North Pacific Schools
There’s no sole descriptor for schools in Costa Rica. We have a little bit of everything – public and private, Waldorf and Montessori, Costa Rican and international and IB. It’s really across the board but the bottom line is that there is a school in Costa Rica for every type of learner.
That said, schooling is a major consideration for families. Our best advice is to structure your move around your school choice: Search first for schools that meet your family’s needs, then begin to look to the surrounding towns and communities for a home that fulfills your other needs.
Tamarindo/Flamingo
There’s a lot to consider. And, even in an area as small as the Tamarindo/Flamingo area, you’ll have many options. As you begin your investigations, here are a few things you’ll want to keep your eye on:
Location: All six schools on our list are within a short drive from Tamarindo/Flamingo. That said, it never hurts to consider where you call home, when it comes to your kids’ (and your) daily commute. Busy mornings and/or afternoons? Don’t worry, most international schools in Costa Rica offer private bus transportation.
Playas del Coco has a decent selection of private schools, and which one you choose will depend on a number of factors:
-
Location: All six schools on our list cater to the Playas del Coco area, but only one is located in Playas del Coco. The rest are located east of town, scattered between Comunidad and Liberia. Note that Liberia is a 45-minute one-way drive, although many families find the commute worth it.
-
Grades/Levels: While 5 out of 6 schools on our list run through high school, only one includes grade 12. (Costa Rican high schools run through Grade 11.)
-
School Year: All but one school on our list follows the Costa Rican school calendar, which runs from February through November (and sometimes, into the first week or so of December).
Playas del Coco/Playa Hermosa
Founded in September, 2007 as a nonsectarian, co-educational, independent day school Del Mar Academy provides education for children from diverse backgrounds from as young as 18 months though to grade 8. Their schooling model is based upon Montessori principles of independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural physical, psychological, and social development. The higher grades incorporate the international Baccalaureate program. Del Mar Academy states that they aim to guide students towards being “aware, agile and effective global citizens armed with globally recognized qualifications.”
Curriculum
Toddlers: Practical life skills – motor skills – language skills – Sensorial skills – Basic Math skills – Dramatic play – Art
Ages 3-6: language – Mathematics – Science & Environmental studies – Geography & Culture – History – Practical life / Life management skills – Sensorial exercises – Physical Education, Health & Athletics – Peace Education
Nosara
Introducing our Northern-Pacific Schools
Tamarindo/Flamingo, Playas del Coco/Playa Hermosa & Nosara. An array of Schools with the highest class of education.
Tamarindo: An Educational Hub for all Years
-
Grades/Levels: While 5 out of 6 schools on our list run through high school, note that only 4 include grade 12. (Costa Rican high school ends after 11th.)
-
School Year: This is one of those major lifestyle factors. Most private schools run on either a Costa Rican (February-December) or U.S. (September-June) schedule. Choose wisely!
-
Accreditation: If there’s a chance that you might move back “home” before your kids graduate, then you’ll appreciate international accreditation, which makes the process easier. Ditto if your kids plan to go to college abroad: It can be easier with a U.S. or other international degree. But, if you’re here for the long-haul, you’ll also want to choose a school that’s locally accredited through the Ministry of Education (MEP), to set your children up for Costa Rican high education.
-
International Baccalaureate (IB): Speaking of international degrees, one of the most prestigious is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which offers an internationally recognized diploma that opens doors to universities around the world.
-
Tuition: There’s no way around it: Private education comes at a price. Luckily, some international schools in Costa Rica are quite affordable!
Please Note: Published tuitions have been updated for the 2022/2023 academic year. Tuition ranges, when shown, are for primary through high school.
Tamarindo / Flamingo
Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA)
Location: Brasilito, 500 Meters South of Reserva Conchal
Grades/Levels: PreK-12
School Year: September-June (U.S. Calendar)
Accreditation: Costa Rica (MEP) + U.S. (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools – MSA)
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: $7,405-$10,175/year plus fees
Formerly known as Country Day Guanacaste, CRIA – both an acronym for Costa Rica International Academy and the Spanish word for grow (criar) – offers a strong academic focus and college preparatory program for pre-K through 12th grade students from 22+ countries. Their full-time, certified teachers represent 10+ nationalities.
