the program.
School Events
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