Our Values

Core Values

The Foundation of Our Educational Philosophy

At ANS, the essence of our learning community is anchored in six foundational Core Values. These values transcend beyond the confines of traditional learning; they are enduring principles that students carry with them long after their classes end. More than just academic lessons, these values are life lessons, ingrained in our students’ understanding and shaping their journey as ethical leaders in a global society.

Every course, from Environmental Science to Spanish Literature, and including AP Statistics, is meticulously crafted with these Core Values at its heart. Our educators are dedicated to blending these values with practical application, ensuring that the knowledge imparted is not only retained but also relevant and applicable in real-world scenarios.

As a mission-driven institution, ANS is committed to fostering an environment where students, faculty, and staff can engage with and cultivate these values. This commitment is more than just an educational strategy; it’s a promise to nurture leadership potential and adaptability in our rapidly changing world.

Intellectual
Curiosity

Intellectual Curiosity at ANS drives students to deeply explore and question subjects, fostering a strong passion for discovery. It encourages them to confront complex ideas, leading to innovative and often unexpected solutions. This trait is about embracing the learning journey, challenging preconceptions and fostering a mindset open to continual growth and understanding.

innovation and
creativity

Innovation and creativity inspire students to explore and create, turning fresh ideas into reality. This core value drives students to think beyond conventional boundaries, encouraging them to develop unique solutions to complex problems. It's about nurturing a mindset that values creative thinking and continuous improvement.

environmental
stewardship

Environmental Stewardship cultivates an understanding of our symbiotic relationship with nature. It encourages students to recognize their responsibilities towards the environment and to act in ways that promote sustainability and ecological balance, fostering a sense of duty towards preserving our planet for future generations.

social
responsability

Social Responsibility extends learning beyond the classroom, urging students to actively contribute to their communities. It emphasizes responsible citizenship, aiming to deepen students' understanding of their surroundings and their role in society. Social Responsibility is about developing community awareness and fostering a sense of belonging and contribution.

respect of
self & others

Respect of Self & Others is foundational in helping students understand their societal impact. It focuses on developing personal responsibility for one's actions and ethical growth. This exploration promotes mutual respect and encourages students to consider their roles in both local and global contexts.

global
awareness

Global awareness broadens students' understanding of the world's interconnected nature, including its environmental, political, societal, and ethical dimensions. It encourages a focus on international mindedness and intercultural awareness, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with global issues and diverse perspectives.

Tiger Traits

Shaping Character in the ANS Community

At the American Nicaraguan School, we believe in the collective strength of our Community of Learners. The development of Tiger Traits is integral to our ethos, encouraging every Tiger to evolve into their best selves.

These traits are instilled through dedicated efforts by our teachers and counselors, who incorporate them into Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons. They model these traits, showing how they manifest in behaviors and interactions. Our community actively engages with these traits, with one highlighted each month in our weekly newsletter. This engagement culminates in the faculty nominating students for the ‘Tiger of the Month’ in each grade, recognizing their embodiment of these traits.

The journey of cultivating Tiger Traits is celebrated throughout the year, not only at the end-of-year award ceremonies but also in various leadership opportunities.

Living as an ANS Tiger means embodying these traits in all aspects of life. It’s about doing the right thing, always, even when no one is watching, and respecting oneself and others. Our Tigers carry these traits wherever they go, serving as a foundation for their character and actions.

Ethical

Innovation and creativity inspire students to explore and create, turning fresh ideas into reality. This core value drives students to think beyond conventional boundaries, encouraging them to develop unique solutions to complex problems. It's about nurturing a mindset that values creative thinking and continuous improvement.

Determined

We are individuals who strive to reach our goals with passion, commitment, and perseverance.

Open-Minded

We are individuals who value, respect, and learn from the opinions and unique qualities of others even if they are different from our own.

REFLECTIVE

We are individuals who embrace a thoughtful mind for our actions to ensure that they are aimed towards our own growth and those around us in our global community.

CURIOUS

We are individuals who value learning as a lifelong process, and who continually seek out information to enrich our knowledge in an effort to provide innovative and creative solutions to the needs of the global community.

WELL-ROUNDED

We are individuals who work towards the development, growth, and balance of all areas of our lives-physical, social, emotional, mental, and environment selves-to become integral members of our global community.

ACCOUNTABLE

We are individuals who take full responsibility for our actions and understand that everything we do has an impact on ourselves and the global community.

COMPASSIONATE

We are empathetic and caring individuals aware of the needs of our global community, as well as proactive in our efforts to bring about innovative and creative solutions for the benefit of those in need.

COURAGEOUS

We are individuals who embrace challenges bravely and positively. We are individuals who seek out and take risks in order to achieve our goals.

VISIONARY

We are leaders who have a vision and inspire others to join us in our efforts to achieve a common goal for the gain of the global community.

Intellectual Curiosity

Allows students to invest time and energy into examining deeply, a specific topic or issue. Intellectual curiosity allows students to focus on inquiry and the struggle with interpreting and/or acting upon unexpected conclusions, resolutions, innovations, or solutions. A deeper understanding of the complexity allows for a position of broader influence.
1. What am I curious about?
2. What do I want to learn?
3. How am I changing?

Innovation & Creativity

Allows students to invest time and energy into examining deeply, a specific topic or issue. Intellectual curiosity allows students to focus on inquiry and the struggle with interpreting and/or acting upon unexpected conclusions, resolutions, innovations, or solutions. A deeper understanding of the complexity allows for a position of broader influence.
1. Why and how do we create?
2. What are the consequences?
3. How do space and materials drive the process?

Environmental Stewardship

Develop students’ awareness of their interdependence with the environment so that they understand and accept their responsibilities. It deals with:
1. The importance of the local and global environment
2. The concepts of sustainable development in a context of increasing environmental threats
3. Related problems of a socio-economic nature
4. Where do we live?
5. What resources do we have or need?
6. How do I care for the natural resources?

Social Responsibility

Social Responsibility starts in the classroom and extends beyond it, requiring students to take an active part in the communities in which they live.

Giving importance to the sense of community throughout the course encourages responsible citizenship as it seeks to deepen the adolescent’s knowledge and understanding of the world around them. The emphasis is on developing community awareness and concern, and the skills needed to make an effective contribution to society.

1. How do we live in relation to others?
2. How can I contribute to the community?
3. How can I help others?
4. Are my needs/wants impeding those of others?

Respect of Self & Others

Allows each student to explore the impact one makes on society. The aim is to develop in students a sense of responsibility for their own actions and create a path for future areas of ethical growth. Through an exploration of one’s self, the student may cause others to rethink their purpose in the local and global community.
1. How can we be a more inclusive community?
2. How can we teach our community about important topics in adolescent development?
3. How can character play a greater role in our community?

Global Awareness

Allows students to better understand the world around us. Students may grapple with the interconnectedness of environment, politics, society, ethics or any number of global issues that impact the world. Students should select a topic that places value on international mindedness and intercultural awareness.
1. How can I make a difference in the world?
2. How does location impact universal problems?
3. How can I make the world a more peaceful place?