Guiding Expats through Education
Are you an expat moving to El Salvador with children and concerned about their education? Look no further! We are here to help you navigate the education options available to expats in El Salvador. We have has researched and compiled a guide to help you make informed decisions and find the best fit for your child. From international schools to bilingual programs to homeschool options, we’ve got you covered. We understand the challenges that come with relocating to a new country, and we are here to make your transition as smooth as possible. We built this website to help you find the right education for your child so that you can focus on settling in and enjoying your expat adventure.
Explore Your Options
Mainly located in San Salvador and larger cities, there are numerous options for international language schools, including American, French, and German bilingual schools.
Public schools are Spanish language schools that often do not have a bilingual option.
Homeschooling is a great option for expats and can be much easier than you may think.
Mainly geared towards early childhood education and primary grades, there are several Montessori schools available in El Salvador.
International online schools are a great way for expat families to educate their children, particularly if moving a lot.
There are numerous small, private schools located in different areas around El Salvador.
International Schools
El Salvador is home to a variety of international schools that offer bilingual education to students from all over the world. These schools are designed to provide students with a unique and multicultural learning experience that allows them to develop their skills and knowledge in a global context. From primary to secondary education, these international schools offer a diverse range of curricula that cater to the needs and interests of students from different backgrounds and cultures. Some of the popular international schools in El Salvador include American School of El Salvador, British School San Salvador, and Escuela Americana de El Salvador. These schools have modern facilities and experienced teachers who are dedicated to providing high-quality education to their students.
La Libertad
Colegio Americano
La Libertad
Lomas de San Francisco, calle Circunvalación #1, Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad The American School is a bilingual, English-Spanish educational institution from K through Grade 12. They promote the development of the student through the formation of Christian values, habits, skills and attitudes. Students learn to facilitate the development of decision-making and problem-solving skills, which allows them to be successful. The American School of El Salvador in its every day actions, from kindergarten through high school owns the principles which guide our studentsExtracurricular activities include Robotics, Science Lab, German, and swimming.
Colegio La Floresta
La Libertad
Km. 13.5 Highway to the Port of La Libertad La Floresta Street Colegio La Floresta is a Catholic bilingual school that caters specifically to girls. The primary goal of the school is to provide quality education that equips students with the necessary skills they need to excel academically, professionally, and personally. At Colegio La Floresta, students follow a bilingual curriculum that includes both Spanish and English classes. The school is equipped with modern educational facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and classrooms, which are designed to promote effective learning. Aside from academics, Colegio La Floresta La Libertad offers various extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and music, which help to develop the students' physical and creative abilities.
Colegio Maya
La Libertad
Highway to the Port of La Libertad, Vía Del Corso, Tuscania Complex, Km. 16.5, Zaragoza Colegio Maya is a private, international, co-educational, college preparatory school from Pre-K to Grade 12. The Colegio is a bilingual school (English-Spanish) that is driven by the determination to provide an optimal environment to maximize learning. The main focus is to provide students with personalized attention, academic excellence and international awareness within a secure and caring environment. They are accredited by the Council of International Schools (C.I.S.) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and are members of the College Board, Association of American Schools of Central America (A.A.S.C.A.), NHS and N.A.S.S.P.
Deutsche Schule San Salvador
La Libertad
Calle del Mediterráneo, Jardines de Guadalupe, Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad Deutsche Schule San Salvador is a tri-lingual (German/Spanish/English), bi-cultural German-Salvadoran school. Teaches from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. Students take both Salvadoran PAES and German high school tests to graduate. It also offers the International Baccalaureate. The German School San Salvador, as part of the global network of German Schools Abroad, makes a broad contribution to the German foreign policy of culture and education in El Salvador. It offers a high quality education, with internationally recognized diplomas. The latter facilitate access to a wide diversity of options to continue professional training in Germany, El Salvador and in the world. The German School is a place of intercultural meeting as well as the transmission of the fundamental values of democracy, focusing above all on the dissemination of the German language and culture in El Salvador, thus contributing to the understanding between both peoples.Santa Tecla
The Academia Británica Cuscatleca (British School)
Santa Tecla
KM 10.5 Carretera a Santa Tecla, Santa Tecla Academia Británica Cuscatleca (ABC) is a bilingual (English-Spanish) school founded in 1959 that offers education from pre-school to high school. The school follows the British education system, delivering the National Curriculum of England. ABC aims to develop students' critical thinking, creativity, leadership skills, and global perspective. The school has a diverse student population and offers extracurricular activities in music, arts, sports, and community service. The faculty is a mix of Salvadoran and British teachers who provide quality education in a safe and caring environment. The school is accredited by the British Schools Overseas and the Salvadoran Ministry of Education. ABC's mission is to provide a British education to Salvadoran students, preparing them to become global citizens who can make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Le Lycée Français de San Salvador
Santa Tecla
19 Avenida Norte, Santa Tecla Le Lycée Français de San Salvador offers education in French for students from pre-kindergarten to high school. The curriculum is based on the French educational system and follows the guidelines of the French Ministry of Education. The school also offers Spanish language courses to help students integrate with the local community. The school has a diverse student population, with students from 30 different nationalities. The campus is modern, and facilities include a library, science laboratories, sports fields, art rooms, and a music room. The Lycée Français de San Salvador has a strong focus on extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, and drama clubs. The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is a member of the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) network.San Salvador
Colegio Cristiano El Salvador
San Salvador
Av. Las Bugambilias, No. 23., Col. San Francisco. San Salvador Colegio Cristiano El Salvador is a private Christian school that provides education from Pre-K to 12th grade. It follows the Christian philosophy in its curriculum using Abeka materials. The main goal of the school is to provide a holistic education that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being of its students. The school stands out for its emphasis on moral and ethical values, as well as its commitment to academic excellence. The curriculum is designed to meet international standards and includes English, math, science, social studies, and physical education, among other subjects.
