The Elementary school body consists of approximately 462 students. The elementary staff is made up of 22 classroom teachers, 5 Spanish teachers, one reading coach, one Learning Support teacher, one ESL teacher, one SSL teacher, one Substitute teacher, two Counselors, one Music teacher, one Art teacher, and 14 classroom assistants.

GENERAL INFORMATION
School Mission, Beliefs, and Parameters

The mission of the American Nicaraguan School is to provide its multicultural student community with a U.S. accredited college preparatory program, based on democratic and universal values, that develops critical thinkers and ethical individuals capable of realizing their leadership potential by making meaningful contributions to society.

We believe:

· Self respect and respect for others are necessary for a healthy community.

· Accepting and appreciating diversity is essential for the full development of an individual.

· All individuals are responsible for their actions.

· Learning is a lifelong experience.

· Honesty is essential for the building of trusting relationships.

· In basic democratic values and equal rights for all.

· In an individual’s right to a safe environment.

· Families which provide love, acceptance, and discipline are fundamental to the development of a caring society.

· Individuals must achieve their full potential.

· Everyone must work towards the betterment of society.



These are the “non-negotiable” elements of our school mission and beliefs.

PARAMETERS TO THE ANS MISSION:

· We will not initiate or support programs and services that do not contribute to the achievement of our mission.

· We will not tolerate behaviors that interfere with the learning process or jeopardize the emotional and physical safety of members of the school community.

· We will not accept mediocrity from any member of our school community.

Accreditation

The American Nicaraguan School receives its accreditation from AdvancEd. AdvancED is the unified organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), and Commission on International and Transregional Accreditation (CITA). This Association is a non-governmental, internationally recognized organization.

An accredited school is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Accreditation by AdvancEd indicates that a school meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality.

ANS Admission Policy

No student, who is otherwise eligible, shall be denied admission to the School on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin; nor shall race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin affect in any way the treatment, evaluation or any other consideration of the students of the School.

Within the limits defined in Board Policy, the school shall accept for admission students with disabilities, provided that the school’s resource can reasonably accommodate such disabilities.

In order for an elementary student to be considered for admission parents must first provide the school with all the required student/school documentation, e.g. birth certificate, previous school transcript, standardized test scores, etc. If in the opinion of the Principal more information is needed, the student will be tested. Admission information is also available on the ANS Web page.

· Currently Enrolled Students – Registration for the following year usually occurs during March. Parents are required to complete a registration form to update all student/family information, and then pay a yearly registration fee at the Cashier’s Office.

· New Students – Parents must contact the Elementary Office to receive all necessary admission information and, if necessary, arrange an interview with the Principal. Grades and testing information from any previous schools will have to be provided as well as any educational or psychological evaluations, if applicable. For placement in Gr. 4 and above the School may also require additional Math and Language Arts testing. As part of the admissions process and upon revision of all the required paperwork, students entering K3, K4, K5 and 1st grade will be asked to attend an observation session with a grade level teacher, the counselor, and learning support specialist. Admission and placement decisions will be made after the observation input has been reviewed by the Principal.

· Returning Students- Parents of students who withdrew from the school and wish to return must follow the regular procedure for admission. Once the application form is completed, an interview with the Elementary Principal must be arranged. If the student is accepted, the necessary fees must be paid at the Cashier’s Office.


Extra-Curricular Activities

The American Nicaraguan School offers a variety of sports, tutorial, and cultural activities for students. Students in grades 1st to 5th are strongly encouraged to become involved in these after-school activities. Information concerning these is available in the Elementary and P. E. Offices as well as on the school’s webpage.


Library / Media Center

Our Library has a collection of books, periodicals, professional journals, and audio-visual materials available for research, class assignments, and recreational reading. It also has an updated reference center for research, online resources and Internet access. The library can be accessed through the ANS web page or at:
http: //library.ans.edu.ni


Instructional Support Services

Our Instructional Support Services staff consists of specialists in vari ous fields. They provide service to those students requiring specialized attention. Some students qualifying for support services may receive special accommodations in one or more classes but are still required to meet Board established minimum academic standards. The school will accept students with disabilities provided that the school’s resources can accommodate such disabilities. Parents are required to provide all information and records regarding their child's previous and current special needs  

School hours are as follows:

K3 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
K4 7:05 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
K-5 to 5th grade 7:05 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.