Compare SEN / Special Education International Schools in Costa rica

Berkeley Academy is located in Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica. The official address is De la Cruz Roja, 150 Metros Oeste, 350 Metros Sur, Santa Ana, Costa Rica 10901.

Pre-K through 12 (Elementary, Middle School, High School).

Private, K-12 international school offering U.S. high school program and Costa Rican national program.

Enrollment is about one-third U.S. and Canadian citizens, and about two-thirds Costa Rican or other nationalities.

Costa Rica

School days run 7:45am–2:45pm, Monday through Friday; North American academic calendar with two semesters and four quarters.

Uniforms are required. Polo shirts with grey pants, a black or brown belt, black socks, and black dress shoes are worn on Mondays, Wednesdays, and alternating Fridays. PE uniforms (grey PRIDE shirt and black shorts/lycra) are worn on PE days (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Polo shirts must be tucked in; Fridays alternate between social etiquette dress and free dress.

Lunch is part of the regular schedule. Lower Elementary lunch is from 11:00 to 11:45; Upper Elementary lunch is from 11:30 to 12:30.

The school is privately owned and governed by a Board of Directors. Leadership includes President and Co-founder Peter J. Swing; Vice President and Co-founder Yorlenny Aguilar; Head of School Beth Martin; Deputy Head of School Ximena Castillo.

The U.S. High School curriculum (based on the UC/CSU A-G Requirements) and the Costa Rican National Baccalaureate are offered, with diplomas awarded for each program. Official languages of instruction are English for U.S. required courses and Spanish for Costa Rican required courses. The academic calendar runs two semesters per year. Berkeley Academy offers 25 AP courses and 20 Honors courses, including Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Literature and Culture, U.S. History, and World History. Standardized exams include AP Exams, PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT.

Student/Faculty Ratio is 17:1; average class size is 16.

University acceptances include a broad range of U.S., Canadian, and international universities, including University of California campuses (Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz), University of Florida, Northeastern University, University of Ottawa, Universidad de Navarra, and Universidad de Costa Rica.

AP Program and Honors courses provide advanced coursework for high‑achieving students; AP achievements include a perfect score and multiple AP Scholars.

The school emphasizes character and citizenship through its programs and activities, with a focus on developing students' responsibility and leadership.

The school profile notes general compliance with local education standards and does not specify separate SEN facilities on the profile, but includes a broad range of student services and supports typical of a K–12 international program.

The primary language of instruction is English. The Elementary program includes Spanish-language study (three times per week) within its social studies/civics content, and Middle/High School courses include Spanish-language requirements and AP/Pre-AP Spanish options.

The program includes a diverse set of clubs, service opportunities, and counseling supports as part of its college-prep and student-life offerings to support well-being through academics and services.

The school operates under Costa Rican law and Academy policy with non-discrimination and harassment policies in place; campus safety and safeguarding are aligned with standard private-school practices in Costa Rica.

Berkeley Academy uses a rolling admissions policy with a preferred application window from April to July for admission in August. Admission is selective and based on conduct, academic performance, specialized talent, and diversity of personal background, with preference given to students who demonstrate outstanding citizenship, core values and academic excellence. Required documents for registration are: Berkeley Academy Student Application; birth certificate; passport identification page; vaccination record; one passport photo; two years of official transcripts; letter of good financial standing from the previous institution; and official police reports/background checks for both parents. The Application Process follows three steps: 1. Application — send an official request to Berkeley Academy administration for an admissions interview; academic transcripts, conduct records, and at least one letter of recommendation from an academic or community service-related source are required for applicants entering middle school and above; applicants are notified within seven working days if they have received an offer for interview. 2. Interview — admissions officers assess conduct, English language level, and knowledge appropriate for age; if successful, the candidate is scheduled for an entrance examination. 3. Entrance Examination — tests cover Public Speaking, English, Math, Reading Comprehension, and Essay Writing; a score of 85% or higher in all areas is preferred. The school uses a holistic admissions approach.

John Swing Scholarship: Candidates must reside in Costa Rica and be in Grade 8 or 9 in good standing. Three letters of recommendation from a teacher, community leader, mentor, coach, or someone who can attest to the candidate's personal and professional character are required. Candidates write a 500-word essay describing background, passion, drive and talent and explaining why they should be selected as a recipient of the scholarship. A video (no longer than one minute) telling the candidate's story is also required. Selected candidates or finalists will be asked to attend Berkeley Academy for a one-day student evaluation. Submit all application materials to swingscholarship@berkeleycr.com by March 4, 2025.