Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano

What Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano does

The Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano (CCSA) is a non-profit binational educational institution founded on September 19, 1955 in San Salvador, El Salvador, operating under the legal name Asociación Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano. It is an official American Space affiliated with the U.S. Department of State and the only ETS-certified TOEFL administrator in El Salvador, with a Board of Directors comprising distinguished private-sector professionals. The institution serves approximately 5,000 students annually through three core divisions: (1) a Language Academy offering in-person and online English courses for ages 4 to adult, including specialized SUCCESS business English and TOEFL/TOEIC preparation; (2) Secondary Education programs (Tercer Ciclo grades 7-9, Bachillerato General grades 10-11, and the three-year Bilingual Technical Assistant / ATB track) accredited by MINEDUCYT; and (3) the Informatics Academy, which underwent an April 2025 rebranding and now spans professional technology diplomas with AI integration, CISCO CCST certification preparation, and emerging fields such as cybersecurity, robotics, and drone programming. CCSA also manages an EducationUSA advising center, the Biblioteca Antonia Portillo de Galindo (with digital access via Libby/Overdrive and EBSCO), the Casa de Recuerdos Alejandro Cotto museum in Suchitoto, and cultural programs including the annual Premio de Cultura cultural award and Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).

CCSA's technology stack is built on Microsoft Teams for virtual instruction, the TBOX platform for Microsoft Office Specialist certification prep, the Libby/Overdrive digital lending system, and integrates third-party curricula from Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe, National Geographic Learning, LEGO Education, Arduino, and DJI. With 141 employees (including 69 teaching professionals), two physical campuses in San Salvador and San Miguel, and online English delivery extending reach nationally, CCSA functions as a multi-product education platform with revenue streams spanning per-module English tuition ($40.25-$65), monthly Bachillerato installments ($80-$105 plus $175-$250 registration), discrete IT diploma fees, TOEFL/TOEIC testing transaction fees, and annual library memberships ($6-$12). The GTM motion is direct-to-consumer: students enroll via website forms, WhatsApp, phone, or on-site visits, with no channel intermediaries except the INSAFORP government workforce financing partnership. CCSA is also the parent entity of Instituto Especializado de Nivel Superior CCSA (ICC), a higher-education subsidiary created in 2008 offering bachelor's degrees in education and English language teaching.

Name

Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano

Legal name

Asociación Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano

Website

https://ccsa.edu.sv

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano (CCSA) is a non-profit binational educational institution founded in 1955 in El Salvador, serving approximately 5,000 students annually through English language instruction, secondary education (Bachillerato/ATB), and an Informatics Academy offering technology diplomas with CISCO and Microsoft certifications.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Language and Educational Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Computer Training (61142), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Information Technology & Cybersecurity Certification Prep (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, ISC2/ISACA) (EDANAIAF)

Keywords

• English language instruction
• Secondary education programs
• Professional IT diplomas
• TOEFL certification testing
• Cultural exchange services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Salvador

HQ country

El Salvador

HQ region

Latin America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. English Language Courses: Tuition fees for in-person and online English courses for children (ages 4-16), youth, and adults, charged per module or course. Pricing ranges from $40.25 to $65 per course depending on program level.
2. Bachillerato and ATB Programs: Secondary education programs (General Baccalaureate and Bilingual Technical Assistant) with annual tuition including registration fee plus monthly installments.
3. Informatics Diplomas: Professional diploma programs in computing, graphic design, cybersecurity, robotics, and business intelligence with certification pathways.
4. TOEFL/TOEIC Certification Exams: Test administration fees for standardized English proficiency exams (TOEFL ITP $65, TOEIC preparation courses $260).
5. Library Membership: Annual library membership fees ranging from $6 to $12 depending on student category (CCSA student, high school, university, or general public).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CCSA is a non-profit binational educational institution that delivers English language courses (in-person and online for children, youth, and adults), government-recognized secondary education (Third Cycle, Bachillerato General, and Bilingual Technical Assistant / ATB), and professional IT diplomas through its Informatics Academy (graphic design, business intelligence, cybersecurity, networking, robotics, drone programming). It also administers ETS-certified TOEFL/TOEIC tests, runs EducationUSA advising, operates the CCSA Library with a 40%+ English collection and Libby/Overdrive digital lending, and manages cultural programs including the Museo Alejandro Cotto and the Premio de Cultura award.

