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Schools


🏫 The different schools in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur, despite being a small seaside town, offers a variety of schools that meet the needs of local families, expatriates, and travelers passing through. Here is an overview of the different types of schools in the town:

1. 🧒 Nicaraguan public schools

             Free and accessible to all Nicaraguan children.

  • The curriculum is dictated by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education (MINED).

    Teaching is conducted exclusively in Spanish.

    Classes are often overcrowded, with few teaching resources.

    Ideal for local families or expatriate children who want to immerse themselves completely in the local culture and language.

2. 🌍 International/bilingual schools

These schools are created primarily to meet the needs of expatriate families, long-term travelers, and Nicaraguans seeking a more modern education.

📌 Examples :

🏫 San Juan del Sur Day School

  • One of the most famous bilingual schools.

  • Teaching in English and Spanish.

  • Program based on a North American model, with an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and social skills.

  • Small class sizes, with a strong focus on individual attention.

  • Welcomes children from kindergarten through high school.

  • International and local teaching staff.

🏫 Escuela Adelante

  • Bilingual and inclusive, non-profit school.

  • Aims to bridge the gap between local and expatriate populations.

  • Offers an alternative and innovative education focused on technology, languages, and personal expression.

  • Strong focus on community development and social equity.

3. 🏕️ Alternative schools or eco-schools

With the development of sustainable tourism, some schools are turning to alternative teaching methods, such as:

  • Project-based learning, connected to nature.

  • A Montessori or Waldorf approach, sometimes used in informal programs.

  • Often created by expatriate communities or NGOs.

4. 🎒 Local private schools

  • These private schools are mainly aimed at Nicaraguan families who can afford to pay tuition fees.

  • Teaching is generally in Spanish, but sometimes with English classes.

  • Smaller class sizes than in public schools.

  • Better infrastructure than public schools, but not always on par with international schools.

5. 🏠 Homeschooling 

  • Very common among expatriate families or digital nomads.

  • Use of American, Canadian, or European online programs.

  • Offer great flexibility, but require significant parental involvement.

  • There are support groups in San Juan del Sur for families who homeschool their children.

📌 Conclusion

San Juan del Sur offers a variety of educational options, despite its modest size. Whether you are a local family, an expatriate, or a long-term traveler, you can choose between:

Type of school Main language Cost Teaching method Target audience

Public school Spanish Free Traditional (MINED) Nicaraguan children

Bilingual/international school English/Spanish Fee-paying Modern/international Expatriates, affluent local families

Alternative school Variable Fee-paying Montessori/Nature/Projects Expatriates, eco-conscious families

Local private school Spanish Fee-based Mixed (traditional/modern) Nicaraguan middle class

Homeschooling Variable Variable Personalized/online Expatriates/nomads