Colegio Internacional de San Salvador (International School of El Salvador)
San Salvador
Calle la Reforma NO. 169, Colonia San Benito, San Salvador Colegio Internacional de San Salvador, also known as CISS, is a private, bilingual K-12 school located in the city of San Salvador, El Salvador. Established in 1979, the school follows an international educational model that incorporates the local culture and values in its curriculum. The school has accreditation from both local and international organizations, and it is recognized for its academic excellence, with a focus on developing well-rounded students who are prepared for success in college and beyond. CISS offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs, and it has partnerships with universities worldwide to provide students with opportunities to study abroad. The school is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that promotes diversity and global citizenship.
Escuela Americana
San Salvador
Calle y Colonia La Mascota, Final Calle 3, San Salvador Escuela Americana (also known as American School) is a prestigious private school located in San Salvador, El Salvador. Established in 1946, the school provides education to students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school follows an American curriculum and offers a range of courses including English, math, science, social studies, and languages. In addition, the school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities such as music, drama, sports, and community service. The school prides itself in providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students and encourages them to achieve their full potential. The school has a diverse student body with students from over 40 different nationalities.The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and fully recognized by the Salvadoran Ministry of Education.
Escuela Panamericana
San Salvador
Calle El Carmen #1348, Colonia Escalon, San Salvador Escuela Panamericana follows the established national programs of the Ministry of Education of El Salvador and a typical curriculum used in the United States of America and a Christian vision, our programs are supervised by both the Salvadorian Ministry of Education (MINED) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS/AdvancED). It is important for us to give special interest to the processes that help children develop their reflexive thinking, creativity and assertiveness, all with positive attitudes. Our teaching methodology is student oriented, in which teachers apply the adequate interactive strategy to enable the student to better comprehend each studied subject. We aim to provide each student with a bilingual and bicultural education with a Christian vision.
Highlands International School
San Salvador
Pan-American Highway and Monseñor Romero Boulevard, San Salvador Highlands International School is an international, bilingual Catholic school that seeks to train Christian leaders with the tools to unleash their full potential, capable of facing the challenges they will have in life and contributing to the good of their families and society. With our pedagogical model, from preschool to High School, we develop in our students the necessary skills to face and solve the challenges of today's world, mobilizing their knowledge, skills and attitudes towards knowing, doing, being and living together for a comprehensive education. With active methodologies, cooperative work, project-based learning and state-of-the-art technology, we encourage critical and creative thinking so that they develop the best version of themselves. We are part of the Semper Altius Network, an international network of Catholic and bilingual schools that implement the educational model of the Regnum Christi movement in 19 countries in America, Europe and Asia. We have 65 years of experience and more than 70,000 graduates.Other Areas
Colegio Bilingüe Academia Europea
San Miguel
Area Urbana, San Miguel Colegio Bilingüe Academia Europea focuses on a bilingual education program that prepares students to be proficient in both English and Spanish. The curriculum is designed to meet international standards, with an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. The school offers programs from preschool through high school, with a range of extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs. Students of Colegio Bilingüe Academia Europea San Miguel are provided with a diverse and comprehensive education that helps them to excel academically, personally, and professionally. It is accredited by the Salvadoran Ministry of Education and is also a member of the Association of Bilingual Schools of El Salvador (ABISES).Escuela Interamericana
Santa Ana
Calle Monseñor Clemente Barrera Rivas entre final Av. Independencia Sur y 10a. Av. Sur, Santa Ana Escuela Interamericana is a private school that offers education for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school has a bilingual curriculum where students learn both Spanish and English. In addition to traditional subjects, students also receive instruction in physical education, music, art, and technology. Escuela Interamericana places a strong emphasis on community service and offers extracurricular activities such as athletics, music ensembles, and student council. The school's mission is to form individuals who are critical, creative, and innovative thinkers in order to impact the world positively. The campus has modern facilities including a library, science labs, and a state-of-the-art auditorium. The school is accredited by the Ministry of Education of El Salvador, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the International Baccalaureate Organization.State Schools
Public education in El Salvador is provided by the Ministry of Education and serves as the primary means of education for the majority of the population.
