
Equity American School
Secular, Founded 1988
Updated July 2026
Equity American School is a private, English-language, U.S. curriculum school in Guatemala City serving students from Pre-Kinder through twelfth grade. It is a college-preparatory institution known for its small class sizes, rigorous academic standards, and commitment to preparing students for success at international universities.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is founded on the principles of integrity, equity, respect, and service, aiming to foster a safe, motivating environment for highly motivated students. It emphasizes positive reinforcement and the development of honorable, proactive citizens and leaders. The school maintains a philosophy of being a good example, with dedicated teachers leading small, organized lessons.
Programmes
The curriculum is based on the Fairfax County School District in Virginia, USA, focusing on core subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. All students are required to participate in an orchestra program and study at least one foreign language, such as Spanish or French. The Upper School (grades 7–12) provides a rigorous college-preparatory track, while the Elementary School (pre-K–6) focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy in English.
Outcomes
The school reports a 100% acceptance rate for graduates at U.S. universities, with many students also gaining admission to top institutions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Graduates frequently receive significant scholarship funding, averaging over $200,000 in total awards in recent years. Students are evaluated annually using standardized tests, including the SAT-10 for elementary through tenth grade, and the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL-iBT for juniors and seniors.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and Reading Reinforcement (RR) programs through its language department. Teachers work closely with students to provide necessary attention, and those who do not meet the 85% composite average or fail a course are placed on academic probation with support to help them return to standard.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What ages does Equity American School teach?
- Equity American School enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- What accreditations does Equity American School hold?
- Equity American School holds accreditations including Cognia and NCPSA.
- Where is Equity American School located?
- Equity American School is an international school in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school accepts students regardless of race, religion, or national origin, provided they meet academic and conduct requirements. Applicants typically submit previous grade reports (requiring at least an 85% composite average) and a letter of good conduct, and may be required to take an admissions exam. The process concludes with an in-person meeting with the admissions committee, which includes the school principals and directors.
Calendar
The school year consists of 180 days, running from the first week of August through the end of May. Breaks include approximately one month from early December to early January and a one-week recess before Easter. The school day for Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten is 7:45 AM to 1:00 PM, while first through twelfth grades attend from 7:45 AM to 2:30 PM, with extended hours until 3:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located in Zone 13, Guatemala City, and utilizes small buses equipped with GPS tracking for student transportation. The school maintains small class sizes, with a limit of 16 students per class and an average of 11 to 12 students per grade. The facilities support a range of subjects, including dedicated spaces for art, computers, and music instruction.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an after-school activities program for elementary students, while seventh through tenth graders participate in physical education. Students engage in service projects, community service, and project planning to develop life skills. Additional activities include a student council, field trips to locations such as the Children's Museum and Irtra, and a mandatory orchestra program for all students.






Bonita Hendrik JusticeFounder and DirectorFounder and Director of Equity American School, which she established in 1988 to provide a private, U.S.-curriculum education in Guatemala. She previously home-schooled her own children and sought to create a school focused on quality, small classes, and a motivating environment.
- Vanessa Pratt, A.A.Assistant Director
Serves as the Assistant Director of the school.
- Ms. Claudia AdantDirector of Foreign Language
Director of the Foreign Language department, with 11 years of tenure at the school.
Cognia