Product overview

Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano (CCSA) is a binational educational institution founded in 1955, operating as a platform of interconnected programs across three main divisions: (1) Language Academy offering English instruction for all ages through in-person and online modalities, including specialized programs like SUCCESS business English and TOEFL preparation; (2) Secondary Education covering Tercer Ciclo (middle school), Bachillerato General (high school diploma), and the technical Asistente Técnico Bilingüe (ATB) program with international certifications; and (3) Informatics Academy providing professional technology diplomas in digital design with AI, marketing, office administration with AI, business intelligence, cybersecurity with CISCO CCST certification, networking, robotics using LEGO/Arduino platforms, and drone programming. Additional services include EducationUSA advising, library services via Libby/Overdrive, cultural programs including the Museo Alejandro Cotto and Premio de Cultura award, entrepreneurship support through AWE, and summer courses for youth. The institution operates two campuses in San Salvador and San Miguel, serving approximately 5,000 students annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Instituto Centro Cultural (ICC): Higher education institute offering university-level programs in education and English language, established in 2008.

Products and services

• Inglés en Línea (Online English) Real-time interactive online English courses for children, adolescents, and adults with live instructors, discussion forums, and chat support across multiple proficiency levels, including TOEFL preparation.
• Inglés Presencial (In-Person English) Traditional classroom-based English language instruction for children (ages 4-16) and adults, featuring specialized curricula, methodology, and materials adapted to each age group.
• Tercer Ciclo (Middle School Education) 7th-9th grade education program with intensive English (8 hours weekly), computer literacy, reading comprehension, and binational cultural studies offered in San Salvador and San Miguel.
• Bachillerato General (General High School) Two-year high school diploma program (grades 10-11) with intensive English (13 hours weekly), Microsoft Office Specialist certification, text production, and binational cultural studies.
• Asistente Técnico Bilingüe (ATB - Bilingual Technical Assistant) Three-year technical bilingual program combining intensive English (28 hours weekly), translation, business, tourism, TOEFL prep, computer science, and robotics with internship and scholarship opportunities.
• Informatics Academy Professional diploma programs in technology covering digital graphic design with AI, strategic marketing, office administration with AI, business intelligence, cybersecurity, networking, robotics, and drone programming with industry certifications.
• Curso de Preparación TOEIC en Línea Online TOEIC preparation course with interactive platform, 4 modules, diagnostic testing, and included certification exam for professionals seeking employment or international opportunities.
• SUCCESS - Inglés Empresarial Semipresencial Professional business English program combining 80% online instruction with 20% in-person sessions, utilizing National Geographic Learning methodology for effective business communication.
• Curso TOEFL (Preparación) TOEFL ITP and IBT exam preparation course covering listening, grammar, vocabulary, and reading strategies for successful test completion.
• English Access Microscholarship Program Two-year scholarship program by US Department of State for youth ages 13-16 providing English and computer literacy instruction, cultural activities, leadership training, and community service.
• EducationUSA Services Free advisory services for higher education in US universities, scholarship guidance, and standardized test administration (TOEFL IBT, TOEFL ITP, GRE, EXADEP, ECPE).
• Biblioteca CCSA - Biblioteca Antonia Portillo de Galindo Physical and digital library with reference, general collection, and fiction sections; digital access via Libby/Overdrive, EBSCO, and e-Library databases; internet and Kindle lending services.
• Museo Alejandro Cotto (Casa de Recuerdos) Heritage museum in Suchitoto housing filmmaker Alejandro Cotto's documentary collection, colonial artifacts, national and international art, photographs, audio library, and historical documents since 2009.
• Premio de Cultura Lic. Antonia Portillo de Galindo Annual cultural award established 1985 honoring distinguished Salvadoran intellectuals and artists in sciences and arts with diploma and monetary prize.
• AWE - Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurship development program empowering women through training, mentorship, and networking to build successful businesses.
• Cursos de Verano (Summer Courses) Multidisciplinary summer programs for children and adolescents ages 7-16 combining English instruction, artistic activities, and technology courses (digital animation, robotics, gaming, 3D animation).
• Instituto Centro Cultural (ICC) Specialized higher education institute established 2008 offering bachelor's degrees, technical programs, and graduation seminars in education and English language teaching.
• Salón Multiusos Claudia Lars y Galería de Arte José Mejía Vídes Event venues for seminars, conferences, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural activities with 200-person capacity, audio-visual equipment, and art gallery for national and international exhibitions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,000 average students across all programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

