About
About
Our facilities
Located within the Vistacana project, with an area of more than 60,000 m². Both internal and external access routes, for the residents of the project and for the entire community of Punta Cana, Bavaro, Veron and nearby areas.
Ashton School Vistacana will be located within one of the most distinctive complexes in the Caribbean «VISTACANA». This large urban complex has a privileged location with easy access.
It is a modern urbanization in which you will find educational centers, commercial areas, hotels and several different lodging systems, green areas for leisure and recreation, as well as sports areas that include golf courses, ecological trails for running or cycling, lakes for sport fishing and the development of aquatic activities offering a contemporary lifestyle with a green conscience.
Upon receiving your request to visit the school, our Admissions Department will contact you and schedule a visit at our offices in Vistacana. Remember that Ashton School Vistacana is under construction and will be ready in Summer 2025
We have some considerations and payment facilities:
• 10% discount for Vistacana owners.
• 10% discount for founding families' students registered for the 2025-2026 school year and during the student's school life.
• 30% discount for 3rd Child.
• 50% discount from the 4th Child.
Prekindergarten-2nd grade: 1 teacher: 12 students
3rd-12th grade: 1 teacher: 25 students
Our facilities include:
- Spacious classrooms 68 m² Approx.
- Science lab.
- Technology classrooms.
- Music room.
- Art and drama room
- Rooms for conferences and debates.
- D.R.E.A.M workshop classroom.
- Semi-Olympic pool with changing rooms and bathrooms.
- Cafeteria.
- Library/multimedia room
- 11-size Fifa international soccer field with changing rooms and bathrooms.
- 400 M Athletics Track.
- 2 Basketball Courts.
- 2 Volleyball courts.
- Padel Court.
- Tennis court.
- Indoor gym: Official Futsal Court, Gymnastics, Auditorium, Ping Pong Tables.
History
For the last twenty-six years, Ashton School has been serving our community as a privately owned, independent Dominican/International school offering instruction in English at the pre-school, elementary, and secondary levels, as well as Spanish instruction in the subjects required by the National Ministry of Education. Our instructional program is student-centered and maintains high academic and personal development expectations, grounded in research-based practices and biblical principles.
Ashton School was founded in 1998 with fewer than ten teachers and only 35 students in a one-family house, serving children in Kindergarten through third grade. Today, the school proudly serves approximately 497 students from Pre-Kinder through 12th grade and is accredited by COGNIA and recognized by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education (MINERD).
The school was inspired by the ideals, methods, and techniques of educator Sylvia Ashton Warner, who devoted part of her life to teaching children English as a second language while honoring and preserving their cultural identities.
In 2025, Ashton School expanded its mission by opening its doors in Vistacana. This new campus represents the continuation of our commitment to educational excellence—extending the values, principles, and philosophy that have shaped Ashton School for more than two decades. Ashton School Vistacana stands as a natural evolution of our history: a modern, purpose-designed environment where the same foundational ideals of respect, cultural awareness, innovation, and academic rigor continue to guide and inspire our growing community.
About
Board of Directors
The school is governed by a Board of Directors that consists of eight members, two of whom are rotating members who serve as the president of the Ashton School Parents’ Association (ASPAS) and a student executive officer from the Student Council (STUCO.)
The latter participates in one of the three to four meetings that are held per year, unless requested to participate more often. The Board sets, reviews and approves policies, while entrusting the general operation of the school to the head of school and the General Academic and Administrative Members (GAAM).
Members of Board of Directors at Ashton School Vistacana
Mr. Peláez has 26 years of experience in the educational sector, founder of the Ashton School in 1998 and the Ashton Foundation, which he chairs; he is a former president of AINEP, member of the Advisory Board of World Vision RD.
He comes from a family of educators and considers himself a steward of what God has placed in his hands, which is why he seeks to honor him, glorify him and carry his message in all his activities.
He also has military experience and in the area of construction, a dentist by profession and a Postgraduate Degree in Management of Educational Centers. Furthermore, he served since its inception at Ashton as Administrative Director for 12 years, and then became President of the Board of Directors from 2010 to date.
Ms. Georgiana Chabán, Vice President of the Board of Direc t ors of Ashton Vistacana School. A graduate of the University of Houston in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing, Ms. Chabán brings her expertise in finance and business to ensure the smooth operation of our institution. Her vision and dedication are integral to delivering our commitme nt to educational excellence.