CRIA’s focus is firmly on inspiring student interests and passions, paired with rigorous academics. Their English-language program offers a strong Spanish component, with dual enrollment, advanced placement, and a suite of co-curricular activities that invite students to explore everything from swimming and surfing, drama and chess to Model United Nations and community service, filmmaking and SCUBA diving.
CRIA reinforces its whole-student approach via an average class size of 18 and an enviable 10:1 teacher ratio, plus challenging programs that prepare students for life after school. And with a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate, at that: As one of the top international schools in Costa Rica, CRIA’s students have been accepted at universities across the globe, including most recently to Brown University, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Seton Hall, and other distinguished programs.
Educarte Bilingual High School
Location: Huacas, 9 kms NE of Tamarindo
Grades/Levels: PreK-12
School Year: September-June (U.S. Calendar)
Accreditation: Costa Rica (MEP)
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: $4,840-$5,452/year plus fees
Educarte, simultaneously known as the Centro de Aprendizaje (Center for Learning), focuses on innovative teaching methods that emphasize fundamental values, paired with academic excellence, global citizenship, and diversity, through means of a bilingual education.
The result is a unique academic environment that supports diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and interests. Educarte follows the Costa Rican MEP (Ministry of Education) curriculum, offering preschool-11th grade with a maximum class size of 22. In addition to core competencies, their primary and high school curriculums extend to a strong English program (literature, reading, conversation, and writing), project-based learning, French language and literature, and Spanish as a second language, among others.
Educarte also places a strong focus on enthusiasm and love of learning, both from its teachers and from its families. As a result, students are taught not just academics, but a philosophy: the opportunity to learn and find their place in this world – an invitation to shape and define their future contributions. The ultimate goal: Create meaningful student learning opportunities and make a difference in the lives of children.
Pacific Waldorf School
Location: Between Playa Tamarindo and Playa Avellanas, 6.5 kms Southeast of Villarreal, 400 mts from Sabanero Lodge (about 13 kms SE of Tamarindo)
Grades/Levels: Preschool-8th
School Year: September-June (U.S. Calendar)
Accreditation: Costa Rica (MEP)
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: Contact
As its name suggests, the Pacific Waldorf School (PWS) ascribes to the Waldorf philosophy / Steiner Education model, which integrates intellectual, artistic, and practical skills into its holistic academic approach. Today, PWS is the largest Waldorf school in Costa Rica and neighboring countries.
In Waldorf tradition, PWS surrounds its students with healthy food and a campus ripe for outdoor exploration. In addition to hands-on learning, plenty of extracurriculars, and instruction in French and German, PWS offers a 100% bilingual education in English and Spanish.
Their elementary curriculum – note: PWS does not offer high school – focuses on thinking, feeling, and will – on a child’s being as much as academics, which take a hands-on approach to core subjects, including math, reading, writing, geography, nature studies, music, and art. Their goal: To present a creative and developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters a lifelong love of learning.
IREN Instituto Renacimiento
Location: Black Stallion Eco Park & Estates, Guanacaste Province, Linderos
Grades/Levels: PreK-12
School Year: Alternative (Vacation in July & December)
Accreditation: Choice of MEP Distance Diploma, International Online Program, or the US GED
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: Contact
Surrounded by lush forest and open spaces, IREN (the Instituto Renacimiento or Rebirth Institute) not only offers alternative education for the greater Tamarindo community, but plenty of space to pursue it: the 33-acre campus is limited to just 50 students, to ensure a highly individualized experience for every student.
Born from a frustration with traditional schooling, IREN focuses on student-centered and student-driven education, plied and formed into personalized study programs and project-based, interest-driven workshops. The focus is on mutual understanding and respect – on an environment of positive learning, conscious discipline, and multisensory education. This is the kind of place where you can truly have a hand in your child’s education, and where your child’s individual learning style will inform his or her learning experience.
It’s not just academics, either. IREN focuses on giving children the tools they’ll need to thrive in the greater world, while fostering a love of life and learning. And at IREN’s Black Stallion’s Eco Camp, your child will learn so much more than math and Spanish: survival skills, gardening, horseback riding, animal care and life skills.
