As a parent, one of your top concerns when relocating to Costa Rica will be finding Costa Rica international schools to continue your children’s education. With so many families relocating from the US, Europe, and further afield, there’s no shortage of Costa Rica private schools to which you could send your child. Let’s take a look at some of the best options for schools in Guanacaste, which will help to further your child’s education no matter their age.
What are Your Costa Rica Education Options in Guanacaste?
There are a few different options when it comes to schools in Costa Rica. Depending on your child’s age and where you relocate to, you may find one of these options is better than the others. Here are a few of the most common options for individuals relocating to Costa Rica from abroad.
Public Schools
Almost every town in Costa Rica will have a public school for your child to attend. In general, this isn’t the most common option for foreigners, as they’ll be learning in Spanish. Some people don’t mind this as a temporary option, but it will depend on your personal situation and future plans. It’s a great cultural opportunity for children though and may be more affordable than Costa Rica international schools.
Costa Rica Private Schools
Families who relocate to Costa Rica usually enroll their children in a Costa Rica international school or private school. You’ll find these throughout Guanacaste and the country as a whole. Make sure you look for an accredited school that offers a bilingual education. You’ll find that these schools will vary depending on whether they teach mainly in English or Spanish, and teachers often come from across North America and Central America. Make sure you check out the qualifications and facilities the school has, as this will give you a good idea of whether it matches your expectations ahead of time.
When it comes to the fees for private schools, expect them to run somewhere from $300 to $1,000 a month. This could increase if you choose to go to one of the most prestigious schools, and you’ll also need to factor in the cost of additional fees and supplies. We’ll share some of the top options shortly, which will help you to get more of a feel of what private education is like in Costa Rica.
Home Schooling
The final option that some families consider is home schooling. Especially with the challenges of the last year, many parents are very familiar with home schooling and feel comfortable continuing this in Costa Rica. One thing to keep in mind is that Costa Rican law requires young children to be enrolled in school from the age of four to around 12. However, this doesn’t apply to secondary school students or ex-pats. If you do become residents in the future, you may need to stop homeschooling and place your child in a local school. This is one thing to keep in mind to avoid any issues or disruption to their education moving forward.
Top Costa Rica Private Schools in Guanacaste
These are just a few of the top Costa Rica international schools in Guanacaste. You’ll find that these schools all offer different facilities and educational opportunities, so make sure you fully review them before deciding which would be the best fit for your children.
Guanacaste Waldorf School
This bilingual school offers classes for students in both English and Spanish. It’s located near Tamarindo on the northwest coast of the country, and they welcome roughly 100 students each year. They follow a full Waldorf curriculum which includes classes such as English, Spanish, Movement, Drawing, and Theater. They are very conscious of the local community and festivals, so your children will learn to understand more about life in Costa Rica during their time here. You’ll find that they also encourage parents to get involved in school life here, so it’s a great option for anyone who is looking to be heavily involved in the local community upon relocating to Costa Rica.
Tide Academy
If you are concerned about offering your child an education that’s tailored to their needs, Tide Academy might just be one of the top Costa Rica private schools for you. They offer one-on-one education where needed, and the team understands that no two children should have the same schedule. One thing we particularly like about Tide Academy is that they also offer online classes and allow students to take their work with them on trips. This might be a good option if you are planning to still spend a good amount of time in your home country.
CRIA
Another great option is CRIA, a U.S. accredited international private school in Costa Rica with a focus on college preparation with Advanced Placement and dual enrollment programs. The average class size is 18 students and they teach kids aged 2 through 18. They are equipped with a gym, library, playground & swimming pool. You can contact them to take a tour and explore their facilities to see if it’s the right fit for your family!
Dolphins Academy
Students from preschool through to high school are welcome at Dolphins Academy, which is located in Playas del Coco. Local students mix with those from abroad, which means your children will be exposed to a mix of cultures and languages. You’ll find that the school celebrates global citizenship, and it offers a welcoming and friendly environment for all of its new students. As well as the typical educational opportunities, the school provides many fun activities and unique celebrations for their students. Each summer, they also offer summer camps, so your children can be looked after all year round if you are busy working.
La Paz
A well-respected school in the community, La Paz upholds high academic standards. They pride themselves on being a dual language learning experience where all cultures and socioeconomic levels are openly embraced and celebrated. Students focus at least one block per week on one particular experiential learning focus that is geared towards service-learning through environmental and community projects. They have beautiful grounds located about 1km from the Pacific Ocean on 2.8 hectares of previously cleared pasture land. The facilities are constructed to LEED Silver standards and designed to respect the rich Guanacaste culture and landscape.
Lakeside International School
Just 15 minutes away from Playas del Coco, you’ll find Lakeside International School. The campus is located on a 200-acre farm, making it one of the most tranquil places to send your children to school. There are five school buildings here, offering your kids the space they need to learn and play. Lakeside International School offers a bilingual curriculum, which is quite standard in Costa Rica international schools. The school is always highly ranked within the region, and the holistic approach to schooling helps students to reach their potential in life.
Educarte Bilingual High School
A popular choice among parents is Educarte School. At the Primary level, Educarte offers a learning process based on creativity, and the development of social skills to prepare them for the core subjects of high school. The High School program focuses on preparation for university. Bilingual proficiency in the core curriculum qualifies students for unlimited opportunities at colleges in both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking countries. Educarte also offers a long list of extracurricular activities such as theatre, painting, soccer & French.
Niños Del Sol Eco School
This unique school offers an educational system that is similar to that of Montessori schools. They offer students an experience that focuses on hands-on education and plays. Teachers will adapt the curriculum to suit the age and experience of their class, offering your child a more customized learning experience. The school focuses on Earth, Community, and the Ocean as the pillars of their teaching, and the school is located very close to the beach. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace, which ensures no one is left behind. It’s certainly a unique way of teaching, but that’s what makes it one of the top Costa Rica international schools.
Education is a very personal decision for both you and your children, but you’ll find there’s no shortage of Costa Rica private schools to choose from in Guanacaste. No matter where you relocate to in the country, you’ll find schools to fit your educational requirements and budget. We encourage you to take the time to look around a few different schools and find the option that suits your children before settling on the right one for their needs. You’ll find that your children will love attending school in Costa Rica and will continue to further their education in the same way as they would back in your home country.
Contact us for more information or any questions you may have!