Del Mar Academy

Nosara, Costa Rica. Nosara is a vibrant beach town known for its surf, natural beauty, and diverse international community. Del Mar Academy sits on an 11-acre campus.

Pre-K to Grade 12; Montessori foundations through the IB Diploma Program.

IB World School; international day school.

Costa Rica

Del Mar Academy offers a bilingual, Montessori-based curriculum for Pre-K through Grade 12, with instruction in English and Spanish. The Early Years (Casa and Lower Primary) focus on language, mathematics, sciences, geography and culture, and practical life through hands-on, project-based learning. Upper Elementary and Middle School extend interdisciplinary bilingual instruction across core subjects, blending Montessori principles with IB preparation as students advance. The school is fully accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP) and authorized as an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12 and candidacy for the Middle Years Programme. The Diploma Programme includes Language and Literature in English and Spanish, Environmental Systems and Societies, Biology, Mathematics Applications and Interpretations, and Visual Arts, along with Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. Graduates go on to universities around the world, including University of St. Thomas, University of Colorado Boulder, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Oregon, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Domus Academy Milano, Santa Barbara City College, and University of Victoria.

The teacher-to-student ratio is optimal for individualized and small-group instruction.

Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world. Notable destinations include University of St. Thomas (USA), University of Colorado Boulder, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Oregon, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Domus Academy Milano, Santa Barbara City College, and University of Victoria.

Enrichment is an integral part of the program; the curriculum is multidisciplinary and tailored to each child's needs, strengths, and interests. Teachers emphasize creative problem-solving, independent inquiry, and collaborative learning as part of the student experience.

Guardians of Nature empowers children and teachers with tools for environmental education and socio-emotional learning; children from toddler through 5th grade have a Guardian of Nature hour every week, and core virtues guide the program.

Del Mar Academy provides Special Education accommodations in line with IEPs or similar adjustments, offers Learning Support for a range of needs, and admits students with cognitive and behavioral differences on a case-by-case basis.

The school provides a bilingual English–Spanish program; students with limited English or Spanish may be admitted, but in grades 4–12 after-school language classes (for an additional fee) are required until the student reaches academic competence in both languages.

Join the Del Mar Academy Community. Del Mar Academy is an internationally accredited school in Nosara, Costa Rica serving students from early childhood through grade 12. The admissions process is designed to help families learn about the school's philosophy and programs while ensuring each student is well-matched to the opportunities Del Mar Academy provides. If you have questions about the admissions process or wish to speak to the team, call +506 2682 1213 or email [email protected].

Step 1: Contact our Admissions Team. Fill out the short inquiry form, and a member of our Admissions team will contact you within 24 hours Monday through Friday.

Step 2: Application Form and Fee. Submit the application form along with the $100 administrative fee. You'll find the list of necessary documentation on the form. Applications are accepted year-round, but deadlines for the upcoming school year are December 1 for application, March 1 for interviews and placement tests, and April 1 for acceptance letters, sent on a rolling basis. Many grades are full with a wait list, so submit the application form and fee as soon as possible.

Step 3: Interview and Academic Testing. A member of the Admissions team or Head of School may schedule a parent or student interview. If necessary, academic testing may also be done at this stage.

Step 4: Acceptance. If your child is accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter and a tuition/matriculation agreement. The tuition agreement specifies the contractual terms of enrollment and must be returned with admissions fees. To reserve your child's space, admissions fees must be paid within two weeks of acceptance or by April 1 for the following school year. Many grades have limited spaces available.

Del Mar Academy offers scholarships and financial aid to help make programs accessible to a diverse community of students. Scholarships and financial aid are available to support access to education; 2026-2027 tuition and fees are published.

Many grades are full with a wait list; spaces are limited and admission spaces are filled as they become available. Submitting the application form and fee early is recommended.