doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
S

San Juan del Sur Day School

Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 2 - 16 years
Pupil numbers 175
Type Co-educational
Opened 2009
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 12
Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

San Juan del Sur Day School, located at Finca Las Nubes, Barrio Hermanos Mendoza, Km 136 Carretera San Juan del Sur, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, is a PreK–12 day school offering a bilingual English–Spanish program. Established in 2009 on a 10-acre farm and campus with a coastal classroom, the school blends experiential, place-based learning with a rigorous academic core. The curriculum centers on six transdisciplinary themes and a learning cycle, with core subjects including English Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Arts, Science, and Physical Education and Wellness. The school provides Cognia International Diploma and the Nicaraguan MINED Diploma in upper grades, aligned with North American and Nicaraguan standards through partnerships with Savas and National Geographic Learning. A distinctive feature is its sustainability focus, integrated through hands-on projects on the farm, preparing students for citizenship and higher education worldwide, aiming to become a full K–12 international program.

Finca Las Nubes, Barrio Hermanos Mendoza, Km 136 Carretera San Juan del Sur, C. La Cuesta 48600, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

The Essentials

San Juan del Sur Day School has 175 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Finca Las Nubes, Barrio Hermanos Mendoza, Km 136 Carretera San Juan del Sur, C. La Cuesta 48600, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. The campus is a living farm and forest campus that blends classroom learning with outdoor experiences. It is described as San Juan del Sur's coastal classroom.

Stages
Pre-K through 12th grade (PreK–12).

Type
Day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
57% Nicaraguan; 43% International.

Additional learning support
Academic Support Coordinator and School Counselor provide student support.

Country affiliation
Nicaragua

School day structure
Extended Day is offered.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding is offered. Extended Day is an after-school program for children aged 2-5, running from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm in a Spanish-immersive environment, with snack-time provided.

Food Options
Snack-time is provided during Extended Day; a lunch option is available via an online sign-up form.

Governance and Ownership
The school is operated by Senderos Educacion S.A., authorized by Nicaragua's Ministry of Education and Cognia-accredited to operate a bilingual school. Governance is provided by Senderos Educacion, which sets strategic goals, alliances, and direction, and handles financial controls, operations, and legal representation.
Fees
Application fee

- Application / entrance charge: C$2,200 per child (Cordobas). Pre‑K and Kindergarten have no entrance fee.

Tuition fees by year group

- A full public tuition schedule showing per‑term and per‑year tuition by grade is not published in the school's publicly available admissions or family handbook materials for the 2026/27 (or 2025/26) academic year. Families should request the school's official tuition schedule directly when completing admissions paperwork.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Extended Day (after‑school) billing:
- Monthly‑Unlimited Use option: USD 140.00 per month, per child. Payment is required in full 5 days prior to the start of the month. Invoices for monthly billing must be paid on that schedule.
- Daily drop‑in rate: USD 12.00 per day, billed by invoice; invoices are generated monthly and must be paid in full within 5 days of issuance. Failure to pay may result in exclusion from Extended Day services.

- School lunch billing:
- Daily cost shown for the lunch program: USD 4.65 per school day. Bills are calculated by the number of school days per month and are sent at the beginning of each month. Payment is due before the 15th of each month; an overdue bill incurs a 10% late fee and unpaid accounts may lead to withdrawal from the lunch program. Payments for lunch are accepted in cash at the school business office.

- Transportation and road maintenance: a mandatory transportation / road maintenance fee is required of all families (amount not published). This fee supports access and road upkeep for the campus and cannot be fully waived, though requests for partial discounts may be submitted for consideration. The transportation fee covers road maintenance and does not include field‑trip or extracurricular transport costs.

- Invoicing and deadlines for other school fees: specific termly/annual tuition invoicing dates and formal payment schedules are not published in the publicly available materials; admission communications and the Enrollment & Financial Agreement supply the formal payment terms at enrollment.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The institution operates as a day school. No boarding fees are published or applicable.

Other costs and fees (ancillary charges)

- Uniforms: Students must wear a Ministry‑authorized school uniform. Required items include school logo T‑shirts, white or navy polo shirts, white button‑down oxford shirts, navy/black/khaki pants, capris, shorts, skirts or school tunics; covered shoes are required. Specific uniform pricing is not published.

- Books, supplies and personal materials:
- Early Learning and Primary School regular classroom needs are covered by tuition. In Middle and High School, families may need to purchase some books and materials. High School families are required to supply a laptop for each student (school does not provide insurance for personal devices).

- Field trips and extracurriculars: costs of food, admissions and transportation for field trips are not included in tuition and are billed separately when applicable.

- Transportation related extras: bus route selection is fixed for a term once chosen and bus/transport arrangements and any associated fees are managed per admissions/business office procedures.

Refund information

- Application / registration / new student fees: these fees are non‑refundable and do not guarantee enrollment.

