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Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
ISLA Academy Cabarete is a private international school offering Pre-K through 12th grade with an American Curriculum and Advanced Placement options. The Cabarete campus (Playa Laguna) features extensive outdoor space, a dedicated sports facility, a garden, a treehouse, a rock wall, a zipline, a mud kitchen, and a breezy patio with lawn areas. Classes are taught primarily in English by internationally certified teachers, and the school operates an exclusively inquiry-based program that connects learning to real-world contexts. Each student follows an individualized learning plan shaped by their level, interests and learning style, with language support woven into daily lessons. An additional campus at Las Terrenas complements the program. Facilities include a library, a cafeteria serving meals from the on-site ISLA garden, and after‑school clubs from 3:00 to 6:30 PM. The Director and Co-founder is Sean Bennett, and the Founding Curriculum Coordinator is Franco Rodriguez. Real-world projects and outdoor learning opportunities.
ISLA Academy - Cabarete has typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, Spanish.
Location
Cabarete Campus, ISLA Academy. Located in Cabarete, Playa Laguna, Dominican Republic. The campus is next to Sea Horse Ranch along the Rt. 5 coastal highway toward Puerto Plata.
Stages
Pre-K to 12th Grade
Type
private international school
Pupil Nationality Mix
ISLA Academy Cabarete enrolls students from all over the world.
Additional learning support
100% individual support with Development Plans; supports students with high abilities and special educational needs.
Country affiliation
Dominican Republic
School day structure
Preschool day options include a flexible schedule (3–5 days per week) with Half Day 8:00–13:00 or Full Day 8:00–15:00; sample day includes a typical 8:00–9:00 morning routine, 12:00–12:30 lunch, and afterschool 15:00–18:30.
Fees
Annual tuition at ISLA Academy - Cabarete ranges from DOP 7,260 to DOP 9,460 for 2026/27.
- Per-term guidance: the school publishes annual tuition amounts. For families who prefer term-style breakdowns, the annual tuition divided into equal instalments gives the following examples (calculated for convenience): - Preschool annual USD 6,600 → approx. USD 2,200 per term (annual ÷ 3). - Phase 2/3 annual USD 7,800 → approx. USD 2,600 per term (annual ÷ 3). - Phase 4/5 annual USD 8,100 → approx. USD 2,700 per term (annual ÷ 3). - Phase 6/7 annual USD 8,600 → approx. USD 2,867 per term (annual ÷ 3).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment-plan options and consequences: - One payment: registration fee waived and 6% discount applies. - Two equal payments: registration fee waived. - Monthly payments: available by written agreement (monthly schedule established in the agreement).
- General payment terms: - All payments are non-refundable. - A 10% tuition discount applies to each younger sibling after the first enrolled child.
Boarding fees (if applicable)
- No boarding program or boarding fees are listed in the school's published tuition and fee schedule for the Cabarete campus. The published fees cover day-school tuition and associated items noted below.
Other costs and required / optional fees
- Senior dues: USD 500 (due February 1, 2026, as listed in the published schedule). - Basic learning materials and lunch: provided to all students (no separate standard charge listed for these items in the published schedule). - Field trips, after-school clubs, and private tutoring: not included in tuition; costs vary and are charged separately. - Computer requirement and rental: Students in Phase 2 and up are required to bring a computer daily. If a student arrives without a computer, the school office may provide one (if available) at a stated rate of USD 3 per day. - Optional additional accreditation (may apply to some high-school students): examples and optional fees were listed for prior year materials (e.g., Clonlara accreditation was listed at USD 250–2,000 in the previous schedule). Contact accounts for specifics if additional accreditation is recommended. - Uniforms / school clothing: no dedicated uniform fee is listed in the published Cabarete fee schedule. Costs for optional or required uniforms, if applicable, are not shown in the published tuition document.
Refund and withdrawal policies
- Refund policy: All payments are non-refundable as stated in the published fee schedule.
Fee payment options (methods and contacts)
- Payment schedules accepted: one-payment (with discount), two-payment, or monthly payments by written agreement as noted above. - Specific payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, international wire) are not itemized in the published fee schedule; families should use the school accounts contact for precise instructions and available methods: isla.accounts@islaacademy.com.
Additional operational notes on fees
- Fees shown are annual amounts by phase for the Cabarete campus and apply to full-year enrolment. Contact isla.accounts@islaacademy.com for pricing if enrolling for less than a semester or for bespoke arrangements.
