Compare Premium International Schools in Costa rica

Instructs in Spanish

Fees CRC 1,155,000

Type Co-educational

Located in Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica, 250 meters north of the Basilica, Colegio Santa María de Guadalupe is a co-educational Catholic school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP). It operates within a doctrinal framework inspired by the Gospel and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, with Marian and Eucharistic spirituality shaping daily life and formation. Founded on March 12, 1959 by Padre Delio Arguedas Arguello, the school has long formed leaders with Christian principles and academic excellence. Governance rests with a seven-member Junta Directiva elected by the General Assembly of Asociados of la Asociación Pro Artesanía y Cultura. The pastoral program guides life at the school, integrating faith with study and service, while la Asociación Pro Artesanía y Cultura supports arts and cultural activities through statutes, acts, and convocations that shape school life. The school emphasizes community, service, and ethical formation for its students every day, together.

Location

Located in Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica, 250 meters north of the Basilica. The campus is in a residential area with access via local roads. The contact numbers are 2244-0739 and 2244-3937, and the reception email is recepcion@samagu.ed.cr.

Stages

Primary and secondary education; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Type

Co-educational Catholic school

Additional learning support

Access and Inclusion policy in place (IB-SAMAGU 2024-2025).

Country affiliation

Costa Rica

Religious affiliation

Catholic

School day structure

School days run Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Application fee (Matrícula)

- CRC 100,000 payable to secure a student's place for the 2026 admission process. The enrollment payment must be made by bank deposit to the school's designated account and the deposit receipt sent to the school accounting email.

Tuition fees (monthly and annual) — published figures by academic year

- Academic year 2025 (published reference): monthly tuition CRC 98,000; annual total based on the published billing pattern = CRC 1,078,000 (11 monthly payments).
- Academic year 2026: monthly tuition CRC 101,000, billed in 11 monthly instalments (February through December). Annual total (11 months) = CRC 1,111,000.
- Academic year 2027: monthly tuition CRC 105,000, billed in 11 monthly instalments (February through December). Annual total (11 months) = CRC 1,155,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is billed as 11 monthly payments for the academic year (February to December).
- For the 2026 academic year the monthly payments are due by the 1st of each month. For the 2027 academic year, months prior to December may be paid up to the 16th of each month without surcharge; December is treated as an exception.
- Enrollment (matrícula) must be paid by bank deposit to the designated account provided by the school; the deposit receipt must be submitted to the school's accounting email to complete registration.

Boarding (internado) fees

- No boarding program or boarding fees are published for this institution; the school is operated as a day school.

Other costs and fees (uniforms, materials, extras)

- No fixed amounts for uniforms, textbooks, school materials, extracurricular fees or student insurance are published in the admission/fee notices referenced; such costs are commonly additional and handled separately from the enrollment and monthly tuition charges.

Refund information

- The enrollment payment (matrícula) is treated as an administrative charge and is non‑refundable if the parent/guardian does not complete the enrollment process.

Fee payment options

- Enrollment payments are required by bank deposit to the school's designated account (Banco BAC San José — account details and IBAN published with the admission instructions). Proof of deposit must be sent to the school accounting email address.

- The admission notices reference payment by bank deposit for matrícula and direct deposit instructions for tuition; no alternative payment methods (such as in-person cash payment, credit-card payment portals or recurring direct-debit authorizations) are itemized in the published admission/fee documents.

