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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.

costa rica education — Image copyright Andres Garcia Lachner – www.garcialachner.com

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.

When staying in one of our vacation homes in the Playa Flamingo area, there’s no shortage of fun activities to keep you busy during your stay. No matter what type of vacation you are planning, you’ll find a good combination of relaxing and adventurous activities to help you make the most of your time in Costa Rica. Let’s take a look at some of the top things to do in Playa Flamingo and our favorite Guanacaste tours. Make sure you check out our full range of tours to start planning your upcoming trip!

Costa Rica White Water Rafting

If you’ve researched anything about taking a Costa Rica vacation before, you’ll know that one of the best activities to do in the local area is white water rafting. You’ll find trips available for all skill levels, so even if it’s your first time trying out this activity, you’ll be taken care of every step of the way. There are multiple locations nearby to try out white water rafting, and you’ll be guided through the river with a guide during your journey. Most trips spend at least an hour on the water, but they will also include other activities such as hiking, seeing a waterfall, or enjoying a local lunch. When looking for things to do in Playa Flamingo, this is one of the most exciting adventures to book for your upcoming trip.

Wild Canyon Adventure

Head to the Colorado Canyon to enjoy a day of zip-lining, rappelling, and climbing. It is only about a 90-minute drive from most of our Playa Flamingo homes, which is why it’s one of our top Guanacaste tours. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful nature throughout the trip, and you can also enjoy cooling off at a nearby waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This is a great option for anyone who is also interested in white water rafting, as you can combine the two activities within this one tour. Staying in Playa Flamingo offers you the best of both worlds, where you can enjoy adventurous daytime tours and relaxed nights near the beach.

Guanacaste Coffee Tour

Head into the Nicoya Mountains to learn more about Costa Rica’s biggest export. Coffee is grown around the country, but the Nicoya Mountains are home to a small coffee plantation that is well worth a visit. You can enjoy touring the area and learning about how your favorite daily drink is produced. While you are in the area, make sure you check out the beautiful buildings and scenery, as it’s home to one of the oldest colonial churches in Costa Rica. A coffee tour is a great way to see more of Costa Rica during your stay in Playa Flamingo, and it’s one of the best Guanacaste tours for anyone who is looking for a more relaxing day out.

Spend the Day on Playa Flamingo

After all of the excitement of the trips we’ve shared so far, you need to make sure you take some time out to relax and enjoy your vacation. Playa Flamingo is one of the country’s top beaches, and you can’t go wrong with spending a day here sunbathing and swimming in the bay of its crystal clear waters. The great thing about this area is that it’s easily accessible on foot. Most of our properties are located within just minutes of the beach, so you can just roll out of bed in the morning and head straight to the ocean. Gift yourself an amazing hour-long massage for just $20 from the talented local ladies who set up along the beach. There are plenty of opportunities for tours and water sports here as well, but many of our guests just love taking a day off to chill out and relax on the beautiful beaches of Playa Flamingo.

Palo Verde Wildlife Boat Tour

Costa Rica is renowned for its incredible wildlife, and we highly recommend booking our Palo Verde tour to get up close and personal with some of the country’s most famous residents. This area is one of the most important wetland reserves in the region, and it’s home to birds, monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles. The best way to explore the reserve is by boat, and you’ll enjoy a two-hour tour through the local area. Make sure you have your camera and binoculars with you at all times, as you never know when you might see one of these incredible creatures. This is a great tour for teens and kids, who will be amazed at the creatures which call this part of the world home.

Take Tamarindo Surfing Lessons

Another of the top Guanacaste tours you can enjoy a little closer to your vacation home is a surfing lesson. Teens and adults will love taking part in this classic Costa Rican activity, which will give you a great challenge and adventure. The Playa Flamingo area is home to some amazing surf instructors who will be happy to guide you through the basic techniques you need to master in order to become more confident in the water. Even if it’s your first time surfing, you can join a class that aims to teach beginners to catch their first wave. For more experienced surfers, you’ll find you can enjoy coaching from some of the world’s best instructors, who will help you to improve your skills and technique during your vacation

A Sunset Cruise

For couples and adults visiting Playa Flamingo, one of the best ways to finish off your day is on a sunset cruise. It’s one of the top things to do in Playa Flamingo if you are looking for a romantic activity to help you relax after a busy vacation. While Costa Rica has so much to see and do, it’s important to remember that you are here to escape your everyday life and make the most of your time with your loved ones. You’ll find both private and group cruises available, and they run throughout the day and evening in the Playa Flamingo area.

There are so many great Guanacaste tours to choose from, which is why we highly recommend planning ahead for your upcoming vacation. If you are staying in the Playa Flamingo area, you’ll find that you are located in the perfect spot to visit many of the country’s top landmarks and attractions. Our team will be here to help you plan the perfect trip and advise you about where you can visit from the local area. For more information about our full range of tours, check out our tours page. You’ll find there’s really something for everyone in the Playa Flamingo area, and you can enjoy a relaxing or adventurous vacation depending on your personal preferences this year.

We lived here during the pandemic – and are so grateful for every serene, relaxed & peaceful day we were blessed to spend here.

Such a difference from the craziness & anxiety of southern California. We had never been to Costa Rica before, but it seemed like a relatively safe & beautiful place to “vacation in place” & “remote work”.

We were in such a dash to get out of dodge, that we didn’t stop to consider what it would be like spending 3 ½ months in a home, city & country we’d never been to before.
Needless to say, the ride from the airport gave us lots of time to consider that. (It was a long drive)

Note from Tropical Homes of Costa Rica: Guest refers to the international Airport San Jose, not to the international Airport in Liberia which is closest from here.

However, when we entered the front door, saw the lovely new home & the breathtaking view, we knew we made the perfect decision.

Thank you to CASA DEL MAR for the literal refuge in the storm!

Can’t think of a more magical way to spend an otherwise difficult time (when life gives you lemons…)

Our Visa here is up, so we’re headed on to Bermuda, after this. We are sad to leave, but do prefer the lush costa-rican winter to the hot, dry spring anyway!
So, it’s off to new adventures!

One thing I was able to accomplish from all our “extra time” was that I finally started the travel blog I’ve been meaning to do for years. If you want to see our journey please check it out…

TheLuxuryTravelReview.com
Instagram: @TheLuxuryTravelReview

A word to the property managers:

Pam & Bladimir of Tropical Homes of Costa Rica were amazing & went above & beyond (call them for anything house related).

Hope you & your family have safe, happy & fun adventures during your stay here, in Casa del Mar, too!

Greetings, Sara & Jim

In Guanacaste, you’ll find there’s no shortage of stunning places to explore. When traveling to Costa Rica, you won’t want to miss out on hiking to one of the top Guanacaste waterfalls or relaxing on one of the area’s best beaches. To help you plan your next stay in one of our vacation rentals, keep reading as we share our top picks for the most spectacular waterfalls and best beaches in Guanacaste to visit.

1. Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

Located near Bagaces in Guanacaste, you’ll find the Llanos de Cortez waterfall. It involves a short out and back trail to reach the waterfall, which is just 0.3 kilometers in length. The area is ideal for hiking and nature trips, and you can take dogs on leashes here as well. It’s only a short thirty-minute drive from the Liberia International Airport, so it’s convenient for anyone staying in one of our rental properties in the local area.

Llanos de Cortez waterfall is one of the most beautiful Guanacaste waterfalls, and it offers visitors a nice pool at the base for swimming or paddling. There’s also a sandy area where you can relax, and there are usually lifeguards present here as well. While you’re here, take a walk to the river to see some of the local wildlife, such as lizards, fish, and frogs. Parking here is free with admission, so it’s a great spot to visit if you’ve hired a rental car for your Costa Rica trip.

2. Tamarindo Beach

One of the best beaches in Guanacaste is without a doubt Tamarindo Beach. The local area is one of our favorite places to stay, and it’s packed with great restaurants and shops for you to explore. It’s also the ideal spot for anyone who wants to enjoy some of the local nightlife on their trip. However, the main reason that people come to Tamarindo Beach is its fantastic surfing beaches.

Tamarindo Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag Award for many years, showcasing how clean and tidy the beach is kept for visitors to the local area. It does get a little more crowded here in the afternoon, so we recommend enjoying a swim here first thing in the morning. There isn’t that much shade here, so be careful if you aren’t used to sitting outdoors all day long when you first start your vacation.

3. Samara Beach

The bay at Samara Beach is about 4 kilometers long and offers a white sand beach and gentle waves. It’s one of the best beaches in Guanacaste and is known for being a safe beach for families. In the distance, you’ll see Chora Island, which is a great location for diving and snorkeling. It’s another Blue Flag Award beach in the area and is committed to protecting the local environment. You’ll find there are plenty of great water activities to enjoy during a day here, including surfing, fishing, and diving.

4. Las Chorreras and La Oropéndola Waterfalls

These sister waterfalls are located within Hacienda Guachipelin, which is found just outside of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. You’ll be able to enjoy a great day in nature at these Guanacaste waterfalls, which involve just a short walk to reach them both. We recommend beginning your day with Las Chorreras, which takes about 20 minutes to reach the hotel. It has a refreshing pool for a hot day and is surrounded by large rocks.

After visiting the first of the two waterfalls, take the 45-minute trail to La Oropéndola Waterfall. This has a stunning turquoise pool and is ideal for swimming and taking some great Instagram photos. You’ll travel through the tropical dry forest to reach this waterfall within the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, but it’s well worth the effort when you get to the waterfall in the end.

5. Rio Celeste Waterfall

No list of attractions in Guanacaste is complete without mentioning the Rio Celeste waterfall. It’s named after the river that flows into it and is well known for its bright blue color. You’ll find the Rio Celeste waterfall located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, and it will take you about an hour to reach the waterfall after entering the park. The best thing about this day out is the wildlife you’ll see on the way to one of the best Guanacaste waterfalls. Keep your eyes open for monkeys, butterflies, and frogs. While swimming isn’t allowed at the base of the waterfall, make sure you enjoy a dip in the hot springs. The best time to visit here is between December and April, as the blue water doesn’t always look so vibrant in the rainy season.

6. Flamingo Beach

Flamingo Beach is home to many of our luxury vacation rentals, and it’s located near the popular town of Conchal. It’s another fantastic white sand beach and is ideal for visitors who are looking for a luxury vacation. There are some great condos in this area, which benefit from being only minutes away from the beach. It has stunning clear blue water, making it a great option for families traveling with children. The Playa Flamingo area also offers many secluded beaches, which are ideal for couples looking to escape it all on vacation. You’ll find there’s no shortage of things to do in this area, including water sports and great restaurants. We think that you could easily spend your whole vacation here at Flamingo Beach, which is why it’s one of the best beaches in Guanacaste.

7. Playas del Coco

If you are looking for somewhere which is popular with the locals, head to Playas del Coco. It gets pretty busy here at the weekends and holidays, as it’s one of the most popular beach towns with residents. For this reason, it’s a great option for families, and it offers everything you might need for a great day out. There’s a park for families to enjoy a picnic lunch, and kids will appreciate the children’s playground here.

One of the things that families love about Playas del Coco is that the waves are usually quite gentle, making it safe for kids and teens to swim. The beach is quite long here, so you won’t struggle to find a spot to put down your towels or chairs, even on the most crowded days. We always recommend visiting a few different beaches on a Costa Rica trip, and this is another great one to add to your next family vacation.

There’s no shortage of Guanacaste waterfalls and beaches to visit on your next stay in the region. Many of our rental villas are located within minutes of the best beaches in Guanacaste, which is why families return here year after year for their vacations. We highly recommend staying in this region on your next trip, as there’s so much to see and do for visitors of all ages. If you are looking for inspiration for your upcoming trip to Guanacaste in Costa Rica, take a look through our wide selection of vacation rentals. Our team at Tropical Homes of Costa Rica will be happy to discuss any questions you might have and help you to plan your next Costa Rica vacation.

When considering investing in real estate in Costa Rica, you’ll want to take a deep dive into the perks of relocating to the country. Whether you are buying a second home or are looking to retire in paradise, there are so many reasons why a move to Costa Rica is advantageous at any stage in your life. Living in Costa Rica as an American is very different from life back at home, so let’s take a look at some of the top reasons for living in Costa Rica.

Undeniably Less Stressed

There’s no denying that life at home can often be stressful. With long working hours and bills to pay, we regularly feel like life is all work and no play. Costa Rica is known for its more laid-back lifestyle, the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle Costa Rica has branded – meaning people usually work fewer hours and live a more tranquil life. With beautiful beaches to explore and great hikes through the rainforests, you won’t want to spend your life in front of a computer. Instead, you’ll learn to set boundaries in your life and to just go with the flow.

It’s The Simple Things

Modern life has become so complicated, which is one of the fundamental reasons many people are thinking about a move to paradise. Living a simple life means focusing on what really matters. This is what you might truly connect with while living in Costa Rica as an American. You’ll get the chance to reconnect with your family and remember what you’ve been working so hard for all of these years. It’s a chance to remember what life is really about, and what makes it so great.

Great Education for Kids

If you are thinking about relocating your whole family to Costa Rica, education is likely one of your top priorities. We are constantly impressed by the education options on offer for children here, and there’s something to fit everyone’s budget and needs. You can send them to a traditional American school when you move to Costa Rica or immerse them in the local culture via a bilingual school. Traveling is one of the best educational opportunities you’ll give your children, and you can be sure they won’t miss out on anything when living in Costa Rica as an American. We know this is one of the biggest concerns for parents relocating children of any age, but rest assured your education options here are extensive. The kids down here live a largely ‘outdoor life’ being involved in surfing, soccer, beach clean-ups and are constantly learning about sustainability and our planet.

Endless Quality, Organic Food

As part of the ‘simple life’ when you move to Costa Rica, you’ll want to take advantage of the healthy food! The nutrient-dense food that grows on trees right in your backyard. The fruits and vegetables in Costa Rica are just fantastic, and you’ll be impressed by the variety. With the hot weather throughout the year, you’ll likely find you don’t want to eat the heavy food you tend to find in the US. Instead, you can opt for light salads or sandwiches for lunch and huge bowls of tropical fruit for breakfast. Fruits and vegetables are more affordable and readily available than in the US, so you’ll have no excuse not to be eating a healthy and satisfying meal each day. With the amount of fresh food that grows in the Costa Rican climate very little needs to be imported, making for healthier, more organic options!

A Lifestyle That Keeps You Fit and Healthy

There’s no shortage of things to keep you entertained when you move to Costa Rica. Keeping active should be a priority in all of our lives, but life in the US often makes this more challenging. There are plenty of fun outdoor activities to help you keep fit, including hiking, surfing, and kayaking. You’ll also find many of the real estate complexes we sell properties in offer gyms on-site. You’ll finally be able to dedicate the time and energy to looking after your body and mind by adding exercise into your daily routine, in a way that feels fun and right for you! Surfing, hiking, swimming… you name it! Design a life that works for you.

Plenty of Other Locations to Explore

The country’s varying climate offers you the chance to escape your home base and take trips to explore further afield. You’ll find tons of opportunities for weekend trips, or if you have longer to explore, you can enjoy a few weeks of traveling around Costa Rica. A move to Costa Rica doesn’t mean you are stuck in one place, you’ll want to make the most of your new home and everything it has to offer! There’s such a variety of different trips to enjoy here too, you might find yourself spending the holidays at the beach, in the rainforest, or exploring the city of San Jose.

Great Location for Connecting to the US, Central America, and South America

Costa Rica is one of the best locations to invest in real estate due to its central location within Central America. It offers many connections to cities within the US, so you’ll have no trouble flying home when needed. During the holidays in the US, you can escape to Costa Rica for a few weeks without having to plan for months in advance for your trip. As well as that, you’ll find that it’s easy to travel to other Central and South American countries, either by land or air. For keen travelers, there’s no limit to the number of trips you could take in the local area, and you’ll find yourself enjoying travel more than ever before.

Lower Cost of Living

While the cost of living is relative to your income and current location, most people living in Costa Rica as an American find that the cost of living here is much lower. Especially if you are relocating from somewhere like Los Angeles or New York, you’ll notice huge savings when you move to Costa Rica. Even just daily costs such as transportation and food will save you a fortune, allowing you to save for retirement or enjoy traveling more frequently with your family.

A Great Range of Real Estate Opportunities

No matter the type of property you are looking to invest in, you’ll find Costa Rica has everything you could imagine. Here at Tropical Homes of Costa Rica, we offer a wide selection of investment opportunities. Whether you are looking to move to Costa Rica permanently or just invest in a vacation home, we’ll have something to fit your budget and needs. You can opt for a huge family home on a private estate or a beachside apartment that you can lock up and leave. Many of the local communities come with fantastic on-site facilities, including security for when you are back home in the US.

Living in Costa Rica as an American offers many great perks, which is why so many people are considering the move. With such a wide variety of real estate opportunities on offer, there really is something for everyone in this beautiful country. Are you interested in making the move to Costa Rica this year? Our team will be here to help you every step of the way. Here at Tropical Homes of Costa Rica, we offer an extensive range of properties throughout Costa Rica. We can guide you on the best location to invest in and the type of property that would suit your family’s requirements. Contact us today for more information or to start learning about the perks of moving to Costa Rica in the near future.

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