Question 1

Why St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Our education is based on respect, curiosity, and empathy. We are an institution that recognizes its mission to educate thinking individuals, taking into account the body, mind, heart, and spirit. We believe that our students should be guided but also challenged to reach standards as high as they set for themselves.

Question 2

What are the key academic programs offered at St. Augustine Preparatory School?

Accepted Answer

St. Augustine Preparatory School follows the Core Knowledge Sequence as its primary curricular model for grades PK-3 through 8. Developed by the Core Knowledge Foundation, this content-rich and sequential framework outlines the specific knowledge and skills students are expected to master in each subject and at each grade level. The Core Knowledge Sequence ensures a coherent and cumulative learning experience that builds a strong foundation for academic success.
In addition to the core subjects, in Elementary School, we offer Exploration Time, an exciting program designed to ignite our students’ curiosity, creativity and reflection. Through hands-on projects and activities such as Pod Meetings (socio-emotional program), Boost Reading, Genius Hour, Makerspace and Weekly Mass, this dynamic program seeks to foster innovation and a passion for learning.

From 9th grade onward, St. Augustine Preparatory School offers students a challenging college-preparatory program that fulfills the requirements of highly selective universities in the United States and around the world. Graduation requirements include four years of Language Arts, four years of Mathematics, four years of Social Studies, three years of Science, and four years of Spanish.
  
St. Augustine also offers a diverse array of electives, Math Honors Courses, the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma Program, and 17 Advanced Placement courses. Additionally, students can study French from 7th through 12th grade, enriching their academic experience and preparing them for global opportunities.

Question 3

Does the school offer Catholic faith formation?

Accepted Answer

As a Catholic school, we understand our mission is to educate the whole person, taking into consideration all aspects of a student’s being: body, mind, heart, and spirit. Besides challenging our students to live according to universal human values such as honesty, respect, and responsibility, we also invite them to listen to the call of the Gospel of Jesus and to let God’s grace transform their lives. This way, beyond living a good human life, they may also aspire to lead a truly holy life.
 
In this sense, religious education is an integral part of the school’s curriculum and student life. All students receive religion classes two to three times a week and, from first grade onward, attend weekly Mass. The Religion Department ensures that the school lives out the liturgical calendar by organizing activities such as retreats, Creation Week, an Advent campaign, and the Stations of the Cross during Lent. We also prepare our students for the Sacraments: First Communion (3rd grade) and Confirmation (10th grade).

Question 4

Does the school offer an extracurricular program?

Accepted Answer

The Extracurricular Program at St. Augustine Preparatory School seeks to promote the holistic development of our students: mind, body, and spirit.
 
St. Augustine Preschool students in PK-3 and PK-4 students may participate in our Extended Day Program that introduces them to activities that they can continue to pursue throughout Elementary School. The program is available Monday through Friday, from 12:00pm until dismissal time. Students engage in a variety of outdoor activities, sports, and creative learning activities.

In Elementary School, the Extracurricular Program is offered daily after school. Kindergarten - 5th grade students may participate in different activities that help them explore and develop their talents and interests. The Elementary Extracurricular Program includes after school Robotics, Chess, Makers’ Club, Art Start, Junior Broadway, Book Club, Amigos de Jesús, St. Augustine Choir, STEM Combo and sports including Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball. Chess and Robotics are very popular and our students have strongly represented our country in worldwide tournaments. In 2023 and 2024, the St. Augustine Preparatory School robotics team achieved first place in the national World Robot Olympiad competition. In 2023, we proudly represented Nicaragua at the World Robot Olympiad in Panama.
 
In Secondary School, extracurricular activities are divided into service and interest clubs during Community Time (within the daily schedule) and sports and certain AP courses after school.
 
The Sports Program is undoubtedly one of our most popular after-school activities, with over 50% of the student body participating on a school team. Saint Augustine Preparatory School proudly offers a diverse range of athletic opportunities, including ten soccer teams spanning the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels. In addition, we field five basketball teams and three volleyball teams, all representing our school with dedication and school spirit.

A select group of students have the chance to represent our school on the international stage by participating in AASCA (Association of American Schools of Central America) events across the Central American region. Our boys' soccer team has proudly claimed three championships, and in the 2024 soccer tournament, we secured the runner-up position. (Continue reading…)

Question 5

How does the school approach individualized learning and support for students with diverse needs?

Accepted Answer

Our School Counseling Program includes a broad range of services to help students capitalize on their strengths and reach their highest levels of development. Our highly experienced and knowledgeable team of counselors (7) provide direct attention to students, parents, and teachers through preventive services, developmental activities, and assistance in creating plans of action for students with a wide range of academic or emotional needs.
 
