American-Nicaraguan School
Web: www.ans.edu.ni2008-2009
The American Nicaraguan School is a private, nonsectarian coeducational school, which offers an educational program from Nursery (3 years) through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded in 1944. The school year comprises 2 semestersextending from August to December and from January to June.
Organization: The School is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors, with 6 members elected by the Association Pro-Escuela Americana, the sponsor of the School, and one voting member appointed by the U.S. Embassy. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the School. The School is incorporated and has tax-exempt status in Nicaragua. The American Nicaraguan School Foundation is incorporated in the U.S. and operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Secion 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Curriculum: The curriculum is comparable to that offered in college-preparatory schools of similar size in the United States and also includes the Nicaraguan Bachillerato program. English is the language of instruction at all levels. Spanish is the required subject of study throughout the system and English-Spanish bilingualism is a major curricula objective. Most graduates enter colleges and universities in the United States. The School also offers a 16-step English Language Institute program in English-as-a-Foreign-Language on Saturday mornings and evenings. The School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education. Its standards based curriculum includes 18 Advanced Placement offerings.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year, there are 102 full-time faculty members and administrators, including 47 U.S. citizens, 44 host-country nationals, and 11 third-country nationals. Most are licensed to teach in the United States, Nicaragua or their native country. 4 of the 8 administrators are U.S. citizens.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment was 968 (K3-grade 5: 461; grades 6-8: 195; grades 9-12: 312.) Of the total, 319 were U.S. citizens, 453 were host-country nationals, and 196 were third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 33 were dependents of U.S. government direct-hire employees and 286 of foundation employees and other private U.S. citizens.
Facilities: TheSchool owns a 26-acre campus which contains 81 classroom units, science laboratories, physical education facilities which include a multi-purpose covered athletic area with capacity for 3000 people, playgrounds, sports fields, and a full instructional media center consisting of libraries, meeting rooms, and computer labs housed in the technology building. There is also a resource center, an audio visual room, a food court, and 8 apartments for recruited teachers on campus.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, about 90% of the School's income derives from tuition, registration and technology fee. Annual tuition rates, including annual registration and technology fee, are as follows: K3: $2,250; PK: $3,210; Kdg: $4,590; grade 1-5: $5,310; grades 6-8: $5,790; and grades 9-12: $6,030. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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