Journey School of Costa Rica
Location: On the road to Huacas from Tamarindo, just after The Oaks
Grades/Levels: PreK-12
School Year: September-June (U.S. Calendar)
Accreditation: U.S. (Cognia); currently pursuing Costa Rica (MEP) Accreditation
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: $7,920/year plus fees
One of the newest entrants to international schools in Costa Rica, and especially to Tamarindo, Journey School of Costa Rica (founded 2018) is, well… all about the journey. Their project-based curriculum offers hands-on learning, customized class schedules, and a personalized approach, with an emphasis on building community and self.
Journey delivers a dual-language setting and a strong, student-focused curriculum designed around each student’s individualized developmental and academic needs. They also place a strong focus on social and emotional skills, including breathing and self-reflection, to teach the whole child.
They also guarantee small class sizes (in a strict 10:1 ratio), in order to foster deep interpersonal relationships, as well as a full menu of electives from veterinary science and the culinary arts to entrepreneurship and skateboarding. Additionally, Journey offers a rigorous high school program, with honors, AP, and college-level classes and a U.S. diploma through its online accreditation.
La Paz Community School
Location: Flamingo/Brasilito, 400 meters east of Mar Vista
Grades/Levels: PreK-12
School Year: September-June (U.S. Calendar)
Accreditation: Costa Rica (MEP) + Accredited IB World School
International Baccalaureate (IB): Yes
Tuition: $8,860-$10,580/year plus fees
The only IB program on our list, La Paz doubles down both on academics and student life. It’s immediately obvious upon your first visit: The school day begins with silent meditation during the morning meeting – and it can be pretty impressive to witness the entire student body gathered (public health, permitting) in collective silence.
La Paz’s philosophy revolves around life-long learning, peace, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone, based on a synthesis of community and the world, family and self. Throughout, they offer a strong academic program from early childhood through high school, as well as a focus on the arts: everything from painting and ceramics to textiles and an (IB) International Baccalaureate Visual Arts. (Learn more about their full IB program.)
The La Paz methodology revolves around a Two Way Dual Immersion (TWDI) program – a long-term biliteracy program that approximately divides the curriculum into 50/50 English/Spanish – and thematic learning, a theme-driven program that equates current subject matter to the big picture. (By way of example, the 2020-2021 year’s themes are Peace Ambassadors, Sustainability, Origins, Land and Sea, Wellness, Energy, Creative Expression, and Gratitude.)
TIDE Academy
Location: Tamarindo, across from the AutoMercado
Grades/Levels: K-12
School Year: September-June (U.S. Calendar)
Accreditation: Costa Rica (MEP) + Partnership (high school) with Global Village School (WASC accreditation) or Northern Atlantic Regional High School (MSA CESS accreditation)
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: $5,500-$6,000/year plus fees
Tide Academy is well known for its unique and alternative academic offering: With a maximum class size of 6 (you read right!) and a concise Monday-Thursday, 8:00-12:00 schedule (again, you read right!), Tide places a clear emphasis on solid academics paired with plenty of free time to pursue extracurricular interests. The school also offers one of Costa Rica’s most flexible schedules, making it an excellent choice for families who travel often and students who have outside commitments.
Built for individualized learning and non-traditional students, Tide balances student life with real life – with balance and satisfaction, for the whole person. As such, they develop a personalized curriculum for each student, offering families optional testing and other non-traditional approaches to learning.
Students are encouraged to participate in afternoon electives (12:30-2:30 p.m.), which include group learning, coding, wilderness adventures, mindfulness, and other options. Additionally, Tide offers a Dance Academy and Surf Academy, allowing students to pursue their interests.
Playas del Coco/Playa Hermosa Area
Exploring Education in Playas del Coco: Schools, Accreditation, and Options
-
Accreditation: All schools on our list are locally accredited through the Costa Rican Ministry of Education (MEP). Only one is integrated with the WIDA International School Consortium. We’ll update if this information changes.
-
International Baccalaureate (IB): If there’s a chance that your kids might go to college abroad, then you may already be looking toward their academic futures (even if they’re in preschool; they grow fast!). With regard to private schools in Playas del Coco, that means an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma; no schools on our list currently offer a U.S. diploma or other international accreditation.