Admissions

1. Eligibility and enrollment window. Students currently in 6th grade who have a 5th-grade conduct average of 90 or higher may participate in the Seventh Level admissions process for the 2027 academic year. Enrollment runs from Friday, March 27, 2026 to Monday, May 18, 2026. This process applies to Seventh Level entrance. 2. Admission test. The admission test assesses basic knowledge and specific skills in Mathematics, Spanish, Science, and Social Studies. The test content follows the curriculum used in the first and second cycles of Basic Education. 3. Admission test topics. Admission test syllabi are published on the institution's site. Parents can download the syllabi for the admission test. The syllabi guide the preparation for the test. 4. How to apply. The parent/guardian must access the admissions portal during the published dates to complete the admission application. The online form for the admissions process must be completed and submitted online. The portal provides access to the required documentation. 5. Documentation for the process. Attach the Informe al Hogar (5th-grade report) signed and sealed by the principal. If the Informe al Hogar is unavailable, attach a grade report signed and sealed by the principal. The document demonstrates the student's previous academic performance. 6. Educational supports. Parents/guardians of students who receive educational supports must attach a letter requesting educational supports and a detailed certificate of the supports, signed and sealed by the principal and the Educational Support Committee. The supports document details the supports provided and the reasons. 7. Payment of admission test fee. Attach the deposit receipt for the admission test fee of ₡13,000, and ensure the student's full name appears in the deposit details. 8. Test date. The admission test is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026. 9. Results and contact. Results are sent to the registered email address. For more information, call 2244-0739 or email admision@samagu.ed.cr.

Scholarships

A scholarship application is available for the 2027 academic year. The form to request a socio-economic scholarship can be downloaded, completed, and submitted to administration.

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Saint Francis College

Instructs in Spanish, English

Ages 0 - null years

Fees CRC 6,406,800

Saint Francis College operates on Costa Rican campuses, Moravia and Alajuela, serving preschool through secondary education with the International Baccalaureate Diploma program and bilingual pathways. Instruction begins with English immersion from preschool; in primary grades students develop bilingual proficiency across Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Oral Expression, with French introduced in Fifth Grade. In secondary, advanced English and French are offered, and families may pursue the IB Diploma in the 10th and 11th years to earn a bilingual diploma. The IB pathway sits alongside the national MEP curriculum, and both prepare students for university study. The Diploma is recognized by universities in Costa Rica and abroad, with partnerships with Universidad de Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional, Alliance Française, and the University of Cambridge. Pastoral Educativa, inspired by Franciscan values, lies at the heart of the school, weaving faith, values, and academics through experiential learning, service, and social projects. A Virtual Library supports study and research.

Location

Two campuses in Costa Rica: Sede Moravia in San Vicente, Moravia, and Sede Alajuela in Barrio San José, Alajuela. Moravia is located in Moravia, serving the San José metropolitan area; Alajuela is located in Barrio San José, Alajuela. Contact: Moravia +506 2297 1704; sfc@stfrancis.ed.cr; Alajuela +506 2430 7639; sfca@stfrancis.ed.cr.

Stages

Preschool, Primary, Secondary, and International Baccalaureate (IB).

Additional learning support

Curricular adaptations and identification of high-ability students.

Country affiliation

Costa Rica

Religious affiliation

Catholic, with Franciscan charism

Application fees
- No separate, itemized application fee is published in the school's public admissions materials for the 2026/27 academic year.

Tuition fees (registration and monthly tuition)
- A complete, year-by-year public fee schedule for 2026/27 is not published in the school's publicly available admissions content; the latest publicly reported general fee figures are: CRC 375,900 for matrícula (registration) and CRC 533,900 for the mensualidad (monthly tuition). These figures reflect the commonly cited registration and monthly tuition amounts reported for the school.
- No itemized breakdown by specific year group (e.g., Pre‑k, Kindergarten, Primary year 1, Primary year 2, each Secondary year) with per‑term amounts and per‑year totals is publicly posted.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- A detailed, published billing schedule (for example: whether tuition is billed monthly, by term, or annually; due dates; or penalties for late payment) is not provided in the school's publicly available admissions materials.
- Common practice at many Costa Rican private schools is to charge a matrícula (one‑time registration fee, often equal to one month's tuition) and to bill mensualidades on a monthly basis, but a school‑specific schedule and any discounts, installment options, or late‑payment penalties for Saint Francis College are not published.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Saint Francis College operates as a day school with two campuses (Moravia and Alajuela); no boarding program or boarding fees are published or described in the school's admissions materials. No boarding charges apply.