Academics
ISLA Academy - Cabarete teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
Pre-K to 12th grade with a high-quality, rigorous, and personalized curriculum taught primarily in English. The school offers an exclusively inquiry-based method of learning, with internationally certified, experienced teachers.
Higher Education Progression
Exams are governed by Cambridge or Pearson and are internationally recognised. Cambridge and Pearson International AS & A Levels are used to gain places at leading universities worldwide, including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.
Gifted and Talented
Differentiated instruction with tailored teaching in each subject and individual learning plans. Language support is woven into daily lessons, and additional support is available through a learning support team (remedial teacher and an educational psychologist).
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes happiness as a core goal of education and believes learning happens through experience, collaboration, and social interaction across ages. The school uses an exclusively inquiry-based method of learning and encourages learning in nature, teamwork, and understanding of self and world.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Cabarete team has educators who provide curricular adaptations for children with educational support. Staff have experience with autism in regular classrooms, and there are workshops for parents and teachers on children's neurological, socio-emotional, and motor development.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches all classes primarily in English; in Preschool and Phase 1 there is always a Spanish language instructor on hand. The majority of staff are bilingual and most students speak more than one language; ESL is supported with demonstrated success.
Mental Wellbeing
A clinical psychologist (Cristina Ricart) is part of Cabarete's staff to support student wellbeing; she emphasizes creating a safe space for students and has training in areas including school dropout prevention and reintegration.
Safeguarding
Discipline policies state that bullying or disrespect is not tolerated; students are encouraged to care for others and their belongings, and academic honesty is expected. There is guidance on safe and ethical use of technology.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Apply online is easy. ISLA Academy serves Pre-K to 12th grade, and the application process is laid out in several steps to ensure you have everything you need. 2. Gather documents. You will need scanned copies or clear photos of the passport or birth certificate, vaccination records, and for all applicants age 7 and older a hand-written essay explaining why they would like to attend ISLA Academy plus a video to help the school get to know the applicant. You should also include any records of learning support and/or behavioral issues and the most recent school reports (for students entering Middle or High School, from the last two years). Copies of both parents' identifications (photos are acceptable) may also be provided. 3. Send a video. Your video should be in English as much as possible and cover topics such as your likes, hobbies, and interests; introduce your family and educational history; outline your future goals; and explain why you want to study at ISLA. 4. Complete the online registration form. 5. Pay the $10 application fee to seal the deal. If you do not use PayPal, there are other payment options available.
Scholarships
ISLA Academy accepts donations to support students and programs. A sponsor can contribute part or all of a student's tuition to participate in ISLA programs. Sponsoring a child provides progressive education to the island's best and brightest regardless of socioeconomic background. Donations are also welcome for the library or game center, technology and science laboratories, and music programs, and volunteers may contribute time or materials (e.g., building and classroom resources).
Waitlist
Enrollment procedures indicate that after submitting the registration materials and paying the enrollment fee, ISLA may offer a place in class or place the student on the waiting list. ISLA admits new children during the academic year, and if a place is not immediately available, a waiting list may be used.
FAQs
What curriculum does ISLA Academy - Cabarete follow?
Pre-K to 12th grade with a high-quality, rigorous, and personalized curriculum taught primarily in English. The school offers an exclusively inquiry-based method of learning, with internationally certified, experienced teachers.
What age range does ISLA Academy - Cabarete serve?
The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual fees range from RMB 7,260 to RMB 9,460. Contact the school for the full fee schedule and any additional charges.
Is the school co-educational?
The school is described as co-educational.
Where is ISLA Academy - Cabarete located?
Cabarete Campus, ISLA Academy. Located in Cabarete, Playa Laguna, Dominican Republic. The campus is next to Sea Horse Ranch along the Rt. 5 coastal highway toward Puerto Plata.
When was ISLA Academy - Cabarete established?
The school was established in 2015.
Who leads ISLA Academy - Cabarete?
The school is led by Sean Bennett.
Does the school provide learning support for students with special educational needs?
The Cabarete team has educators who provide curricular adaptations for children with educational support.
What languages are used for instruction?
English is the primary language of instruction across classes. Spanish is used in instruction in Preschool and Phase 1, with a Spanish language instructor on hand. The majority of staff are bilingual, and many students speak more than one language.
How do I apply to ISLA Academy - Cabarete?
1. Apply online is easy. ISLA Academy serves Pre-K to 12th grade, and the application process is laid out in several steps to ensure you have everything you need. 2. Gather documents.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Arts are included within enriched learning at ISLA Academy, alongside projects, outdoor education and sport. Creative expression is fostered through project-based activities and participation in the arts as part of an active learning program.
