American Nicaraguan School Website

Building Tomorrow Today

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the construction costs for the initial phase of the new High School, and how is ANS going to cover these?
Construction of the new ANS High School is currently designed to be completed in two phases. At this time, Phase I represents an estimated cost of US $2.5 million. This construction will be financed through a combination of third-party financing, a capital campaign, and school reserve funds.

2. Why is ANS fundraising for this project? Won’t tuition and construction fees cover the costs of this project?
At nearly all private schools, tuition fees cover the cost of yearly operations. ANS is no exception. ANS’ one time construction fee supports annual maintenance and updates to the school’s 37 year old facilities. Financing capital projects entirely through tuition and construction fees would require a substantial yearly increase in these fees and place a potentially harsh burden on some families.

3.Are you planning substantial increases in enrollment to pay for these new facilities?
No. Over the past several years, enrollment at ANS has actually decreased to a level that benefits both the quality of our students and our educational programs.

4. Who is being asked to support this project financially? Support for this campaign will come from ANS staff, businesses, families, and friends of ANS both locally and abroad.

5. How much debt does ANS presently carry?
ANS has been debt free for the past nine years. To date, all new construction, including the covered athletic area constructed at a cost of US $1.5 million, has been financed in its entirety with internal sources of funding.

6. We support the school, and our children are very happy here; however, we pay our own tuition and can’t afford to support the Campaign as well.
Gifts of all sizes are important to this campaign, as each contribution demonstrates family support for the school and makes a difference for ANS students. Given that our students are the direct beneficiaries of the generosity of every donor – the only gift that is too small is no gift at all. To facilitate your giving, arrangements can be made to spread your donation over a number of monthly or annual installments..

7. My children will not attend the new High School Building – why should we give to the Campaign?
The facilities and programs that currently benefit students were made possible to a large degree by the generosity and sacrifices of others. You now have an opportunity to keep this cycle of continual improvement going by supporting the “Building Tomorrow Today” capital campaign. This support will benefit not only children who currently attend ANS but also future generations who will contribute to the betterment of our society.

8. How can I make my gift?
Donors may make outright gifts of cash or make a pledge payable over two years. Those who pay U.S. taxes can make a tax-deductible donation to the American Nicaraguan School Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) U.S. foundation. Please visit the
ANS web page to view options to make your gift:
www.ans.edu.ni