-
Tuition: The tuition for private schools in Playas del Coco is fairly affordable, as private school tuition goes, but there’s still no way around it: Private education costs add up.
-
6 Private Schools in Playas del Coco (ok, technically, near)
In alphabetical order:
Please Note: Published tuitions have been updated for the 2022/2023 academic year. Tuition ranges, when shown, are for primary through high school.
Academia Teocali
Location: Liberia, 2.5 kms north of the Toyota
Grades/Levels: PreK-11
School Year: February-November (Costa Rican Calendar)
Accreditation: Costa Rica (MEP) + Accredited IB World School
International Baccalaureate (IB): Yes
Tuition: Contact (servicioalcliente@teocali.org)
Sourced from the Nahuatl word “Teocali,” meaning “House of Wisdom,” Academia Teocali has delivered four decades of competitive, bilingual education to Northern Guanacaste families.
One of the school’s core values is true bilingualism: No matter a child’s first language, Teocali works to graduate students who have equally mastered English and Spanish. They pair their language efforts and excellent academics with strong extracurriculars and extensive grounds, which include sports fields and a semi-Olympic swimming pool.
In 2014, the school upped their educational ante with International Baccalaureate certification and the IB diploma program – one of the first IB options in our immediate region. (The only other IB option is La Paz, below.) Additionally, students benefit from the University of Costa Rica’s MATEM 125 program and preparatory courses for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), should they wish to pursue English-language, post-secondary educational offerings.
Note that Teocali is located in Liberia, about 45 minutes (one way) from Playas del Coco.
Colegio Bilingüe Ciudad Blanca
Location: 350 meters south of Plaza Liberia, Liberia
Grades/Levels: PreK-11
School Year: February-November (Costa Rican Calendar)
Accreditation: MEP
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: Contact (info@cbcb.ed.cr)
CBCB’s dual emphasis is on Christian values and strong, bilingual academics, with a focus on English and Spanish, creative writing, science, math, and social studies/civics/history. In addition to these core subjects, the school works to foster critical organizational skills through oral and written reports, and to explore the great outdoors – the “natural science laboratory” that the campus so generously affords.
CBCB also offers a robust extracurricular program, which offers everything from guitar and computer lab to art and after-school sports. Furthermore, the school is strong on character – “God, justice, truth, and honesty” – paired with spiritual growth and generosity of spirit, which they promote through various programs, including an annual Christmas toy drive and volunteering at a Nicaraguan orphanage.
Note that CBCB is located in Liberia, about 45 minutes (one way) from Playas del Coco.
Dolphin’s Academy School
Location: Barrio Los Canales y Barrio Monteseco, Playas del Coco
Grades/Levels: PreK-11
School Year: February-November (Costa Rican Calendar)
Accreditation: MEP
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: Contact (info@dolphinsacademycr.com)
With a promise to nurture tomorrow’s world citizens, Dolphins Academy is a preschool through high school choice located right in Playas del Coco.
With a firm emphasis on diversity in both education and life, Dolphins embraces its student body’s differences and similarities – and teaches children to do the same. Their approach is multi-faceted, emphasizing everything from volunteer beach clean-ups and wilderness camps to charity drives and the school’s famed Wealthy Kids Course, designed to teach financial literacy from an early age.
In addition to good academics and TOEFL testing (to certify students’ English proficiency), Dolphins values its community. Students and their families are encouraged to participate in dozens of annual events, including holidays, regular movie nights, and global observation days for peace, Earth Day, and more. They also run one of Coco’s only summer camps – a huge draw, come December and January!
La Paz School (Tempisque Campus)
Location: Comunidad, behind the DoIT Center
Grades/Levels: PreK-12
School Year: September-June (U.S. Calendar)
Accreditation: Costa Rica (MEP) + Accredited IB World School
International Baccalaureate (IB): Yes
Tuition: $8,860-$10,580/year plus fees
La Paz School’s newest location, the renowned school’s Tempisque campus brings La Paz’s signature focus on academics and IB Program to Playas del Coco (via la Comunidad, about 15 minutes east of downtown).
