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🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

Education

The Dominican Republic has a growing international school sector in Santo Domingo, with US and IB curricula available. Public education is free but quality varies.

$5,000–$18,000/yr

International School Fees

US/IB curriculum K-12 schools

$2,000–$8,000/yr

Bilingual Private Schools

Spanish-English instruction

95.5%

Literacy Rate

Improving steadily

UASD — free

Public University

Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo

$1,500–$5,000/yr

Private University

PUCMM, INTEC, UNIBE

Overview

The Dominican Republic has a growing international school sector in Santo Domingo, with US and IB curricula available. Public education is free but quality varies. Private bilingual schools offer an affordable middle ground. University options include local institutions and growing study-abroad programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Carol Morgan School: US-curriculum, IB, K-12, $12,000–$18,000/year — the most prestigious expat school in Santo Domingo
  • UASD (Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo): the oldest university in the Americas (1538); free tuition; taught in Spanish
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International Schools in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo has the country's best international school options — US curriculum, International Baccalaureate, and bilingual programs. Beach towns have more limited options.

  • Carol Morgan School: US-curriculum, IB, K-12, $12,000–$18,000/year — the most prestigious expat school in Santo Domingo
  • Santiago Apóstol (Santo Domingo): Spanish-English bilingual, strong academic reputation, $6,000–$12,000/year
  • Abraham Lincoln School: US curriculum, $8,000–$15,000/year; well-established with a large expat student body
  • St. George School: British-influenced curriculum, $5,000–$10,000/year; growing reputation
  • Punta Cana International School: serves the east coast expat community; US-style curriculum
  • Waitlists: Carol Morgan and Abraham Lincoln may have waitlists — apply 6–12 months in advance
  • Beach towns: Las Terrenas and Cabarete have small private schools; limited international school options
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Universities & Higher Education

The Dominican Republic has several respected universities, including the oldest university in the Americas — UASD, founded in 1538.

  • UASD (Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo): the oldest university in the Americas (1538); free tuition; taught in Spanish
  • PUCMM (Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra): private, highly regarded; strong in business and medicine
  • INTEC (Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo): strong in engineering, technology, and sciences
  • UNIBE (Universidad Iberoamericana): popular with international students; medical school attracts US pre-med students
  • Medical schools: several Caribbean medical schools in the DR attract international students for MD programs
  • Tuition: private universities $1,500–$5,000/year — significantly cheaper than US or European equivalents
FAQs

Common Questions — Education in Dominican Republic

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