Guide to Private Schools by the Beach
Costa Rica is not only famous for its breathtaking beaches and rainforests, but also for its commitment to education and a diverse, thriving private school system. This beautiful country is home to a variety of private schools that offer an impressive mix of global perspectives and rich cultural experiences for students. As we start exploring the educational offerings of Costa Rica, especially those schools in the Central Valley and the country’s coastal areas, we uncover a blend of traditional and innovative teaching methods. These schools are notable for their fusion of historical education principles with modern learning approaches.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the private schools located near the scenic beach fronts of Costa Rica. We'll examine what makes these schools stand out, from their distinctive qualities to the strengths and challenges they face. We'll highlight what sets these schools apart and the cultural nuances that shape the educational experiences of both local students and expatriate communities, creating a unique educational environment that builds bridges across cultures.
In the beach areas of Costa Rica, the most notable institutions include:
American Curriculum Schools in Costa Rican Beach Areas
Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Class Size: 12:1
Curriculum/Focus: Being project-based and having a student-led curriculum, Journey School has honor and AP classes that help students improve academically while exploring their own individuality. Its central tenets include kindness, empathy, compassion, and academic excellence. It offers small class sizes and a social-emotional learning focus with a maximum capacity of 150 students. Journey School also offers unique athletics including parkour, surfing, and skateboarding.
Accreditation: Dual US high school diploma and local MEP diploma. Students can also opt to take the AP tests for dual high school and college credit.
Cost: 9k / year
Location: Brasilito, Guanacaste
Class Size: 18:1
Curriculum/Focus: CRIA has a diverse international student population and focuses on college prep with AP classes. CRIA has 40 air-conditioned classrooms and a well-rounded course offering, including a computer, science and STEM labs, art and music classes, a swimming pool, and more.
Accreditation: Dual US high school diploma and local MEP diploma.
Cost: 11k / year
Location: Samara, Nicoya
Class Size: 15:1
Curriculum/Focus: Mareas Academy is an international, bilingual, child-centered school that approaches learning with respect to the multiple intelligences of its students. Mareas offers small, challenging classes which are led by passionate and licensed professionals who adjust classes to meet the needs of each particular student.
Accreditation: US high school diploma.
Cost: 7.5k / year
Location: Uvita, Puntarenas
Curriculum/Focus: Uvita Christian Academy offers a nurturing learning environment from preschool to high school, blending strong academic programs with Christian teachings, aiming to develop not only academically proficient students but also morally grounded individuals. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating biblical teachings with a comprehensive academic program. This unique blend ensures that students grow intellectually while also cultivating strong ethical and spiritual foundations. In addition to core academic subjects, Uvita Christian Academy places a significant emphasis on the arts, physical education, and technology, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. The school's commitment to small class sizes fosters a personalized and attentive learning environment, allowing for individualized support and a strong sense of community among students and teachers.
Accreditation: US high school diploma.
Cost: N/A
International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools in Costa Rican Beach Areas
Location: Brasilito, Guanacaste
Class Size: 8:1
Curriculum/Focus: La Paz Community School was founded in 2007 to address socio-cultural gaps prevalent in a region struggling. At La Paz, students are taught to be creative, multilingual, compassionate, and responsible global leaders. The school is an authorized IB World School where students are equipped to transform and better their lives, communities, and countries. The school blends students from all socioeconomic classes and follows a year-round schedule with 3 trimesters.
Accreditation: IB diploma and local MEP diploma.
Cost: 12k / year
Location: Cóbano, Puntarenas (near Montezuma)
Class Size: 17:1
Curriculum/Focus: Futuro Verde is an IB World School from preschool through 12th grade. It focuses on an innovative learning environment, including environmental and global issues. Futuro Verde has an international population of students and teachers as well as a supportive community.
Accreditation: In addition to the IB diploma, students can get a Costa Rica high school diploma after meeting other necessary requirements.
Cost: 10k / year
Costa Rican Curriculum Schools in Costa Rican Beach Areas
Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Class Size: 1:1
Curriculum/Focus: With one-on-one personalized education that provides a flexible education adapted to each student, Tide Academy customizes the academic experience and promotes learning outside the classroom. Students can intern at several local businesses for academic credit, and work with several organizations creating community projects such as community murals, surf clinics, and local fundraisers.
Accreditation: Local MEP diploma.
Cost: 6k / year
Location: Uvita, Puntarenas
Curriculum/Focus: Centro Educativo Costa Ballena is an independent, co-educational, bilingual school that caters to students aged 3 to 17 years. The school's curriculum blends California State Standards and those set by the Ministry of Education of Costa Rica, ensuring a comprehensive and globally relevant educational experience. Renowned for its bilingual and scientific academic excellence, the school is driven by a team of professional and dedicated staff. Students here are immersed in a high-standard, multifaceted, and challenging learning environment, where they are encouraged to explore creative arts, engage in physical exercise, and develop as independent thinkers and learners.
Accreditation: Local MEP diploma.
Cost: N/A
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Choosing where your child attends school can be an important decision, especially for families who have migrated from a different country to make a life in a new place. It can be both an exciting and daunting process, and it’s always better when you can connect with a community of similar-minded people going through the same experiences. If you want to get our input, we’ll be glad to help. Contact us and we’ll do our best to help you with information about living in Costa Rica!