- Program‑specific refund rules and late penalties: lunch invoices carry a 10% late fee for overdue payment and nonpayment may result in program withdrawal. Extended Day nonpayment results in ineligibility for the service until invoices are settled. No detailed, public tuition refund schedule (for termly or annual tuition) is published in the Family Handbook or admissions materials.

Fee payment options

- Cash: the lunch program explicitly requires cash payment at the school business office.

- Other payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, wire): specific acceptance of credit card, bank transfer or wire payments for tuition and other school fees is not published in the publicly available admissions or handbook materials. Families are instructed to confirm accepted payment methods in the Enrollment & Financial Agreement and with the school business office or admissions contact. Contact: info@sanjuandelsurdayschool.com / +505‑8464‑5212.

Brief summary of available vs. unpublished fee details

- Published and specific: application fee amount (C$2,200); Extended Day pricing (USD 140/month or USD 12/day) and payment timing; lunch program daily rate (USD 4.65), monthly billing cadence, due date and late fee; mandatory transportation/road maintenance fee (policy described but amount not published); uniform requirements; laptop requirement for high school; field trip costs not included in tuition.

- Not published in the school's public materials: a full, itemized tuition schedule showing per‑grade (year group) tuition amounts per term or per year for 2026/27 (or 2025/26); term dates tied to specific invoicing amounts; detailed tuition refund policy (termly/annual tuition refunds). Families should obtain the official fee schedule and Enrollment & Financial Agreement directly from admissions at the time of application to receive complete per‑grade tuition figures and binding payment terms.
Academics

San Juan del Sur Day School teaches IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 2 to 16.

Curriculum
The school offers a future-ready PreK–12 academic program that is bilingual in English and Spanish. It includes the Cognia International Diploma and the Nicaraguan MINED Diploma in later grades and emphasizes sustainability through a farm and forest campus. The core curriculum comprises English Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Arts, Science, and Physical Education and Wellness, taught through six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are, Where we are in place and time, How we express ourselves, How the world works, How we organize ourselves, and Sharing the planet, with a learning cycle, core values, and life-skills development guiding instruction. The school partners with Savas (formerly Pearson) and National Geographic Learning to align with North American and Nicaraguan standards and uses project-based inquiry across PreK–Grade 5, moving to a college-ready, globally focused program in middle and high school that emphasizes global citizenship and higher education preparation.

Student Teacher Ratio
Pre-School 6:1; Pre-K 6:1; Kindergarten 6:1; Primary 12:1; Upper School 18:1. Total enrollment around 175 students.

Higher Education Progression
The middle and high school curriculum prepares students for global careers and higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
An inclusive environment supports every student through a culture of compassion, respect, and diversity. Students are encouraged to take risks, collaborate, and grow within a supportive community. Core values guide behavior and interactions, including Compassion, Truthfulness, Peace, Respect, Responsibility, Service to others, Joyfulness, Gratitude, Respect for the Environment, and Enthusiasm. Mindfulness and other Life Skills activities, including sustainability work, foster empathy, problem-solving, and collaboration. Community service and cultural exchanges provide ongoing opportunities to practice social-emotional skills in real life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Academic Support Coordinator and School Counselor provide student support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Core subject instruction is in English. Elective instruction is in Spanish or a combination of Spanish and English. The school aims for fluency in both English and Spanish. Bilingualism fosters cognitive development, enhances communication skills, and promotes cross-cultural understanding.

Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness is part of the Life Skills program, which also includes sustainability and nature-based experiences. Life Skills foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration while connecting students with their community. Students progress to be confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. The inclusive environment supports wellbeing by providing a safe space for learning and growth.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 2009, San Juan del Sur Day School began as a humble one-room beach house, established by Julie Speier and John Crilly to meet local early childhood needs. In 2015, the Robertson family offered their Finca Las Nubes organic farm as a new home, with a preschool building on la Cuesta and later elementary facilities. The 10-acre farm and forest campus grew to support expanding programs, and by 2022 high school construction and campus improvements marked a major milestone. Operated by Senderos Educacion S.A., the school is accredited by Cognia and MINED and offers a bilingual, nature-based curriculum; graduates earn both the International Cognia Diploma and the Nicaraguan Diploma, preparing them for universities worldwide. The school aims to expand to a full K-12 international program, uniting all community members through inquiry-based instruction and sustainability.

