Public Schools in the Dominican Republic
The primary language of instruction in public schools in the Dominican Republic is Spanish. There are generally not enough teachers, facilities or funding to meet the demands of an unusually large Dominican schools - age population.
Many private and religious schools supplement the state-financed schools. Children aged 7 to 14 years are required to attend, and almost every large community has elementary and secondary schools.
The University of Santo Domingo is the oldest university in the Americas; it was founded in 1538.
Going to school in English
Instruction in foreign languages is available in Dominican schools for children of all ages. Curriculum is available in Spanish and other languages. Some schools will offer education in one language whilst others may be bilingual. While there are students enrolled from all over the world, the majority are Dominican. This means that much of the school’s informal social life will take place in Spanish, regardless of the educational facility’s policies.
Private schools in the Dominican Republic normally have the medium of instruction in English and usually take children from many nationalities. Students must meet a certain level of English fluency for entrance. The school year is usually divided into two semesters which begin in mid-late August and finish early-mid June.
Tuition fees for students vary from school to school, the maximum being $7,000US per academic year. As a general rule the older the child, the higher the fees. There may be additional charges for school lunches, uniforms and school books and materials.
Will their qualifications be valid once we leave the Dominican Republic?
Schools which are accredited by the Dominican Ministry of Education offer certificates which are valid for entrance to Dominican, European and U.S. universities. However, those planning to undertake higher education in the U.S. may wish to attend a school which has been accredited by the U.S. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Those interested in studying in Europe, should consider a school where the International Baccaulaureate curriculum is used.
Are there English or bilingual schools outside of Santo Domingo?
Education in English is available outside of Santo Domingo in most regions; La Romana, Santiago, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.
A selection of some Private Schools in the Dominican Republic:
The International School of Sosua (on the north coast of the Dominican Republic), ISS is accredited by SACS, located in Sosua, and serves the communities of Sosua, Cabarete, and Puerto Plata. It has Grades Pre-K through Grade 12 and offers diploma programmes from both the US and Dominican Republic. Courses are taught in English and teachers are certified in their field.
Website: www.issosua.com
The Garden Kids School, Sosua (Puerto Plata) is for children aged 5 – 11 years (pre-kindergarten to Grade 4).
Website: www.gardenkids.edu.do
Santiago Christian School in Santiago is the only US accredited American style Christian school in the DR. It has about 515 students in the PK-12th grade.
Website: www.scs.edu.do
La Romana. Abraham Lincoln School.
Kindergarten to 12th grade. Located at Central Romana Corporation. Tel. 809 523-3333 or 1 809 687 7787.
Centro Cultural Dominico-Americano is affiliated with the Instituto Cultural Dominico-Americano (ICDA) in Santo Domingo. Tel. 809 582 6627
International School of Santo Domingo
Website: www.internationalschoolsd.com/o
The Carol Morgan School (Santo Domingo), founded in 1933, has around 850 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. All teachers are certified in their field, and many of the faculty are from the U.S. The school is accredited by SACS, sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
Website: www.cms.edu.do
The American School of Santo Domingo, founded in 1981, offers U.S.-style instruction to a total of around 700 students, from pre-kindergarten to the 12th grade. The school is SACS accredited.
Website: www.assd.edu.do
In Las Terrenas, Samana there is a school that supports the French National Education system with the support of CNED www.ecolefrancaiselasterrenas.com or call them on 1-829 554 8033.
