We have created this section because of the many requests we have received via email, many families rightly so want to know what the educational system is like here in the Dominican Republic. We have tried to create a proper guide and a list of the best private schools for foreigners.
Assuming that public schools are not comparable to the level of schools that we have in Europe we decided to just create a list of good quality private schools where to send your kids and have a level of education comparable to European schools.
The educational process in the Dominican Republic is different from ours, we have 5 years of elementary, 3 years of middle, and 5 years of high school, but here it’s divided into the following:
School begins at 6 years old and goes for 8 years. After the first 8 years of primary school you have secondary school which lasts 4 years and is an equivalent of high school after that you can go to college.
The classes in the private schools are held in Spanish which is the primary language of the Dominican Republic. There are several schools that teach English, French, and Italian depending on the teachers present in the school in question..
The links below are school sites and are written in Spanish ,English and French, for most of the sites you will not find Italian.
Private schools in Santo Domingo
Montessori Institute: one of the most popular of the Dominican Republic, a school that is based on the Montessori philosophy created by American Montessori Society, it’s principles and methods are focused on the personal growth and needs of each individual student by allowing them to learn at their own pace.
Prices are as follows:
Cost of registration: 12000 pesos (about 240 euros)
Monthly cost: 8000 pesos (about 160 euros)
Saint Thomas School, a very good private school, among the 5 best schools in the Dominican Republic, is made up of 3 buildings and 20 classrooms, and is located in Santo Domingo at 5 minutes from the city center. We have no details on pricing.
American School of Santo Domingo (ASSD): Another one of the most well-known institutes, was founded in 1981 and follows the principles of American education, it is a very good school and is also located in Santo Domingo in the central part of the city. It goes from primary all through high school. We have no details on pricing.
Private schools in the province of Samaná
French School Las Terrenas: situated in Las Terrenas, a very good school it starts at preschool and goes through the end of middle school. The classes are held in French and they teach Spanish as well .
The prices for the year 2012-2013 are as follows:
Registration Fee: For first time registration you must pay a one time only fee of 450 euro + the registration fee of 9000 pesos (180 euro)
For preschool the monthly fee is 3800 pesos (about 76 Euro)
Primary School: 9500 pesos (about 190 Euro)
Middle School: 10900 pesos (about 218 Euro)
Private schools in the province of Puerto Plata
Garden Kids International School: a very famous international school taught both in English and Spanish where you can also request French . It’s located on the main road between Puerto Plata and Sosua. We have no details on pricing.
International School Sosua: It’s located right in Sosua town ,it is known to be a very good school for all ages, from preschool through high school. They accept kids beginning at age 1 and a half years old. We do not have details on pricing.
Private schools in Santiago
School De La Salle has a highly qualified staff, the institute is equipped with a modern room with computers and is a school where you will find courses for kindergarten and primary school.
Cervantes Saavedra Miguel School, a school for all classes, recognized by the Dominican Ministry of Education, the school is great for both its academic education as well as its physical activities.