El Salvador faces multiple challenges in the education sector, including high dropout rates, low-quality education, limited access to education, and low funding. According to a World Bank report, about 32% of El Salvador’s population had not completed primary school, and only 7% of the population had completed tertiary education.
Despite these challenges, the government has recently implemented reforms to improve the quality of education, increase access to education, and address the issue of low funding. These include policies to improve teacher training, the implementation of bilingual education programs, and the expansion of access to higher education
Public schools are available throughout El Salvador. You can find more information by contacting the Ministry of Education.
School sessions usually begin at the end of January and finish in late October or early November.
Pre-school is usually one or two years and is also known as kindergarten. It has nine years of primary education split into three major cycles. The first cycle is from the 1st to 3rd grades, then the second is from 4th to 6th grades, and the third is from 7th to 9th grades. The 7th through 9th grades mark a transition to secondary education, with three or two additional years after 9th grade before university education. This additional school program is usually called Bachillerato. The Bachillerato can be a two-year general high school program or a three-year Technical High School course. Afterward, there are five years of college education at universities or other tertiary institutions.
Home school
Expat families often find themselves in unique situations when it comes to their children’s education. While some may opt for traditional schools in their new country of residence, others may choose to homeschool their children instead.
Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option for expat families in recent years, as it provides flexibility and control over their children’s education. This approach allows children to learn at their own pace, delve deeper into subjects of particular interest, and receive personalized attention and guidance from their parents or hired tutors.
Furthermore, homeschooling can be an excellent way for children to maintain their native language skills or to learn new languages depending on their family’s circumstances. As such, expat families can explore this educational option as a way to provide their children with a high-quality and customized education that meets their unique needs.
Guide to Homeschooling
Starting homeschooling can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and encouragement, you can give your kids a unique education that resonates with their passions and needs. Whether you’re motivated by your convictions or looking for more flexibility in your life, there’s lots of help available to make the transition simpler. You can find sets of lesson plans and materials, support groups even extraordinary programs to enrich your kid’s learning experience. As you delve into this world, you’ll see the countless rewards that homeschooling can bring, not only to your kids but also to yourself. Don’t hesitate to research, explore and ask other homeschooling families for guidance; with the right mindset, you can create an incredible learning experience your family will never forget.
Approaches to Homeschooling
Homeschooling is a unique approach to education that offers parents the freedom and flexibility to tailor their child’s learning experience according to their individual needs. There are different approaches to homeschooling that parents can choose such as unschooling, a structured environment, and the Charlotte Mason approach.
- Unschooling is a child-led approach that emphasizes interest-driven learning and relies on the child’s natural curiosity and creativity to drive their education.
- Structured homeschooling, on the other hand, follows a set curriculum and a schedule as if the child was enrolled in a traditional school.
- The Charlotte Mason approach emphasizes classical education with a focus on literature, nature study, and hands-on experiences.
- Utilizing tutors for your child’s education can offer specialized knowledge and expertise in certain subjects that you may not feel as confident teaching. They can also provide additional support and guidance for your child’s individual learning needs and be especially helpful if you have multiple children at different grade levels or are struggling to balance a busy schedule.
Whatever approach parents choose, homeschooling offers a personalized and family-centered approach to learning that can foster a deeper love for knowledge, independence, and critical thinking skills.
The Nuts and Bolts about Curriculum
Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular educational choice for parents who want more control in their children’s education. One of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility to choose a curriculum that best fits the student’s needs. There are various types of homeschool curriculums available in the market.
- Some parents opt for pre-packaged curriculum kits that include textbooks, workbooks, and lesson plans.
- Others prefer to create their own curriculum by selecting textbooks and resources themselves.
Unit studies, online courses, and unschooling are other options available for homeschooling families.