The comprehensive school counseling program, provides the following services:
 
Individual counseling: The counseling program allows the School Counselor to assist students’ educational and personal concerns on an individual basis. The individual counseling sessions are designed to help students make and follow appropriate plans of action to address their specific concerns... (Continue reading)

Question 6

What are the school's safety measures and protocols to ensure the well-being of students?

Accepted Answer

The school has formulated a comprehensive Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which serves as a guiding framework for ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. Read the full document here.

Question 7

What is the admissions process like at St. Augustine and are there specific entry requirements or assessments?

Accepted Answer

The steps in the admission process are designed to be simple and straightforward:
- Tour
- Application
- Playdate with prospective student / Admissions Interview and evaluation for high school applicants
- Feedback
- Enrollment
 
To assist you in smoothly navigating the process, feel free to contact our Admissions Coordinator, Ms. Francis Guevara, at fguevara@csa.edu.ni, +505 8475-4794, or through WhatsApp. You can also take a look at the admission’s checklist.
 
We are happy to address any inquiries you may have.

Question 8

Is there an age cut-off date for students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our cut-off date for students entering Preschool and 1st grade is August 31st. For example, a child must be three years old by August 31st to be eligible for enrollment in Pre-K3.
 
If you have any further questions or need additional information about our enrollment process, please feel free to contact our admissions office at (505) 2271-1941 ext. 121.

Question 9

What are the qualifications and experience of the school's faculty?

Accepted Answer

The faculty at St. Augustine Preparatory School is distinguished by its high qualifications, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. All teachers hold relevant degrees in their respective fields, with a significant number possessing advanced degrees, including master's degrees in education. On average, faculty members have more than ten years of teaching experience, with several having taught at renowned institutions internationally.

Subject matter expertise is represented across a wide array of disciplines, including science, mathematics, languages, biology, and the arts. To maintain instructional excellence, faculty members engage in bi-weekly professional development workshops focused on the latest advancements in educational practice.This dedication to professional growth and the creation of a supportive, academically rigorous environment has consistently resulted in outstanding student performance and the attainment of numerous academic accolades. The recruitment process at Saint Augustine Preparatory School is both comprehensive and discerning, designed to ensure that faculty not only possess exceptional credentials but also align closely with the school’s mission and core values. The institution remains committed to appointing educators who demonstrate both a passion for teaching and a deep sense of responsibility in shaping the next generation of learners.

Question 10

Does the school offer transportation options for students who live farther away?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the school does not offer transportation services for its students. However, we are actively studying and planning to implement this service in the upcoming year.
 
Please reach out to our Admissions office to learn more about transportation options: fguevara@csa.edu.ni

Question 11

Does the school offer financial aid and scholarship options?

Accepted Answer

We have recently introduced our "Opportunity for Talent" program—a beacon of hope for secondary students (6-10) who posses remarkable abilities, strong command of English, and comprehensive character excellence. This program presents a pathway to excellence, offering partial scholarships to those exceptional young minds whose families need a helping hand in meeting the full costs of our school tuition. The next scholarship cycle opens in January 2026 for admission in August 2026.

Question 12

At what grade level does the school's academic program begin?

Accepted Answer

Our academic program begins at PK3 (Pre-Kindergarten 3) with students who are 3 years old by the start of the school year. Our Elementary School spans from PK3 to 5th grade. Subsequently, the Secondary School is divided into Middle School (6th-8th grade) and High School (9th-12th grade).

Question 13

Do you offer other languages in your bilingual program?

Accepted Answer

The school uses English as the primary language of instruction. However, the Spanish program provides all the tools for our students to express themselves fluently both orally and in writing. Both languages are offered from PK3 to 12th grade. In addition to these two languages, the school's program offers French as an elective course from 7th to 12th grade.

Question 14

What is "Todos a Servir"?

Accepted Answer

Todos a Servir is a meaningful service campaign that has been a cornerstone of Saint Augustine Preparatory School for over 15 years. Held annually during the Lenten season, the initiative encourages students to embody the true spirit of Lent through acts of service to the community. Organized by grade, students engage in a variety of projects that directly benefit those in need, reflecting the call to selflessness and compassion that defines this holy time.
In the spirit of Lent, Todos a Servir reinforces the Catholic understanding that service to others is not only an expression of charity, but also an opportunity for personal growth. By reaching out to help our neighbors, students are reminded that Lent is a time to deepen faith through acts of empathy, generosity, and love.

Question 15

What is the "Escuela de Familias"?

Accepted Answer

Escuela de Familias is a program created by the school to aid parents in the noble task of raising their children. The program is a tool for parents, consisting of monthly conferences on general interest topics such as emotional intelligence and technology use. The school created this program to support the work of parents by addressing topics that allow us to learn together and provide advice to improve parenting at home.

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