Other costs and fees
- Uniforms: Families are required to purchase school uniforms; no public, itemized uniform price list or uniform package fee is published.
- Textbooks, workbooks and school supplies: These are additional to tuition; no public, itemized price list is published.
- Student insurance: The school provides student insurance with a coverage amount of CRC 2,000,000. This insurance is listed among the school's included/available services.
- Meals / cafeteria: The Moravia campus has a cafeteria and the Alajuela campus operates meal service through external providers; costs for cafeteria meals or meal plans are not published.
- Transportation: The school offers school‑transport services through authorized providers; transport fees are not published in the public admissions materials.
- Extracurriculars and special programs: Participation in some clubs, teams, competitions or external programs may carry separate fees; specific prices are not published.

Refund information
- A formal, public refund or cancellation policy (for example: refund of matrícula if family withdraws before the school year, prorated refunds for mid‑year withdrawals, or deadlines for cancelling tuition payments) is not published in the school's public admissions materials.

Fee payment options
- The school is listed among institutions with formal payment agreements in the national banking payment channels, indicating that families can pay matrícula and mensualidades via bank payment channels. Specific accepted payment methods (credit card, debit card, online bank transfer, direct debit, cash payments at campus or bank counters) are not itemized in the school's public admissions materials; however, bank‑based payment channels are available for the school in national banking systems.

Summary note on publicly available information
- The school's public admissions materials describe services, campuses and general admission availability but do not publish a full, itemized fee schedule for each year group or a detailed billing calendar for the 2026/27 academic year; the only clearly reported numeric fee figures located in public reporting are the registration (matrícula) and monthly tuition (mensualidad) amounts cited above.

Curriculum

International curriculum aligned with International Baccalaureate (IB) standards. The Diploma is recognized by national and international universities, and the program emphasizes research, critical thinking, and leadership. It includes an international curriculum and opportunities for exchanges to broaden students' horizons. Pastoral Educativa, inspired by Franciscan values, sits at the heart of Saint Francis College and weaves faith, values, and academics into the learning experience. From preschool, instruction begins with English immersion; in primary, students develop bilingual proficiency across Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Oral Expression, with French introduced from Fifth Grade. In secondary, advanced English and French are offered, and families may opt to pursue the IB Diploma in the 10th and 11th years to earn a bilingual diploma with international recognition; both the national MEP curriculum and the IB pathway prepare students for university study. The school also maintains partnerships and recognitions with Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), Universidad Nacional (UNA), Alliance Française, and the University of Cambridge.

Higher Education Progression

The IB Diploma is recognized by national and international universities, and partnerships with UCR, UNA, Alliance Française, and the University of Cambridge indicate pathways to higher education locally and abroad.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has Pastoral Education as the heart of school life, integrating faith, Franciscan values and academic formation into a project that seeks integral, compassionate and joyful individuals. Through experiential experiences, games, art, sport, reflection and service, it accompanies students to discover the deeper meaning of life and their commitment to others.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school teaches English and promotes English mastery with international certification.

Mental Wellbeing

The school provides academic and socio-emotional support through its Orientation Department.

Admissions

1. Schedule a campus visit. By clicking 'Agenda tu visita ahora', the date and time can be selected to fit your schedule. You are welcomed at the Moravia or Alajuela campus to view facilities, learn the educational model, and have questions about the admissions process, services, and scholarships answered. 2. Preschool age and program. Saint Francis Preschool accepts children from 6 months through age 5, who then enter Preparatory. Class sizes are small and there is personalized attention in a safe, welcoming environment. The program strengthens cognitive-linguistic, socio-emotional, and psychomotor skills through play and exploration, fostering autonomy, security, and confidence to face new challenges. 3. IB option and curriculum. The IB Diploma Programme is offered as an optional track, so families decide whether the student will pursue the Diploma during 10th and 11th grades. The program's rigor prepares students for university life, whether in Costa Rica or abroad, and supports development across personal, family, academic, and professional contexts. It complements the National curriculum with an international framework. 4. Services and campus resources. Included services include after-school care until 5:00 p.m.; 24/7 medical emergency care within the Greater Metropolitan Area; student insurance coverage; cafeteria at the Moravia campus and lunch arrangements with external providers in Alajuela; a library; campus-wide Wi‑Fi; and high-level technology classrooms. 5. Catholic identity and accreditations. Catholic faith is not required to enroll; practicing a different faith is not an impediment. Saint Francis holds national and international recognitions, is a member of CIEC and ANADEC, has earned the Blue Ecological Flag, is accredited by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), and collaborates with Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), Universidad Nacional (UNA), the Alliance Française, and Cambridge. 6. Teacher profile and quality. The teaching staff are highly qualified and professionally certified, with ongoing training to maintain high pedagogical standards and respond to students' needs.