Like its sister school in the Tamarindo area, La Paz Tempisque places a strong emphasis on student life and academics. It begins with the morning meditation – an impressive sight, when you see an entire school, collectively silent for its morning meeting – and fans out into almost every aspect of a student’s education: La Paz is built around a philosophy of life-long learning, facing challenges, and building peace, achieved through pushing boundaries and fostering community, both locally and around the world.
Were building honest, kind global citizens not enough, La Paz also offers one of the area’s strongest academic offerings, focusing on core subjects, the arts, and its Two Way Dual Immersion (TDWI) program: a long-term, biliteracy program that employs thematic learning and a 50/50 English/Spanish split to map academic subject matter to its greater place in the world. (By way of example, the 2020-2021 year’s themes were Peace Ambassadors, Sustainability, Origins, Land and Sea, Wellness, Energy, Creative Expression, and Gratitude.)
Lakeside International School
Location: Comunidad, about 15 minutes from Playas del Coco
Grades/Levels: PreK-11
School Year: February-November (Costa Rican Calendar)
Accreditation: Costa Rica (MEP) + WIDA International School Consortium
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: $4,320-$5,520/year plus fees
Home to one of Guanacaste’s most scenic campuses – it’s set against the backdrop of a 200-acre aquaculture farm that raises fish and shrimp – Lakeside International School’s landscapes teeming with monkeys, lizards, and 260+ bird species. It’s a natural wonderland and an outdoor education – quite literally, when you’re in the outdoor classroom!
Not one to rest on its laurels, Lakeside rounds out its beauty with a diverse student body, strong academics, and holistic learning, which caters to the whole student and helps Lakeside Learners not only succeed academically but also personally. This approach, paired with an international bilingual curriculum, helps Lakeside consistently rank as one of the top private schools in Playas del Coco and Guanacaste.
What many Lakeside families love most is the school’s approach to personal development. Through its values and teaching, the school helps its students develop leadership, perseverance, confidence, social consciousness, critical thinking, creativity, independence, problem-solving skills, and confident self-expression.
Sea Wonders Academy
Location: Sardinal, about 15 minutes from Playas del Coco
Grades/Levels: PreK-6 (Plans underway to open a high school)
School Year: February-November (Costa Rican Calendar)
Accreditation: MEP
International Baccalaureate (IB): Planned (future high school)
Tuition: Contact (contabilidad@seawonders.ed.cr)
Sea Wonders Academy is a primary school (with immediate future plans to expand into high school) and a family educational community that offers bilingual education through educational innovation and lifelong values.
Here, the emphasis is on both academics and holistic development, which relies on diverse experiences to build academic excellence, develop critical thinking, foster creativity, and build the skills necessary to successfully face the challenges of today. The method: Build an environment of love and trust, to promote self-reflection and allow students to discover themselves, conquer their own identities, and develop their skills through active and project-based learning, in healthy coexistence with others and with the environment.
Note that, in addition to academics, Sea Wonders actively teaches religion: The school holds a form of Catholic mass on Fridays and emphasizes Christian values. One of its goals is, “to form people who become autonomous and free in the conduct of their lives, according to what God wants of them.”
Nosara
Del Mar Academy
Lower / Upper elementary: English and Spanish Language arts – Mathematics – Science – Social sciences – Information Communications Technology – Life Skills – Economics and money management skills – Community involvement and service – Peace education
Middle school: The middle school curriculum continues with Montessori principles while placing increasing emphasis on preparing students for the International Baccalaureate Program. In addition to core studies such as math and science middle schoolers will be introduced to physical education, technology, agriculture, music, industrial and plastic arts, and life skills.
Admission
Del Mar Academy accepts applications and inquiries from all parents of children ranging from 18 months to 13 years old.
Although anyone may apply Del Mar states that the admissions committee assigns priority for admission according to the following criteria:
First admission priority is given to:
Siblings of currently enrolled students
Commitment to the Montessori Philosophy
Montessori Transferees
Fees
DMA fees are payable as either a single payment or 3 separate payments. Separate payments are subject to a nominal admin fee.
