San Salvador - School Report Question and Answers

Aside from school fees, are there required expenses such as uniforms, laptops/tablets, musical instruments, or field trips that parents are expected to cover? What are the approximate costs?

Uniforms, school supplies, and lunches are extra. Kids start playing an instrument in 4th grade and that is provided by the school. - Aug 2023


Yes. At the elementary level, it’s uniforms and school supplies; there’s more in the upper levels but I’m not familiar with them. The uniforms have to be bought from the school’s store, and they are expensive and poor quality. You have to get a formal uniform and a PE uniform and each has to have certain shoes. I spent probably $250 per kid, then I’ve had to sew them a million times after they fall apart. - Mar 2022


Uniforms are required but they are affordable. Field trips are about $5-20. There are extra trips you can pay for for upper primary schools for skiing and London trips. I don't know about secondary. Laptops not required for primary (except needed for virtual learning). Our daughter needed a recorder/flauta last year. I don't know about other musical instruments. - Sep 2020


Yes, almost all schools require uniforms and ABC is no different. 9th graders and up need laptops most days. Musical instruments can be borrowed but to practice, it's best if you have your own. There is quite an active orchestra and performing arts program. There were a couple big field trips -international - offered to older kids and two of ours went to Europe with their history class...which was pricey but we felt a great learning experience. Many did not go so it was not a big deal. Other class trips are usually free or nominal. - May 2018


My 8th grader occasionally needs to bring in a laptop from home, but students who don't have their own laptop can borrow a school laptop. Starting this year, almost all school materials are included in the cost of tuition (especially in the lower school). Uniforms are provided by parents, but the cost is reasonable. Field trips cost extra, but again, it's reasonable. - Nov 2016


Subscribe to our newsletter


New book from Talesmag! Honest and courageous stories of life abroad with special needs.

Read More