Ms. Corina Termini, Secretary of our Board of Directors With a strong background in Economics and International Relations from Rollins College, Ms. Termini brings invaluable expertise to Vistacana’s real estate and marketing initiatives. Her leadership plays a key role in shaping the growth of Ashton School Vistacana and our community.
Mrs. Mary Anne Hipp, a Board Member and Advisor specializing in international accreditation, evaluation, and school improvement With over 40 years of experience in education and school administration, including 14 years as part of Ashton School, Mrs. Hipp has served as a Director, Consultant, and Evaluator for institutions across the United States. Her expertise continues to elevat e the academic standards and core values that drive our school’s success.
Mr. José Mendoza, Board Member and Theological Advisor With over 30 years of experience as a pastor, theology professor, and editor, Mr. Mendoza brings a unique perspective to our team. His academic journey spans institutions in Peru, Chile, Canada, and the U.S., including advanced studies at Oxford and a do ctorate from Southern Theological Seminary.
Mr. Saul Jenkins, our MS HS Principal at Ashton School Vistacana. With over 28 years of experience in education, Mr. Jenkins has taught in England and the Dominican Republic, led the Social Studies Department at Abraham Lincoln School, and served as Principal at Punta Cana International School for 13 years. He holds a range of academic credentials, including advanced studies from the University College London: Institute of Education.
Ms. García Martínez, our Pre School and Elementary Principal. With over 40 years of experience in education, Ms. García has worked in Canada and the Dominican Republic, including a long tenure at Carol Morgan School. Her expertise spans educational consulting, language development (ESL/SSL), and early childhood development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Administration and a Master’s in International Education from Framingham State U niversity.
Members of Board of Directors at Ashton School Vistacana
Mr. Peláez has 26 years of experience in the educational sector, founder of the Ashton School in 1998 and the Ashton Foundation, which he chairs; he is a former president of AINEP, member of the Advisory Board of World Vision RD.
He comes from a family of educators and considers himself a steward of what God has placed in his hands, which is why he seeks to honor him, glorify him and carry his message in all his activities.
He also has military experience and in the area of construction, a dentist by profession and a Postgraduate Degree in Management of Educational Centers. Furthermore, he served since its inception at Ashton as Administrative Director for 12 years, and then became President of the Board of Directors from 2010 to date.
Ms. Georyana Chabán, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Ashton Vistacana School. A graduate of the University of Houston in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, Mrs. Chabán brings her experience in finance and business to ensure the smooth operation of our institution. Her vision and dedication are essential to fulfilling our commitment to educational excellence.
Ms. Corina Termini, Secretary of our Board of Directors With a strong background in Economics and International Relations from Rollins College, Mrs. Termini contributes valuable experience to Vistacana’s real estate and marketing initiatives. Her leadership plays a key role in driving the growth of Ashton School Vistacana and our community.
A specialized advisor in international accreditation, school evaluation, and improvement, Mrs. Hipp brings over 40 years of experience in education and school administration—including 14 years as part of Ashton School. She has served as a Principal, Consultant, and Evaluator for institutions across the United States. Her expertise continues to elevate the academic standards and core values that drive our school’s success.
A specialized advisor in international accreditation, school evaluation, and improvement, Mrs. Hipp brings over 40 years of experience in education and school administration—including 14 years as part of Ashton School. She has served as a Principal, Consultant, and Evaluator for institutions across the United States. Her expertise continues to elevate the academic standards and core values that drive our school’s success.
Co-founder of Ashton School Santo Domingo. With more than 27 years of experience in the educational field, she holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) and a Master’s in Education from Framingham State University in Massachusetts, United States. Her trajectory and leadership provide valuable academic support for the development and strengthening of Ashton School Vistacana.
Mr. Saul Jenkins, our MS HS Principal at Ashton School Vistacana. Mr. Jenkins brings more than 28 years of experience in the educational field. His career includes teaching positions in both England and the Dominican Republic, leadership of the Social Studies Department at the Abraham Lincoln School, and 13 years of service as Principal of Punta Cana International School. His extensive academic background also includes advanced studies at the University College London Institute of Education.
An entrepreneur with experience in administration, real estate, and community projects, she is the founder and Director of the SABANA Equestrian Center, where she leads the operational and athletic management of high-performance horses and students. Her leadership and commitment provide valuable support for the development and strengthening of the Ashton School Vistacana community.