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Liceo de Santo Domingo

Fees CRC 258,000 - 566,000

I don't have enough verified information about Liceo de Santo Domingo from your input to write a factual 150-word description. If you can share official pages or key details (curriculum language, grade levels, campus facilities, distinctive programs, and any notable initiatives), I can craft a precise, prospect-friendly description that highlights concrete aspects such as the curriculum offered, campus resources, and a standout program or tradition unique to the school.

Application fees (first-time registration / matrícula inicial)
- Primera inscripción (pago único por alumno): DOP 100,000 (alumnos de nacionalidad francesa); DOP 149,000 (alumnos nacionales); DOP 190,000 (otras nacionalidades). El pago de estos derechos de primera inscripción debe hacerse en una sola vez y no puede fraccionarse.

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts and sibling scale; amounts in Dominican pesos)
- Anualidad – Maternelle (pre‑school / maternal):
- Primer hijo: Frances DOP 344,000; Nacionales DOP 379,000; Otra nacionalidad DOP 478,000.
- Segundo hijo: Frances DOP 309,600; Nacionales DOP 341,100; Otra nacionalidad DOP 430,200.
- Tercer hijo: Frances DOP 258,000; Nacionales DOP 284,250; Otra nacionalidad DOP 358,500.
- Anualidad – Elemental (primaria):
- Primer hijo: Frances DOP 353,000; Nacionales DOP 388,000; Otra nacionalidad DOP 490,000.
- Segundo hijo: Frances DOP 317,700; Nacionales DOP 349,200; Otra nacionalidad DOP 441,000.
- Tercer hijo: Frances DOP 264,750; Nacionales DOP 291,000; Otra nacionalidad DOP 367,500.
- Anualidad – Colegio (educación secundaria inferior):
- Primer hijo: Frances DOP 381,000; Nacionales DOP 424,000; Otra nacionalidad DOP 526,000.
- Segundo hijo: Frances DOP 342,900; Nacionales DOP 381,600; Otra nacionalidad DOP 473,400.
- Tercer hijo: Frances DOP 285,750; Nacionales DOP 318,000; Otra nacionalidad DOP 394,500.
- Anualidad – Liceo (bachillerato / educación secundaria superior):
- Primer hijo: Frances DOP 401,000; Nacionales DOP 450,000; Otra nacionalidad DOP 566,000.
- Segundo hijo: Frances DOP 360,900; Nacionales DOP 405,000; Otra nacionalidad DOP 509,400.
- Tercer hijo: Frances DOP 300,750; Nacionales DOP 337,500; Otra nacionalidad DOP 424,500.
(Estas cifras son la escala de anualidad aplicable para el año escolar 2026/2027.)

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Facturación: la contabilidad envía facturas por correo electrónico; las mensualidades deben pagarse antes del día 5 de cada mes.
- Calendario de pagos 2026–2027 (fechas de vencimiento por cuota según reglamento financiero): 1ª cuota 05/06/2026; 2ª cuota 05/09/2026; 3ª cuota 05/10/2026; 4ª cuota 05/11/2026; 5ª cuota 05/12/2026; 6ª cuota 05/01/2027; 7ª cuota 05/02/2027; 8ª cuota 05/03/2027; 9ª cuota 05/04/2027; 10ª cuota 05/05/2027.
- Penalizaciones y morosidad: los derechos de matrícula generan un recargo del 1.75% mensual por retraso; las deudas superiores a 90 días se persiguen por la vía de cobro legal según las condiciones del reglamento.
- Las mensualidades se prorratean para familias que ingresan durante el año escolar, pero todo mes comenzado se adeuda en su totalidad; las familias que salen deben pagar el mes en curso completo.

