You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Nicaragua with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Nicaragua. Some schools will follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the Nordic or Nicaraguan education system.

Education in Nicaragua

Education in Nicaragua is free for Nicaraguans and compulsory. However, attendance isn't strictly enforced. Though numbers are improving, it is estimated that only 30% of students make it through grade 6.

Instruction is in Spanish, but communities on the Atlantic Coast may also have instruction in the native indigenous languages. The school year runs from February through November. Grading is on a 100-point scale. For primary school and high school, a 60 is good enough to pass.

International Schools in Nicaragua

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Nicaragua. There may be some local population, but the schools are usually geared for an international student body.

Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US or native Nicaraguan. Primary instruction may be in Spanish or English and multiple languages are usually taught. Schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation & Membership

• The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
• Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is an association of evangelical Protestant Christian schools.
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (AdvancED/NCATM) is a membership of schools and accrediting bodies.
• North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) non-governmental, voluntary organization that accredits 8,500 public and private schools and districts.
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS CASI) is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) strengthens Catholic school communities by providing professional development, formation, leadership and advocacy.
• Association of American Schools in Central America (AASCA) is an association of twenty-two private schools "formed to support and encourage academic, artistic, athletic and cultural interaction between international schools that offer a US type education in Central America.
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is an independent, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization which connects and serves over 2,000 public and independent schools, technical/career institutions, colleges and universities.

International Schools in Managua

American Nicaraguan School (ANS)
Address: PO BOX 2670
Lomas de Monserrat Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: 505-2252-7310
Tuition Rates: US $245 - 700 per month

Founded in 1944, ANS is one of the oldest accredited private schools in Managua. It offers private education from pre-school through 12th grade. Instruction is in English with an American curriculum. There is a diverse student body and includes families from the diplomatic corps, foreign and local business, Nicaraguan government, and international assistance groups. They administer AP, MAP, PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests. Modern facilities include a semi-olympic swimming pool, covered athletic area, large library, and high-speed wireless internet access across campus. ANS is accredited by SACS – CASI and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education.

Lincoln International Academy (LIA)
Address: Las Colinas Sur
de la base militar Julian
Tel: 505 2276 3000
Tuition Rates: US$ 235 - 675 per month

Lincoln International Academy was founded in the early 1990s. It is a private, Catholic, co-ed school for preschool through 12th grade. Instruction is bilingual Spanish-English. LIA is accredited by the SACS and is a member of the NCEA, AASCA, and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education.

Nicaragua Christian Academy (NCA)
Address: KM 11 Carretera Vieja a León
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: 505 2265 2277
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Nicaragua Christian Academy offers evangelical, interdenominational, non-profit preschool, elementary, and secondary educational schooling. Instruction in English and they follow the North American calendar year. An accredited North American liberal arts education prepares students to enter institutions of higher learning worldwide. It is an accredited member of the ACSI.

Nordic International School
Address: ProCredit Villa Fontana, 1 kilómetro al sur
Managua 10000, Nicaragua
Tel: 505 2277 1113
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Nordic International School is a private, co-ed international school. Once known as the Swedish School, instruction is in Spanish with English support courses. It caters to children from preschool through secondary school. NIS welcomes students of all nationalities. It has accredation from AdvancEd and SACS.

Notre Dame School
Address: Vía Al Mirador
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: 505 2276 0353
Tuition Rates: US €170 - 450 per month

This is an English language, Catholic-oriented school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB). Instruction in English.

Pierre et Marie Curie School (EUPMC)
Address: Avenida Pierre y Marie Curie, Las Colinas Sur
Managua 10000, Nicaragua
Tel: 505 2276 1611
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Pierre and Marie Curie School is a private, co-ed school for children from pre-school through 12th grade. Instruction is in Spanish, English, and French. ESL and French tutoring is available upon request. It is the only school in Central America with an observatory. The school runs from November to April. The school is accredited with the Ministry of Education of Nicaragua and SACS.

Saint Augustine Preparatory Academy
Address: Club terraza 2.4 Km al sur, 400 mts al Oeste
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: 505 2271 1942
Tuition Rates: US $ 220 - 640 per month

Saint Augustine Preparatory Academy is a private, Catholic, co-ed, college-preparatory school for students from pre-school through 12th grade. English is the language of instruction. Students from 7th grade on may take German or French as a third language. AP courses are offered. It is accredited by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education and NEASC.

Saint Dominic School
Address: Calle Vista Alegre, Reparto Las Colinas, Embajada de España 70 m al Este
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: 505 2255 0174
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Saint Dominic School provides private, Catholic, co-ed education for students from pre-school through 12th grade. Instruction is in Spanish and English. A third language, such as French, is taught in 11th and 12th grade.

International Schools in Granada

Granada International School (GIS)
Address: Carretera Masaya a Granada, KM 45
Oeste Granada, Nicaragua
Tel: 505-2552-6321
Tuition Rates: US $132 - 185 per month

Bilingual (English and Spanish) international school for children from kindergarten to primary school. They provide a lunch program, extracurriculars, and transportation services. Uniforms are required. It is approved and authorized by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education (MINED) and is applying for SACS.