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 (Puerto Plata), 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.garden-kids.org