Boarding fees (internado)
- No se listan tarifas de internado ni se indica un programa de residencia en el reglamento financiero; los cargos detallados corresponden a escolaridad, exámenes y gastos anexos para jornada escolar.

Other costs and mandatory extras
- Exámenes oficiales: DNB (3ème) DOP 4,000; Bachiller 1ère DOP 17,000; Bachiller Terminale DOP 20,000.
- Uniforme y productos: polo obligatorio para salidas en venta en recepción DOP 800; reposición de carnet de identificación DOP 500; carnet de correspondencia DOP 200.
- Gastos no obligatorios facturables al momento: viajes escolares, salidas extraordinarias, actividades extraescolares, camisetas, calculadoras y otros materiales vendidos por la escuela.
- La primera inscripción incluye el carnet de identificación, el cuaderno de contacto y los seguros escolares (seguro de accidentes y responsabilidad civil) como parte de los cargos vinculados a la inscripción inicial.

Refunds and scholarships
- Derechos de primera inscripción: pueden ser reembolsados en determinadas condiciones establecidas por la institución.
- Becas: la Agencia para la Educación Francesa en el Extranjero (AEFE) concede becas para alumnos de nacionalidad francesa; los ajustes y reembolsos derivados de una beca se aplican de forma retroactiva según el porcentaje de ayuda otorgado.
- Ausencias temporales no dan derecho a reducción de las mensualidades.

Payment methods and currency
- Moneda de facturación: importes expresados en pesos dominicanos; las facturas pueden pagarse en euros o dólares aplicando la tasa de cambio oficial de la cancillería francesa vigente el día de recepción del pago; la tasa considerada por la escuela es la vigente el día de recepción del pago.
- Formas de pago aceptadas: cheque, depósito en banco o transferencia bancaria (cuentas en Banco Popular Dominicano y BHD León para pagos en pesos), transferencia exclusiva a Banque Transatlantique (París) para euros (IBAN y BIC facilitados en el reglamento), y pago con tarjeta de crédito presencial en caja para importes autorizados.
- Nota operativa: cargos obligatorios y tarifas adicionales superiores a DOP 2,500 no se pueden pagar en efectivo en caja; los gastos bancarios derivados de transferencias corren a cargo del ordenante.

Key contractual and collection conditions (summary)
- La escuela puede aplicar los pagos a la deuda más antigua registrada a la familia; en impago persistente y tras los avisos se inicia procedimiento de recupero que puede incluir acciones legales y traslado a abogados, con gastos procesales a cargo del deudor.
- Documentación y entrega de expedientes: los certificados y diplomas se entregan sólo si todas las cuentas con la institución están saldadas.

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New Summit Academy Costa Rica

Instructs in English

Ages 14 - 18 years

Fees CRC 77,400

Type Boys School (boarding)

New Summit Academy Costa Rica is an all‑male, boarding high school on a seven‑acre campus in Atenas, Alajuela Province. It offers a United States college‑preparatory curriculum and awards a U.S. high school diploma, with 24 Carnegie units distributed across core academic areas, foreign language, arts, health/PE, and electives. The school is Cognia‑accredited through 2027 to deliver a U.S. curriculum. NSA emphasizes a Multiple Intelligences‑infused approach, cross‑curricular integration, and a College Guidance Program to help students plan for higher education. Immersion Spanish begins at beginner through advanced levels and is reinforced by a Costa Rican homestay and daily interactions with native speakers. Facilities include dormitories, a student club house, an academic building, a music and documentary film studio, gardens, a greenhouse, and an on‑site gym. Extracurriculars cover skate, surf, climbing, biking, film, music, leadership, service projects, and weekend trips, with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and experiential learning for all.

Location

The school is in Costa Rica, in a small mountainous town (population about 25,000). It sits on a privately owned 7-acre campus with four dorm houses, an academic building, a music and documentary film studio, and a student club house. It is about 1 hour from the beach and 30 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José.

Stages

The school teaches grades 9-12 (ages 14-18).

Type

The school is an all-male boarding high school.

Additional learning support

The school offers individualized academic support with a Learning Specialist and executive functioning coaching; tutoring is included in tuition.

Country affiliation

Costa Rica

Religious affiliation

The school has no official religious affiliation; spiritual connectedness is supported and encouraged.

School day structure

The school day runs Monday–Friday from 8:30am to 2:55pm, with breaks every two hours for snacks/rest.

Application fees

- No fixed application fee amount is published for New Summit Academy Costa Rica in the school's public admissions materials. The application process uses an online application and a review of paperwork, interviews, and an enrollment agreement as part of admissions.

Tuition fees (by year group and billing units)

- School years covered: Grades 9–12 only (single program for high‑school students). New Summit enrolls students in grades 9–12 rather than separate fee bands by grade.

- Published boarding tuition (annual): USD 77,400 per year (boarding, from). This is the publicly listed starting annual amount for a boarding placement.

- Tuition billing units and derived amounts:
- The school operates on a year‑round calendar with five academic terms per year. Tuition is charged monthly and the school requires a minimum six‑month enrollment period. From those two published facts, the following unit amounts are calculated from the stated annual boarding tuition (these are arithmetic conversions based on the published annual figure and the school's published term and billing structure):
- Per term (annual fee ÷ 5 terms): USD 15,480 per term (calculated).
- Per month (annual fee ÷ 12 months): USD 6,450 per month (calculated).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Regular billing frequency: Tuition is billed monthly. Families are billed on a monthly schedule rather than an annual upfront-only billing cadence.

- Enrollment deposits and upfront items required at enrollment:
- A last‑month's tuition deposit is required at enrollment.
- An Ancillary Account deposit is required at enrollment to cover incidental expenses.
- Visa paperwork and associated visa fees are required; parents must complete immigration documentation and related processing. Specific apostille/courier costs apply for birth certificates and other documents. The school can process some documents from Costa Rica for families who cannot complete them in the U.S., but that service carries an extra fee.

- Minimum enrollment commitment: A six‑month minimum enrollment is required. Tuition is charged monthly and the school operates rolling admissions; the minimum stay restriction applies.

- Payment timing and late fees: The school's public materials confirm monthly billing but do not publish the exact monthly due date, accepted payment instruments, or the published schedule for late‑payment penalties in public materials.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Boarding is the core residential program and the published annual amount (USD 77,400) is stated as the boarding tuition. Boarding costs are included in that annual boarding tuition figure; there is not a separate publicly posted additional boarding line item beyond the boarding tuition amount shown.

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Immigration and document fees: Costs for apostilles, state certification of birth certificates, courier charges, and any visa application fees are payable by families; if the school completes these tasks on behalf of the family, an additional processing fee is charged.

- Clinical and medical extras: Psychiatrist appointments and some clinical or medical services are available at additional cost per appointment. A full‑time nurse and medical coordinator are on staff; incidental medical costs or specialist charges may be billed separately.

- Optional academic/ancillary fees: College counseling, some certification courses, and extracurricular certifications (for example Wilderness First Aid or SCUBA certification through Aventuras) may incur additional charges. Tutoring is included in tuition; some elective or external activities may carry separate costs.

- Personal spending / incidentals: The required Ancillary Account deposit covers personal incidentals, outings, and other non‑tuition costs charged to the student account. Families should expect additional personal or travel costs for family workshops, home visits, or international travel associated with the program.

- School‑offered administrative extras: If parents request that the school handle FBI background checks or other U.S.–sourced paperwork after arrival, the school charges an extra processing fee for that service.

Refund information and withdrawal/cancellation terms

- No detailed public refund or cancellation policy is published in the publicly accessible admissions summary and fast‑facts materials. The enrollment agreement and specific refund/cancellation terms are part of the formal admissions/enrollment paperwork and are not published as a full public fee schedule. The admissions flow includes signing an Enrollment Agreement as part of finalizing enrollment.

