Country Day School

San Rafael de Alajuela, Hacienda Espinal, Km 17.5 of the Route 27 (San José – Caldera), Costa Rica

Early Childhood through High School

Private day school

English as a Second Language

US-accredited

CDS Costa Rica follows US educational frameworks across grade levels, including the American High School Diploma in high school. Elementary and Middle School follow US Common Core standards, while High School prepares students for PSAT, SAT and MEP exams alongside the Costa Rican Bachillerato. The school offers more than 25 Advanced Placement courses and the AP Capstone Diploma Program. University readiness is supported by university‑ready mathematics built from Harvard Pure Math, Harvard Engineering, and MIT curricula. CDS is bilingual with English and Spanish as core languages of instruction, and Mandarin is available as an elective in high school.

Early Learning: 8:1; Early Childhood: 4:1; Elementary: 22:1; Middle School: 22:1; High School: 22:1. English and Spanish are the languages taught across levels, with Mandarin available as an elective in high school.

TOEFL scores above 110/120 and SAT scores above 1450/1600 are reported for CDS students applying to top universities. CDS offers more than 25 AP courses, with 91% of students passing AP exams with a score of 3 or higher and the AP Capstone Diploma Program available. 98% of CDS students are admitted to top global colleges and universities. Graduates earn a dual US high school diploma and Costa Rican Bachillerato.

CDS graduates are admitted to top global colleges and universities. Graduates earn a dual US high school diploma and Costa Rican Bachillerato. AP coursework and the AP Capstone Diploma Program provide college credit opportunities and credentials for advanced study.

CDS Costa Rica fosters social and emotional learning within a caring, inclusive community that values empathy, inclusivity, and aspiration in everyday learning. Teachers know each student personally and are trained to observe and intervene in social‑emotional development. The school emphasizes a sense of security and belonging across all levels, including Early Learning where social and emotional development is foregrounded. An Elementary School counselor supports students' social‑emotional growth, and the Health and Well‑Being program includes a full‑time nurse and a Health and Safety Committee that maintains safety procedures. The overall learning environment prioritizes positive student–teacher relationships as a foundation for motivation and engagement.

CDS Costa Rica recognizes that some students may have special educational needs or disabilities, and staff are responsible for identifying those in need of assistance and safeguarding. A formal safeguarding and child protection policy governs duties related to supporting vulnerable students, with explicit mention of SEN needs and disability within the policy framework. The school assigns a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputies to coordinate safeguarding across the community. Staff and volunteers undergo safeguarding and child‑protection training and safe recruitment procedures are in place. These policies emphasize inclusive practice and the welfare of all students, including those with additional needs.

Languages taught at CDS Costa Rica include English and Spanish across all levels, with Mandarin offered as an elective in high school. The Early Learning and Early Childhood programs are bilingual, supporting students' cognitive and linguistic development in both languages. Spanish for Native Speakers and Spanish as a Second Language (SSL) are structured in levels to tailor instruction to student needs. Across Elementary and Middle School, instructions are delivered in English and Spanish to promote bilingual proficiency. Mandarin is introduced as an elective in High School to broaden language opportunities.

Student health and well‑being are prioritized through a dedicated Health and Well‑Being program, including a full‑time school nurse who collaborates with families to address medical and wellbeing needs. Teachers know each student personally and monitor development, stepping in to support emotional and behavioral needs when required. The school emphasizes security, belonging, and supportive relationships as part of daily life, including a counselor in Elementary who contributes to social and emotional growth. Safety procedures are regularly reviewed by a Health and Safety Committee to protect all students.

Country Day School maintains a formal Child Safeguarding Policy that outlines safeguarding principles, procedures, and the protection of students from harm. The policy designates a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and provides contact details for the leads, along with responsibilities for staff to report concerns and maintain records. Staff and volunteers receive safeguarding and safer recruitment training at regular intervals, and safeguarding duties are integrated with curriculum and school operations. The policy anchors safeguarding in international standards and UN rights of the child, and commits to secure practices and ongoing auditing.

1. Inquire: Inquire through our online form, by email, or by phone. From Pre-Kinder to 12th grade, admissions are competitive and applicants should be ready to innovate in our learning environment. We seek students who are curious and motivated to learn and who will contribute to the diversity and strength of our community. This initial contact begins the Country Day School Costa Rica admissions journey.

2. Visit Our Campus: Visit the campus in person or online through a virtual discovery meeting. You'll imagine your child learning in all spaces of our warm campus, and you'll be introduced to our teachers and our students.

3. Apply: Submit your online application form and supporting documents. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee when you send your application. Applications are accepted throughout the year depending on space and availability, but to guarantee a place for the start of the school year, follow the deadlines: Jun 1, 2026 for Fall and Nov 30, 2026 for Winter. A family interview and student assessment follow the application, and you will be notified about a week after these steps of the admissions decision.