AI capability10 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• TBOXcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with TBOX for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification preparation. TBOX platform provides digital learning content for CCSA students preparing for international Microsoft certifications.
• INSAFORP (Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with INSAFORP (Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional) to develop national IT and English training programs. INSAFORP provides financing for workforce development courses in English and computer skills.
• ETS (Educational Testing Service)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ETS for TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP certification administration. CCSA is the only authorized TOEFL administrator in El Salvador, offering standardized English proficiency testing for academic and professional purposes.
• ABLA (Asociación de Centros Binacionales de Latinoamérica)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of ABLA, the association of binational centers across Latin America. CCSA participates in biennial conferences to share best practices and collaborate on English teaching methodologies and cultural programs.
• U.S. Department of State - EducationUSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial EducationUSA advising center operated under U.S. Department of State authorization. Provides free advisory services for Salvadoran students seeking higher education opportunities in the United States, including scholarship guidance for programs like SUSI, UGRAD, Fulbright, and Hubert Humphrey fellowships.
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Microsoft for Office certification preparation aligned with Microsoft standards. CCSA's Informatics Academy uses Microsoft curricula and prepares students for MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certifications.
• CiscocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Cisco for CCST (Cisco Certified Support Technician) certification programs in IT Support, Networking, and Cybersecurity. CCSA's Informatics Academy offers bootcamp preparation for Cisco certification exams.
• Ministerio de Educación (MINEDUCYT)coreOthersOfficial authorization from MINEDUCYT for Third Cycle and Bachillerato programs. CCSA operates as a recognized secondary education institution under government accreditation standards.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• EF Education First: World's largest language education company with physical and digital English programs. Competes with CCSA in adult English language learning and study-abroad preparation, but operates at vastly larger scale and as a for-profit global incumbent.
• Berlitz Corporation: Global language education provider with established footprints across Latin America and globally. Comparable in core English language offering but operates as a broad for-profit incumbent with corporate training divisions that CCSA does not match in scale.
• British Council: UK government-affiliated cultural and educational organization providing English language training worldwide. Mirrors CCSA's binational/government affiliation model but operates at much larger scale with a broader geographic footprint.
• Alianza Francesa: Global network of French cultural and language centers operating on a binational government-affiliated model analogous to CCSA. Comparable structural peer though focused on French instruction rather than English.

Direct peers

• Centro Cultural Mexicano-Americano: Mexican binational center affiliated with the U.S. Embassy delivering English language programs, secondary education, and cultural exchange. Directly comparable in mission, target customer segments, and binational center revenue streams.
• International House: Global network of language schools offering English and other language instruction across more than 50 countries. Directly comparable in core language training offering, certification pathways, and blended online/in-person delivery model.
• Centro Cultural Colombo Americano: Binational center in Colombia operating under the same ABLA network and U.S. Department of State American Space model. Offers English language instruction, cultural programs, and standardized test preparation with an analogous institutional structure and revenue model.
• Centro Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos: Brazilian binational center providing English language instruction, teacher training, and cultural programs under the same binational center framework. Closest peer in terms of operating model, target audience, and institutional mission.

Regional players

• Universidad Dr. José Matías Delgado: Major Salvadoran private university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Competes with CCSA's Instituto Centro Cultural in the Salvadoran higher education market and represents the closest local alternative for bilingual secondary education completion.

Emerging players

• Platzi: Leading Latin American online professional education platform offering technology, design, and business courses with industry certifications. Increasingly competes with CCSA's Informatics Academy in the IT certification and digital skills training space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ccsa_sv
• Facebookfacebook.com/ccsaelsalvador
• Instagraminstagram.com/ccsa_sv
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/ccsaelsalvador

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano