Top 10 International Schools In Costa Rica [2023-2024]

 Top 10 International Schools In Costa Rica

There are many international schools in Costa Rica. Most of these schools are located in San Jose the capital city of Costa Rica.

This Spanish country has often attracted many migrants and tourists who which to study in this coastal Country.

International standard of education is offered in both Spanish and English.

Academic credentials earned by Costa Rican students are acknowledged and appreciated globally. 

International students can experience a distinctive cultural experience in a beautiful setting thanks to Costa Rica's diversified, hospitable, and active community. 

Studying abroad in Costa Rica is a great way to get into prestigious international universities.

Before we look at the various international schools in Costa Rica, let us give you an overview of the cost of living in Costa Rica for International students.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica for International Students

Rent: Rent is the cost of housing per month. In Costa Rica, rent prices vary depending on where you live and how much space you need. 

A typical apartment in San José costs about $400-USD 600 per month. If you have roommates, the price goes down significantly.

Food: Food is relatively cheap in Costa Rica. You can get a decent meal at around $10-USD 15. Breakfast might be included in your rent, so make sure to ask if it's free.

Transportation: Transportation is expensive in Costa Rica. Public transportation is not reliable, so you'll want to buy bus tickets in advance. Expect to pay between $0.50 - USD 1.00 each way. Taxis are also quite expensive, costing anywhere from $8 - USD 12.

Utilities: Utilities are pretty inexpensive in Costa Rica. Electricity runs around $0.30 - USD 0.40 per kilowatt hour (kWh), water is around $0.20 - USD 0.25 per cubic meter, and the internet is around $0.60 - USD 0.80 per gigabyte.

Health Care: Health care is extremely affordable in Costa Rica. Medical care is provided by the government for free. There are no private medical insurance plans, so you won't have to worry about paying out of pocket. 

Doctors' visits are around $10 - USD 20, dental work is around $100 - USD 200, and eye exams are around $10 -USD 20.

Top 10 International Schools in Costa Rica

1). International Christian School Costa Rica

The International Christian School Costa Rica (ICSCR) is located in San José, Costa Rica. There are currently about 200 students attending the ICSCR. The school gets its funding from tuition fees and donations.

The school was founded in 1998 by Dr David B. Miller, who is now the president of the board of directors. Its purpose was to provide a Christian education to children from around the world.

They teach English language arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Technology, Spanish, and Bible. The curriculum is based on the standards set forth by the National Association of Independent Schools.

Address: XWJW+5V8, San Miguel de Santo Domingo, Heredia, Santo Domingo, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2241 1445

2). GSD International School Costa Rica

The GSD International School Costa Rican is located in San José, Costa Rica.

Its mission is to provide a quality education for children from around the world.

The school offers programs for students ages 2-18 years old. In addition to academic instruction, the school provides a variety of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, music, and Spanish language classes.

The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The campus is located in the heart of downtown San José, Costa Rica, just steps away from Central Park and the National Theatre. The school is surrounded by many restaurants, coffee shops, banks, supermarkets, and public transportation.

The curriculum at the school consists of both English and Spanish instruction. Students study English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Music, Art, Computer Applications, Foreign Languages, and Health. There are also electives offered such as Drama, Dance, Robotics, Chess, and Basketball.

Students must have a valid passport and visa to enter Costa Rica. All applicants must submit their application materials online. Applicants must also complete a background check before being admitted to the school.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program chosen. Full-time students pay $8,000 per year while half-day students pay $4,500 per year.

Address: C. Guácima, Guácima Abajo, Provincia de Alajuela, Guácima, 20105, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2201 9467

3). Lakeside International School

Lakeside International School Costa Rica is a private international school located in San José, Costa Rica.

Lakeside International School offers a unique educational experience where students learn about themselves, their world, and others while exploring the natural beauty of our beautiful country. Lakeside International School's curriculum is designed to develop each student's potential and prepare them for success in college and beyond.