Mr. Saul Jenkins
Head of School
Ms. Lissette Garcia-Martínez
Preschool / Elementary Principal
Mr. Carlos Llaneza
Operations Director
Ms. Marilyn Abreau
Specialist Teacher Coordinator
Ms. Ailyn Rodriguez
Human Resources Senior Manager
Mr. Richard Britton
Athletic Director
Mr. Manuel Sanchez
Middle/High School Character Ed. & Dean of Discipline
Ms. Laura Contreras
Psychologist
Ms. Merian Chaban
Community Engagement Manager
General Academic and Administrative Members
Ms. Inés Gygax
Head of School
Ms. Yolanda Resek
Pre-School and Elementary Principal
Ms. Elsa Torres
Secondary School Principal
Ms. Laura Viera
Academic & School Improvement Coordinator
Ms. Wendy Rudeke
Guidance Department Head, Secondary School Counselor
Ms. Sarah Rodríguez
Elementary Counselor
Mr. Stalin Gavilán
Assistant Principal
Ms. Ivana Reyes
Community Engagement Manager
Ms. Sarah Julian
Administrative Services Director
Ms. Patricia Morillo
Operations Director
Chantal Rosario / Ashton Connections & Enrichment Coordinator
About
Parents’ Association
The Ashton School Parents Association (ASPAS) is the primary mechanism through which parents may get actively involved and have leadership opportunities. ASPAS meets on a monthly basis with the Head of School and the Development Coordinator, hosted by the school, on school grounds. At these meetings, ASPAS is able to present requests and plan for parent-led activities such as the Family Fun Day, Christmas Chocolatada, Dominican Independence and Mother’s Day celebrations.
ASPAS also plays a primary role in the major, parent-sponsored investment that is made to the school every one to two years. Examples of this over the past three years include upgrades to better equip the science lab, upgrades to the indoor cafeteria and, most recently, the creation of the DREAM Maker Lab. Sample evidence of the above may be viewed in the Ashton School Parents Association Reports to the Community for the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 school years. ASPAS has representation on the Board of Directors and plays a vital role in directly taking the parents’ perspectives and accomplished activities to the Board meetings. (See sample ASPAS Report to Board of Directors – 2017)
This committee is essential for a school to function effectively, since its main goal is to represent the parents’ assembly in the school. Likewise, it will help monitor, in conjunction with the school, the effective communication among all community stakeholders.
All parents are encouraged to become involved in the Ashton School Vistacana Parents’ Association (ASPAS). An informational letter will be sent to parents early in the school year explaining the procedures to be followed if any parent wishes to become involved.
The ASPAS Executive Council is elected for a two-year period and, in accordance with the National Ministry of Education, it must consist of the following:
- One (1) member representing Preschool levels (Pre-Kinder/Kinder)
- Two (2) members representing 1st cycle of Elementary (1st–6th)
- One (1) member representing 1st cycle of Secondary (7th–12th)
- One (1) member representing the Board of Directors
- One (1) member representing the School Administration
ASPAS is legally constituted and regulated according to its statutes and the internal policies created for this purpose.
ASPAS Projects
Community Integration Activities
Burger Night, Family Fun Day, Chocolatada and Mother’s Day.
Community
Service
“Comparte tu despensa” Christmas Bonus for Support Personnel
Dominican Week Support
Workshops for Students
Parental
Support
Magazines and Parents Workshops
Academic Program
The Ashton School’s academic program is built on a standards-based curriculum aligned with U.S. educational standards for all core subjects, which are taught in English. Additionally, the school meets the requirements of the Dominican National Ministry of Education (MINERD), incorporating instruction in Spanish, Dominican Social Studies (Ciencias Sociales), French, and Character Education (Desarrollo Humano y Religioso).
Core Academic Areas:
- Language Arts (U.S. Common Core Standards)
- Lengua Española (Spanish Language Arts – MINERD)
- Estudios Sociales Dominicanos (Dominican Social Studies – MINERD)
- Mathematics (U.S. Common Core Standards)
- Science (Next Generation Science Standards)
- Social Studies and History
- Character Education (Desarrollo Humano y Religioso)
- Art/Music
- Technology (Computer Science) and Research Skills
- Physical Education (PE)
- French
- Advisory
- Electives