- Unit studies integrate different subjects into a single topic
- Online courses provide a more interactive learning experience.
- Unschooling follows a child-led approach that treats children as natural learners who are guided by their interests, rather than curriculum.
From our experience, we’ve found that the best results come when families tailor their curriculum to fit the unique learning styles and interests of their children. It’s all about finding what works best for your family and making the learning experience enjoyable and meaningful!
Making Connections and Support
There are a variety of homeschool groups and co-ops available for families who choose to educate their children from home. These groups offer opportunities for families to connect with other homeschooling families in their local community, share resources, and provide valuable support. Through these connections, homeschooling families can build relationships with other like-minded families who share their educational philosophies and values.
- A homeschool co-op is a community of homeschooling families who meet regularly to support each other, share resources, and offer classes or extracurricular activities to their children. These co-ops provide opportunities for children to interact with their peers, receive socialization, and gain unique learning experiences, which they may not have access to while studying at home.
- Homeschool groups are informal networks of homeschoolers who come together to share ideas, offer practical support, and create community. They may have no specific academic or extracurricular activities and prioritize family involvement over structured group activities.
Homeschool groups and co-ops can offer:
- Socialization opportunities for homeschooled children that might not otherwise be available, including organized group activities, field trips, and special events.
- Provide homeschooling parents with opportunities to connect with other adults who share their interests and experiences, allowing them to develop stronger personal and professional relationships within their community.
- Create a supportive and effective homeschooling environment for the whole family.
Montessori Schools
Montessori education is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in Italy in the early 1900s. The Montessori approach emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and a prepared environment that promotes hands-on learning and exploration. It is based on the idea that children are naturally curious and active learners, and should be given the opportunity to explore and learn at their own pace.
Montessori education typically involves mixed-age classrooms, with teachers acting as guides or facilitators rather than traditional lecturers. Students learn through self-directed activities and discovery, with an emphasis on practical life skills, social skills, and language development. Montessori education also focuses on character development, with an emphasis on respect for oneself and others, responsibility, problem-solving, and perseverance.
Acton Academy El Salvador
La Libertad
Avenida Teotl #7, Antiguo Cuscatlán Acton is a learner-driven microschool, which means that our learners are self-directed. The school's mission is to empower students to become self-directed learners, critical thinkers, and ethical leaders. Learning is personalized, self-paced, and uses a variety of tools and resources blended online and in person, including Socratic discussions, project-based learning, and apprenticeships. The emphasis is on developing character and deep learning through mastery of skills, such as writing, research, and entrepreneurship. At Acton Academy San Salvador, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set goals, and work together in a community of mutual support and accountability. By the time they graduate, our Eagles know how to find information, evaluate it according to their criteria, and make great decisions for themselves.
Colegio Creciendo con Montessori
San Salvador
Calle Gabriela Mistral No. 217, San Salvador Colegio Creciendo con Montessori is a bilingual school dedicated to the teachings of the Montessori method. The school offers a unique educational experience that promotes independence, creativity, and self-direction among students. Using Montessori principles, the school seeks to foster an inclusive environment where children can learn and explore at their own pace, cultivating a lifelong love of learning. The school's facilities are designed to maximize learning opportunities, with classrooms that are equipped with Montessori materials and other resources that facilitate learning.Online Schools
Educating children while living abroad can be quite challenging for expat families. Children may face difficulty in adjusting to new schools and academic programs when they move to a different country. However, with the advent of technology, online education has emerged as an excellent solution for providing consistent education to expat children.
Online schooling offers several benefits, such as the flexibility to access education from anywhere in the world, and exposure to diverse cultures, new perspectives, and experiences that traditional schools may not provide. Additionally, online education ensures uninterrupted learning with the same curriculum as traditional schools, resulting in a smooth transition and easy adaptation to new schools when necessary.
Choosing an Online International School
Choosing the right online international school for expats takes careful consideration. Start by researching schools with a good reputation and accreditation. Look for schools with experienced teachers, small class sizes, and a curriculum that aligns with your child’s current level and goals. Consider the technology requirements and support, as well as the availability of extracurricular activities and social opportunities. Take advantage of online reviews and forums to find out what current and former students and parents have to say about the school. Finally, contact the school and ask any questions you may have about admission requirements, enrollment fees, and support. Taking the time to choose the right online international school will ensure your child receives a quality education and a memorable experience while living abroad.
Here are some articles to use to guide you through this process:
Online International or Expat School Options
This is not an exhaustive list, nor have any of these schools been used by the authors of this page. If you have used or know of a good online school, please fill out the form below so we can add it to the list.