The school offers classes from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students may choose from a variety of academic programs including bilingual (English/Spanish), general studies, science, math, social sciences, English language arts, art, music, physical education, computer technology, and foreign languages.

In addition to academics, students have many opportunities to participate in sports, clubs, and community service projects.

Tuition Fees at Lakeside International School vary with Preschool: PreK-Prepa ($2,700), Primary: 1st – 6^th ($4,320), Secondary: 7th – 10^th ($4920) and Bachillerato: 11^th ($5,520).

Address: G9PP+3W5, Guanacaste Province, Comunidad, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 4001 7993

4). The American International School of Costa Rica

The American International School of Costa Rica is among the international schools in Costa Rica.

The school's curriculum includes English, Spanish, math, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, computer technology, and foreign languages.

The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and the Council of Private Schools (COPES).

AIS offers a unique educational program designed to meet the individual needs of each student and his/her family. 

The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence, bilingualism, global awareness, and personal responsibility. Students learn about the U.S. culture, its history, government system, geography, economics, science, technology, arts, sports, music, literature, and much more.

The campus is located in the beautiful suburb of Escazú, just 10 minutes away from downtown San José. The school is surrounded by lush green hills, tropical rainforests, and mountain views.

Tuition at The American International School of Costa Rica goes as follows: PS-PK-K (full-day) US$6,630; and grades 1-12 US$10,520.

Address: XRFP+G97 Bosque de Doña Rosa, Heredia, Cariari, Heredia Province, Heredia, 40703, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2293 2567

5). Tree of Life International School (TOLI)

TOLI is located in a rural area outside of San José, Costa Rica and has been listed among the international schools in Costa Rica.

There are three buildings connected by walkways and trails. Each building contains classrooms, dormitories, and a dining hall. The campus is surrounded by lush gardens and natural surroundings.

The curriculum at TOLI focuses on developing the whole child. Students learn about their environment and how to live sustainably. They learn about their history, culture, and language. They develop leadership skills and become responsible global citizens.

Students study English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese.

Students attend from all over the world. Many come from poor countries and want to experience a different lifestyle. Others come from wealthy families and want to give back to the community. Most students stay for two years.

There are currently over 500 students at TOLI, ranging from preschoolers to high school seniors. Most of the students come from families that have already attended TOLI and want their children to continue learning. 

However, some families choose to send their children to TOLI because they feel that it is a good value for money and that they will receive a quality education.

TOLI has a beautiful campus that includes a playground, basketball court, soccer field, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a baseball diamond. 

There is also a library, a science lab, a music room, a dance studio, and several art studios. The school also has a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and a chapel.

Address: WRR7+222, C. Margarita Este, San José, Santa Ana, 1000, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2203 5909

6). The British School of Costa Rica (BCCR)

The British School of Costa Rica is another major international school in Costa Rica.

The mission statement of the BSCR states that the school provides a safe environment where students can learn and develop their full potential. The mission statement relates to the school's purpose because it emphasizes the importance of providing a safe learning environment.

There are three different levels of education offered at the school. Pre-school students study basic skills, math, reading, writing, and phonics. Primary level students focus on English, math, reading, and science. 

Secondary-level students learn about history, geography, economics, government, and citizenship. Post-secondary students take courses in business administration, law, nursing, and accounting.

Students attend classes at the school’s campus in San José. There are two shifts per day; morning and afternoon. Students who live outside of the city travel to school daily. 

Teachers are native English speakers and have extensive teaching experience. Each class consists of around 20 students.

All classrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with computers. All teachers are qualified professionals and have received training in their field. 

Students receive instruction in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, computer technology, and Spanish.

Address: XV28+2HJ, Av. 37, Santa Catalina, San José, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2220 0131

7). Humboldt Schule

Humboldt Schule is a German International School in Costa Rica. The school is named after Alexander von Humboldt, a German naturalist and explorer. He visited Costa Rica in 1799 and studied the flora and fauna of the country. His work helped to establish the University of Costa Rica.