Fee payment options (accepted instruments and methods)

- Public materials explicitly state monthly billing and deposit requirements but do not list the detailed accepted payment methods (for example: credit card, bank transfer, international wire, check, or online payment portal) in the publicly posted summaries. Families are billed monthly and an Ancillary Account is maintained for incidentals, but the specific payment instruments accepted are not published in the public materials reviewed.

Concise summary of what is and is not publicly listed

- Publicly listed and verifiable items:
- Boarding tuition starting figure: USD 77,400 per year (boarding).
- Tuition is billed monthly; five academic terms per year; minimum six‑month enrollment; last month's tuition deposit and an Ancillary Account deposit are required.
- Immigration/document processing fees and possible extra fees if the school handles document processing.

- Items not published in publicly accessible materials (no fixed amounts found):
- A specific numeric application fee amount is not published in public admissions materials.
- Per‑grade or per‑year‑group fee schedules (separate fees for grades 9, 10, 11, 12) are not published; the program is presented as a single high‑school boarding program.
- Complete, itemized refund, cancellation, or prorated‑withdrawal policy text is not published in the public pages reviewed; those terms are contained in the enrollment agreement and parent resources not publicly accessible.
- Accepted payment instruments (credit card, bank transfer, wire, etc.) and detailed due‑date/late‑fee schedules are not published in the public summary materials.

Practical notes for parents (facts only)

- Budget using the published boarding figure (USD 77,400/year) as the baseline for total residential program cost; expect monthly billing around USD 6,450 if paying monthly, or per‑term charges near USD 15,480 if using the five‑term academic structure (both figures are arithmetic conversions of the published annual boarding amount).

- Expect to pay at least the last month's tuition deposit plus an Ancillary Account deposit at enrollment, plus routine immigration/documentation fees and potential school processing fees for paperwork handled by the school. Plan for additional optional charges for psychiatry appointments, some certifications, and discretionary experiential activities.

If you need written confirmation of any specific numeric line (application fee, refund windows, exact payment methods, late penalties, or the 2026/27 official fee schedule), those items are contained in the school's enrollment agreement and parent resources which supplement the public admissions summary.

Boarding Arrangements

Year-round boarding program on a private seven-acre campus in Costa Rica. The campus includes four dorm houses; each dorm house contains two rooms for four students total, with a shared porch, college-style bathrooms, and laundry facilities. There is a transition house off-site for up to nine students (inactive).

Food Options

Breakfast is prepared by in-house chefs; evenings involve shared meals; Sundays feature a Cooking Club dinner prepared by students who learn to cook typical Costa Rican dishes; a mid-morning break includes fresh fruit and Costa Rican coffee.

House System

There are four dorm houses on campus. Each dorm house comprises two rooms housing four students total, with a shared porch, college-style bathroom, and laundry facilities.

Governance and Ownership

Privately owned by five founders who are on-site and direct the organization; there is no official religious affiliation, but spiritual connectedness is supported and encouraged.

Curriculum

New Summit Academy offers a United States college-preparatory curriculum with a U.S. high school diploma. Graduation requires 24 Carnegie units distributed as: English 4 credits; Mathematics through Algebra 2 3 credits; Science including two laboratory sciences 3 credits; Social Studies 3.5 credits (World History and United States History); Foreign Language 2 credits; Art 1 credit; Health / PE 1 credit (2.0 maximum); Computer Education 0.5 credits; Electives 6 credits. NSA is accredited through Cognia through 2027 to deliver a U.S. curriculum and diploma. The academic program emphasizes a Multiple Intelligences-infused approach with cross-curricular integration and enrichment opportunities and a College Guidance Program to prepare students for higher education. Immersion Spanish classes begin at Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels and are complemented by a homestay program and daily interactions with native speakers. The course catalog includes English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Arts offerings that align with U.S. standards.

Student Teacher Ratio

The student-to-teacher ratio is 4:1.