Toddlers annual payment
8.00am – 11.30am 5 days = $2500 3 days = $1950 2 days = $1375
11.30am – 3.00pm 5 days = $2500 3 days = $1950 2 days = $1375
8.00am – 3.00pm 5 days = $4428 3 days = 3320 2 days = $2214
Casa Half Day Tuition: Available to 3-4 year olds – Annual fee = $5950
Casa Full Day Tuition: Annual fee = $8041
Elementary (Lower and Upper) Annual fee = $8100
Middle and High School (7th, 8th, and 9th grades) Annual fee = $8170
The observations and teachings of Dr Maria Montessori serve as the platform from which The Del Mar Academy educational model takes its inspiration. Through a range of hands-on activities including motor skill coordination, spatial refinement and kinetic movement Del Mar Academy encourages students to develop their observation skills and their ability to learn independently. Research has shown that the leading indicator of future success is a sense of self-assurance. It has been clearly proven that if encouraged to make decisions from a young age children become independent, free thinking problem solvers who manage their time well and become highly functional adults. Under the careful guidance of teachers the Montessori approach spurs children on to make their own choices, and to take initiative while cultivating self-respect and a sense of personal accountability.
Del Mar foresees itself becoming a beacon of modern education. Changing times call for changed approaches. We created a program that helps our students to graduate with the confidence to seize exciting new opportunities. It is our intention to equip young people with the necessary skills to face the impending challenges of adulthood.
Academy Del Sol
Academy Del Sol provides a flexible, high quality, bilingual education in an environment for children from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. In addition, to the academic curriculum they focus on promoting creativity and curiosity via hands-on experiential learning. Academy Del Sol places significant emphasis on student involvement in the community. It strongly encourages its pupils to immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture and activities such as surfing and community projects. Academy Del Sol is a U.S. Accredited satellite school.
Curriculum
The curriculum covers all of the core subjects integrating Science and Social Science, study units in Language Arts, Math, Art, Music and Drama. The academic standards are aligned with both the U.S. and Costa Rica to provide a rigorous education. This year Academy del Sol will begin The Global Citizens program to give children the skillset to create more sustainable societies in harmony with nature. The course adopts project-based learning focusing on outdoor, hands-on activities. Students and community members will work together to create natural structured buildings, an organic edible garden and sustainable local business practices by applying traditional knowledge and modern perma-culture principles.
A good range of extracurricular activities including physical education, music, cooking, gardening and after school surfing are offered. Frequent field trips are taken to learn about the history, geography and culture of the local area.
Admission
The Academy del Sol website states that the following documents will be required for entry:
Transcripts from the last two years (not applicable for pre-kindergarten or kindergarten)
Results of standard or specialized testing, if requested and applicable
Two letters of recommendation – One social, One academic
A copy of the students passport and birth certificate
A copy of the child’s vaccination record
Fees
Academy Del Sol fees are based on the length of time the child is enrolled for the academic year. A five percent discount will apply if tuition fees for the full year are paid prior to the first day of the semester.
Full Day | Pre-K – Grade 6 – 10 months = $500 5 months = $600 3 months = $675
Half Day | Pre-K/K | 10 months = $370 5 months = $450 3 months = $525
Half Day | Pre-K/K | 10 months = $300 5 months = $400 3 months = $475
Family discounts apply to families with three or more children enrolled in the same academic year at HSBA or affiliate school Academy Del Sol Nosara. Third child = 10% discount. Fourth child = 15% discount. Fifth child = 20% discount
Academy Del Sol is committed to providing high standards of guided independent learning and language instruction for both visiting and permanent students. We work tirelessly to create a safe and nurturing environment, which endeavors to remain as connected to the natural environment as we are to the students who share time here with us. In addition to our set curriculum, we place a significant emphasis on guiding students to become culturally and environmentally minded citizens.
HomeSchool Beach Academy Nosara
HomeSchool Beach Academy (HSBAcademy) provides guided independent learning and Spanish language instruction for visiting middle and high school students (grades 7 – 12). Students following their own independent homeschool curriculum receive instructional oversight while visiting Costa Rica, be it for a few months or several years at a time. HSBA shares their facility and grounds with their sister school Academy del Sol Nosara.
Curriculum
The HSBA curriculum utilizes individualized study plans guided by a facilitator. This gives students the flexibility to attend classes according to their own schedule. HSBA helps arrange a wide variety of extracurricular activities that help students feel the warmth and sense of family that is integral to Costa Rican culture. Other activities outside of the program include Surf Club each Friday afternoon along with community events.