Humboldt Schule is known for its bilingual program. Students who attend the school have the opportunity to learn Spanish and English at the same time.

Humboldt School is also known for its diverse student body. There are students from over 30 countries around the world.

The school offers classes for preschoolers, elementary school children, middle school students, high school students, and adults.

Humboldt's campus is located in downtown San José. The school consists of three buildings, including two academic buildings and one administrative building.

Address: WVVG+G26, C. 100, Favorita Sur, San José, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2232 1455

8). Golden Valley School

Golden Valley School Costa Rica is a private international boarding school located in the small town of San Rafael de Heredia, about 25 minutes outside of San Jose.

The school was founded in 1998 and currently serves students between the ages of 2-18 years old.

The school offers a wide variety of academic courses including English, Spanish, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Applications, and many others. 

Students at Golden Valley School Costa Rica receive a full education and have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities. These include sports, clubs, music lessons, art classes, computer applications, and much more!

Golden Valley School Costa Rican curriculum includes a mix of both traditional and modern teaching methods. In addition to academics, students participate in a wide array of extracurricular activities. 

These include athletics, arts, music, drama, dance, swimming, tennis, soccer, volleyball, chess, and much more! Each class is taught by a certified teacher and is accompanied by a classroom assistant.

Tuition fees vary depending on the course level and type of accommodation chosen. Boarding fees are $14,000 per month for single room accommodations and $16,500 for double rooms. 

Room rates are based on the number of occupants and whether they choose to share a bathroom or not.

Address: 800m SO del Lubricentro Heredia San Isidro, 40601, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2268 9114

9). Lighthouse International School

Lighthouse International School Costa Rica is a private Pre-Kindergarten - 12th-grade Christian school located in San Jose, Costa Rica. Lighthouse International School Costa Rica is located in the heart of San Jose's Central Valley.

Lighthouse International School campus is situated in a beautiful residential area just minutes away from downtown San Jose.

Lighthouse International School offers a unique educational experience that provides students with a strong academic foundation while preparing them for success in college and beyond.

At Lighthouse International School students learn through hands-on experiences, project-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, and creative problem-solving. Students develop critical thinking skills, communication skills, leadership abilities, and self-confidence while they explore their interests and discover their passions.

Lighthouse International School's curriculum includes English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Computer Applications, Physical Education, Art, Music, Spanish, Latin American Culture, World Cultures, Religion, and Fine Arts. Students have access to computers, the internet, and a library.

Tuition Fee: The total tuition per year is USD 11,000. Tuition covers pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (ages 4-18). There is no application fee.

Address: San Rafael de Escazu, San José Province, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2215 2390

10). SEK International School Costa Rica

SEK International School Costa Rica is the last on our list of International schools in Costa Rica.

The school is located in the heart of Escazu, a suburb of San José, Costa Rica. Its facilities consist of two buildings, each with its classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, art rooms, music rooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, library, and playground.

The school offers a full range of educational programs, including pre-school, primary grades, middle grades, high school, and college preparatory classes. There are also special programs for gifted students, bilingual students, and those with learning disabilities.

Students have access to computers, the Internet, and multimedia equipment at no cost. All teachers are certified in their respective fields. Teachers are provided with professional development opportunities and receive continuing education credits through the University of Costa Rica.

The school's curriculum includes subjects taught in English, Spanish, French and German. Classes are offered in these four languages, plus Latin American Studies, History/Geography, Art, Music/Physical Education, Science, Mathematics/Computer Applications, Social Sciences, Business, and Language Arts.

Address: WXCH+RGW, D032A, Guayabos, San José, Granadilla, Costa Rica

Phone: +506 2272 5464

Read Also: Top 10 International Schools in Panama

Final Remarks

There are many more international schools in Costa Rica, but the above listed have to be regarded as the top international schools in the region.

We suggest you go through the list again to be able to determine which would be best for you. Pay attention to the language of instruction of each school, its location, cost of living in the city and tuition fees.

Which of the above international schools in Costa Rica have you been to? Share your experiences with us in the comment section below.