Higher Education Progression

NSA offers a College Guidance Program to assist students and families with college search and applications. Graduates receive a college-preparatory transcript aligned with U.S. standards. The program aims to support successful transitions to higher education.

Gifted and Talented

The program uses a Multiple Intelligences-infused learning approach. Enrichment opportunities and cross-curricular integration provide additional rigor for students seeking higher-level work. An Academic Advisor and dedicated teaching team support individualized progress.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school integrates emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual (connectedness) objectives within a holistic program. A Humanistic Paradigm and Holistic Individualization meet each student where he is, nurturing growth and resilience. Integrated Skill Building develops 21st-century skills such as problem solving, executive functioning, self-management, communication, collaboration, leadership, and teamwork. Supportive immersion includes academics, personal growth, student life, and experiential education, with therapeutic groups contributing to emotional and social development. The approach emphasizes a relationship-based, growth-mindset framework to foster lifelong learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school is English-speaking.

Mental Wellbeing

Therapeutic services are provided on campus, including individual therapy (at least 1 hour per week) and group therapy (1–3 hours per week) with thematic groups. A full-time nurse and medical coordinator are on staff, and psychiatrist services are available at extra cost. Weekly update calls between advisors and parents, plus regular student–family Zoom sessions, support ongoing wellbeing. Therapist offices are located in the Student Club House and transition-related supports include family workshops and access to The Bridge Costa Rica for young adults.

Admissions

High school boarding program:
1) Review of paperwork (testing, transcripts, etc.). This review is the first component of the admissions process. It involves evaluating the testing materials and transcripts provided as part of the applicant's file. It prepares families for the online application.
2) Online application. The online application is submitted through crm.bestnotes.com. This step collects information used to evaluate the applicant and begin the review. It formalizes the submission that initiates the admissions assessment.
3) Phone calls with referral sources, therapists, and parents, and eventually the student himself. These conversations align expectations and gather context to support the enrollment decision. They help ensure a good fit for NSA's program. The calls provide insight for the admissions team as they review the applicant.
4) Student Questionnaire & Interview. The student completes a questionnaire and attends an interview as part of the admissions process. These elements provide information to inform the enrollment decision. They are integral steps in the high school admissions track.
5) Enrollment Agreement signed. The enrollment agreement confirms enrollment and formalizes placement. Signing the agreement marks a milestone in the admissions process. It commits the family to the program at New Summit Academy Costa Rica.
6) Logistics for enrollment (paperwork, insurance policy, hotel and flight reservations, etc.). The logistics for enrollment coordinate remaining details. This includes paperwork completion, arranging insurance coverage, and securing travel arrangements. Completing these steps enables the student to begin the program.

Gap year program (The Bridge Costa Rica):
7) Review of paperwork (testing, transcripts, etc.). The gap-year admissions process begins with reviewing the applicant's paperwork. This initial review helps determine readiness for The Bridge Costa Rica program. It sets the stage for the online application.
8) Online application. The online application is submitted through crm.bestnotes.com. It collects information necessary for evaluation and initiates the review. This step starts the gap-year admissions path with The Bridge Costa Rica.
9) Phone calls with referral sources, parents and the young adult. These calls coordinate expectations and gather context for the enrollment decision. They help ensure clarity about program fit and goals.
10) Conversation with other young adults at The Bridge. This interaction provides peer perspectives during the admissions process. It helps applicants understand the program's community and environment. It also clarifies expectations and helps align goals.
11) Enrollment Agreement signed. The enrollment agreement confirms enrollment and formalizes placement. Signing the agreement marks a key milestone in the process. It commits the young adult and their family to participate in The Bridge Costa Rica program.
12) Logistics for enrollment (paperwork, insurance policy, hotel & flight reservations, etc.). The logistics for enrollment include completing paperwork, arranging insurance coverage, and coordinating hotel and flight reservations. Families finalize travel details and prepare for arrival. These steps complete the admissions process.

Scholarships

The Scholarship Fund provides around $50,000 a year in scholarships. Application required. 12+ month commitment required.

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