Community
Community is central to San Juan del Sur Day School. The school describes a close-knit, welcoming environment where families, teachers, and students function as an extended family and learning extends beyond the classroom into local culture and the surrounding nature. The school emphasizes whole-child education and environmental stewardship, with ongoing opportunities for parents to get involved through hands-on projects and volunteer roles. A Community Coordinator leads the Parent Teacher Organization, coordinates cultural celebrations, and supports fundraising initiatives like Senderos Kitchen, while parents participate through the Parent Association and campus programs, with events such as Family Day, Farm Dinner, and the Color Run.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Our Community Coordinator is a parent volunteer who strengthens the school community by fostering positive relationships among parents, students, staff, and the broader community. This role leads PTO meetings, organizes events and workshops, coordinates cultural celebrations, and manages fundraising initiatives such as those at Senderos Kitchen. The Coordinator collaborates with external partners to plan activities aligned with sustainability goals, ensuring opportunities for everyone to connect, contribute, and support the school's mission. Parents on Campus participate in programs on site and through the Parent Association, whose events evolve with the needs of the community. Volunteer opportunities include guest-speaking, workshops, field trips, and hosting families through programs like the Host Family Program.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Hands-on learning is integrated on a living campus that blends classroom study with experiences on our farm and forest. The coastal classroom setting connects students with Nicaragua's natural resources through outdoor, experiential learning. The farm and forest environment supports sustainability-focused learning embedded in daily activities. This living campus approach underpins the school's approach to education.

Academic Facilities
The school teaches a bilingual curriculum in English and Spanish and offers Cognia International Diploma and the Nicaraguan MINED Diploma in the upper grades. It partners with Savas (formerly Pearson) and National Geographic Learning for academic resources aligned with North American and Nicaraguan standards. The curriculum centers on six transdisciplinary themes and core subjects including English Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Arts, Science, and Physical Education and Wellness. The Learning Structure emphasizes core values, the learning cycle, and the essential elements guiding project-based inquiry and sustainability.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Life Skills: The school has a Sustainability program focused on life skills and regenerative practices such as gardening and mindfulness, with immersive nature-based experiences. Through hands-on projects, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration while connecting with nature and their community. The program fosters a love for learning, environmental stewardship, and global citizenship. Learning takes place on a farm and forest campus with a coastal classroom, supporting experiential education beyond the traditional classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is a PreK-12 international school. The core academics include English Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Arts, Science, and Physical Education and Wellness. The program follows a transdisciplinary framework and a teaching learning cycle to deepen inquiry and critical thinking across subjects. The school offers the Cognia International Diploma and the Nicaraguan Diploma.

Arts & Creative
The Building Blocks curriculum includes Arts and Design as a core subject alongside English Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. Electives support creative expression within the core offerings, including Arts and Design. Extracurricular opportunities include off-campus activities such as dance and music, as well as clubs like Chess and Garden and DIY.

Cultural & Language
English and Spanish are emphasized through bilingual education. Core instruction is in English, with electives offered in Spanish or a bilingual mix. Spanish Language Arts is included among the core subjects.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers extracurricular activities including Chess, Garden and DIY, and a fall soccer club. Off-campus options include surfing, skating, dancing, and music. In middle school, students participate in clubs, athletics, and leadership activities such as the student council.

Community & Service
The school places a strong emphasis on community and collaboration, with service learning projects and community events. Students participate in service learning projects and cultural exchanges. Middle school notes that service learning and community engagement are core aspects of the program.

Leadership & Professional
Future Ready describes graduates who are confident, compassionate, and well-rounded for high school and beyond. The Diploma Program includes Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability as a core focus, with elective courses and independent study. The program supports leadership development and professional skills through clubs, student government, and service projects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school prioritizes social-emotional wellbeing and helps students build emotional intelligence. Life Skills are integrated through a Sustainability program featuring gardening, mindfulness, and nature-based experiences. The Coastal Classroom blends farm and forest settings with outdoor classrooms to support holistic development. Hands-on learning on the living campus and farm supports wellbeing through real-world experiences.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Spanish are taught at San Juan del Sur Day School. Early Childhood provides daily bilingual learning in Spanish and English. In Primary School, Spanish classes are held five days a week in addition to English Language Arts. In High School, core instruction is in English and electives are in Spanish or a bilingual mix.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides bilingual Spanish–English education. In Early Childhood, there are daily opportunities to learn and interact in both Spanish and English. Across grade levels, English serves as the core language of instruction in many subjects, with Spanish offered through language classes and electives to support bilingual proficiency. The program is part of an internationally accredited PreK–12 framework with a bilingual, sustainability-focused curriculum.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
Cognia; MINED (Ministry of Education of Nicaragua).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Get in touch: Families introduce themselves to the admissions team and share plans for their child's start date. The school invites inquiries via an Admissions Inquiry Form and offers a tour to help families get to know the community. In your email, include the names and birth dates for all children applying, and note the desired start date and length of enrollment. The Admissions contact can be reached by email at admissions@sanjuandelsurdayschool.com.

Scholarships
The school provides financial assistance to 35%+ of students.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Nicaragua View all schools in San Juan del Sur View all schools in Nicaragua IB curriculum schools in Nicaragua Open days & tours in San Juan del Sur What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools