Primary School

At San Juan del Sur Day School, our Primary School Program is dedicated to nurturing lifelong learners through a comprehensive and forward-thinking curriculum rooted in Constructivist principles.

Project-based Learning

Through project-based learning and cross-curricular subjects, we bring all core subjects to life, making learning meaningful and connected. Guided by the six IB units, our projects promote inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning. For example, students built a windmill that lit up LED lights while learning about renewable energy, fourth-grade students constructed birdhouses while learning about angles, and first-grade students learned how to milk cows on a farm and then turn the milk into yogurt while discovering where their food comes from.

Experiential Learning

We also believe in experiential learning, going on enriching field trips around Nicaragua. Students have visited the Mombacho Volcano while learning about landforms, created their own tiles at a tile factory in Granada while studying inventors, and explored the Islets of Granada to connect their learning about water systems.

Community Service

Community service is a key component of our program. The primary division participated in a beach cleanup, and the 1st and 2nd graders raised money to donate to a local business that helps animals in need. Students have also engaged in buddy reading with a local school and donated English books to their library.

Curiosity Unleashed

We integrate international standards and cross-curricular connections to foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world challenges. Located on the picturesque organic farm, Finca Las Nubes, our students engage in interdisciplinary projects, nature-based learning, and enriching field trips across Nicaragua that immerse them in local culture. Sustainability is a cornerstone of our education, with hands-on experiences on our farm and forest campus that instill environmental stewardship. Core subjects such as English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies form the foundation of our innovative curriculum, which uses rigorous academic content to shape cross-curricular projects. Alongside academic excellence, we emphasize core values like responsibility, honesty, and gratitude, nurturing social-emotional development through community service projects that foster a sense of belonging and a global perspective. Our primary school program ensures that every child receives a well-rounded education, preparing them to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world where curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love for learning thrive.

Academic Program

Our primary school program for grades 1-5 is grounded in a holistic approach to education, ensuring that every child receives a well-rounded and enriching learning experience. Located on the beautiful organic farm Finca Las Nubes, we emphasize holistic development by integrating interdisciplinary project-based learning, nature-based learning, and experiential learning through field trips. We believe in the importance of art, music, core values, social-emotional development, sustainability, and community service. Our core subjects form the foundation of our engaging and innovative curriculum. For English Language Arts, we utilize Foundations, Reading Horizons, and My View by Savvas. In Math, we follow Eureka Math, while Mystery Science fuels our scientific exploration. Social Studies integrates units from Open Social Studies with international global standards.

Comprehensive Education

Beyond academics, our students participate in visual arts, music, PE, health, wellness, and personal development. Our sustainability classes teach students about gardening, worms, bees, renewable energy, and becoming forward-thinking global citizens. Core values are woven into daily lessons, with our school counselor providing targeted social-emotional skill development. Spanish classes are held five days a week and tailored to each student’s proficiency.

Holistic Learning

Our primary school program is designed to be engaging, innovative, and nurturing. By combining academic excellence with experiential learning, sustainability, and community service, we create a well-rounded educational program. We ensure that every child thrives in a supportive and dynamic environment, preparing them to be responsible, informed, and compassionate global citizens.

  • Our Methods

    Projects, hands on, play based

  • Academic Standards

    Rigorous and lots of other good things.

  • Growing into our Values

    Core values at the heart of everything