Notre Dame School

Located in the Ensanche Paraíso district of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Address: Manuel de Jesús Troncoso

52, Ensanche Paraíso, Santo Domingo 10126, Dominican Republic.

Preschool through 12th grade.

International Catholic school.

NDS does not provide for educational needs such as severe learning difficulties.

Affiliations with NEASC (United States) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).

Catholic.

Our curriculum is innovative, broad and balanced, focusing on depth of learning and mastery of content. The subject area curriculum is aligned to content, national and international standards, and adheres to the principles of learning. The School Curriculum Map reflects the content covered from first to twelfth grades for each subject area. Teaching & Learning Goals: 1) ensure high quality teaching that enables the acquisition of skills, knowledge and understanding for a life-long learning individual; 2) provide a broad and balanced curriculum which provides opportunity for all students to acquire content through variation and differentiation; 3) promote a wide range of enrichment experiences which enable students to make connections between all forms of learning; 4) develop lively and enquiring minds through encouraging children to question and discuss national and global issues, in order to make informed decisions; 5) promote positive attitudes, good behavior and moral understanding; 6) nurture self-esteem so children are motivated to learn and to develop an ability to co-operate and work with others.

Yamila Michelle Franco Peña (NDS Alumni 2014) was elected as an image of the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Cooperative Education with Distinction, and is working in STEM programs in Canada; she was the first Dominican to win the Council of International Schools scholarship of 84,000 euros. Ketty Pamela Paulino, Prom 2008, was named Best Young Civil Engineer of New York City by the American Society Of Civil Engineers and works as a manager for a major NYC Department of Design and Construction project.

The school emphasizes character development and social responsibility; it promotes positive attitudes, good behaviour and moral understanding, and nurtures self-esteem so students are motivated to learn and to cooperate with others. The Student Profile sets expectations to show loyalty, honesty, courtesy, respect for differences, cooperation and responsibility, supporting social-emotional development.

The school does not provide for educational needs such as severe learning difficulties. In secondary school, courses are essentially college-preparatory and feature a rigorous academic curriculum that includes Calculus, Biology, Economics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Sociology.

English is the main language of instruction in the school, and there is an expectation that students have, or will acquire, a satisfactory standard of English. Non-English-speaking students should gain maximum exposure to the language, and admission requires that students pass the admission exams of English, Math and Spanish; basic knowledge of English and/or Spanish from 7th grade is expected.

The school supports mental wellbeing by fostering self-esteem, cooperation and respectful behavior. It encourages critical thinking and consideration of global issues, and the Student Profile asks students to develop self-control, to express their needs and feelings appropriately, and to treat others with respect.

The school has a Behavior Policy and a defined set of rules and conduct expectations to maintain safety and order; parent involvement and engagement are encouraged as part of safeguarding and community expectations.

1. Admission criteria and language readiness. Admission requires families to fit the described school profile. Applicants must pass admission exams in English, Math, and Spanish. They must also pass a psychological exam. Applicants should have basic knowledge of English and/or Spanish from 7th grade onward; families with limited or no English/Spanish knowledge should commit to tutoring before admission.

2. Preschool admissions and class size. Preschool entrants must be at least three years old on or before December 31 of the academic year. In Preschool, class size aims for 25 students per class with a teacher and a teacher aide, while the Ministry of Education sets a 35-student classroom limit. From 1st through 12th grade, the school aims to enroll 25 students per class, with the Ministry's limit at 35 per classroom.

3. Admission evaluation, placement, and grade restrictions. The evaluation reflects the student's previous educational experience, age, maturity, linguistic proficiency, and academic needs; some students may be advised to take support classes. Students are placed in the appropriate level by age for K-1, or by the report card from the preceding school (Ordenanza1'96). Applications for Grades 11 and 12 will not be accepted. English is the main language of instruction, and there is an expectation that students have a satisfactory standard of English; non-English-speaking students should gain maximum exposure to the language; admission may be denied if English is not satisfactory at the time of application.

4. Application process and exam scheduling. After submitting the admissions request form and requirements, an appointment for the admissions exam is scheduled. The Head of the Psychology Department confirms exam results by phone or email to the parents, with confirmations sent on the next working day if the date falls on a weekend.

5. Post-admission documentation. After admission, the Registrar requires specific documents to complete the enrollment process, with lists varying by level (Preschool, Elementary/Middle, High School). Typical documents include birth certificates, registration forms, prior report cards, medical forms, vaccination certificates, and letters of good behavior, among others.

Waiting list is available. To add a request for the 2025-2026 school year waiting list, contact the school through the waiting list submission form on the site.