Admission
The HSBA website states that the following documents will be required for entry.
Transcripts from the last two years
A description of the curriculum the child will be studying alongside a document stating the child’s educational goals and learning objectives
Two letters of recommendation – One social, One academic
A copy of the students passport and birth certificate
A copy of the child’s vaccination record
Fees
Monthly tuition = $500. A five percent discount will apply if tuition fees for the full year are made prior to the first day of the semester
Family discounts apply to families with three or more children enrolled in the same academic year at HSBA or affiliate school Academy Del Sol Nosara. Third child = 10% discount. Fourth child = 15% discount. Fifth child = 20% discount
HSBA is committed to providing high standards of guided independent learning and language instruction for both visiting and permanent high school students (grades 7-12). The advantage to our program is that students aren’t sitting in a classroom from 8 AM-3:00 PM every day providing more opportunities for our students to experience living and learning abroad.
Casa De Las Estrellas
Located midway between Playa Guiones and Garza on the beautiful and secluded beach of Playa Rosada, Casa de las Estrellas Kindergarten has recently expanded to accommodate primary school students. Casa de las Estrellas provides an environment that encourages a child’s imagination, sense of wonder, capacity for creative play and connection to the natural world.
Curriculum
The Casa de las Estrellas curriculum has been designed to provide children with a sense of security, balance and harmony while developing their emotions, cognitive skills and conscious awareness. Daily activities include morning assemblies to connect, engage and discuss the day ahead followed by playground and beach visits. Educational activities throughout the week consist of art, creative play, preparing food, arts and crafts, drawing and painting. The week is rounded off on Friday by creating healthy treats and crafts for both the classroom and home.
Admission
Admissions for Casa de las Estrellas is for youngsters between the ages of 2.5-6 years old and is open to all. On their website it is clear that Casa de las Estrellas takes pride in its multicultural learning community. It states that a founding principle is to foster coexistence between children of different backgrounds regardless of income level. One of their fundamental principles is to promote respect of, and support for, children of different cultures and social strata. They believe an understanding of these differences is key to building equality, mutual respect and cultural assimilation.
Fees
Casa de las Estrellas has a monthly fixed fee of 200,000 colones, but families unable to meet this are not excluded and there is a range of scholarships available to families most in need. On their website Casa de las Estrellas states their belief that education based around holistic principles is the right of every child and not limited only to those whose parents can afford it.
Inspired by Waldorf educational principles Casa De las Estrellas was founded to provide daily rhythm to the lives of 2.5 to 6 year old children in an environment of security and trust. We have created a program where students of different ages work on a range of activities including gardening, cooking, sewing, knitting, woodwork, cleaning and storytelling in a fun environment. The mixed aged classes promote a strong sense of kinship which offer older children the opportunity to act as caregivers and role models. The child’s mind is nurtured and strengthened through a program of daily creative play while activities such as storytelling and art provide daily nutrition for their blossoming imaginations. Much of the day is spent outdoors appreciating and learning from the stunning surroundings and rich natural treasures of the local environment.
Quick review of factors when considering options for an investment property in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Locations Comparison Table
Curated & Tailored Investing, Real Estate & Relocation Consulting
We are not Realtors. You pay us a flat rate fee to represent your best interests in Costa Rica.
We found that people looking to purchase or invest in Costa Rica needed guidance and help on the best locations to fit their lifestyle, to suit their investment goals, and to suit their future.
We take a different outlook on real estate, where we represent YOU, the buyer. We use our 20+ years of experience in Costa Rica to help you find the right location and property. You can rest assured that we’re there to offer advice before, during, and after your purchase.
You pay an affordable flat rate fee that ensures we’re there for you and have your best interests at heart. We know this isn't normal, but we believe it's the best way to make sure we are here and impartial for you.
"We weren't sure where we wanted to buy, and Richard and his team asked us questions to understand our goals, shortlist properties, and then toured with us while in Costa Rica. Their knowledge of the whole of Costa Rica was invaluable." Alex & Angela, TX
Contact us today to have a no-obligation chat.
