Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Nicaragua

The school is located in Managua, Nicaragua.

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

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

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%.

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

The school has an American educational affiliation.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

College and career counseling services are available.

A counseling programme is available.

A Specialized Learning Program is offered.

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.

The school has a Fondo de becas (Scholarship Fund). A Scholarship Fee per student is C$1,831.22.

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.

Preschool, elementary, and secondary.

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

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

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.

evangelical, non-denominational

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.