Lighthouse International School

Escazú, San José, Costa Rica. 1 km north of the Guachipelín Tunnel. Apdo. 127-1255 Escazú, San José, Costa Rica.

Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade (Pre-K–12).

Independent private, college-preparatory school offering US High School Diploma, MEP Diploma, and IB Diploma Programme.

International students 22%; Costa Rican citizens 78%; 15+ nationalities represented; the most common nationality is Costa Rican.

The Learning Support Program provides specialized instruction for students with diverse learning needs, with individualized strategies. ESL and SSL language programs support language development; psychology and counseling services are available to support students.

Costa Rica. Accredited by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) and authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Christian.

School day begins at 7:20 a.m. with a community time and ends at 2:30 p.m. with a dismissal pattern at 2:30 p.m. (bus departures around 2:35 p.m.).

Transportation is provided in select areas. Bus 1 routes: Santa Ana – Centro, Pozos, Alto de las Palomas, Lindora, Río Oro, Piedades; Bus 2 routes: Guachipelín de Escazú, Distrito Cuatro, Alto de las Palomas, San Rafael de Escazú, San Antonio de Escazú, Trejos Montealegre, Bello Horizonte, Aurora de Alajuelita, Pavas. Buses have seatbelts, insurance, and are inspected regularly; two trained adults supervise. Lighthouse acts as a mediator between parents and the transportation company; the transport contract and payments are made directly between the parent and the provider.

Preschool through 12th grade, including a High School program that awards the U.S. High School Diploma and the Costa Rican MEP diploma, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for grades 11–12. Core classes are taught in English by native-speaking teachers, with Spanish instruction to support bilingual growth. The primary language of instruction is English. The curriculum covers English and literature, mathematics, science, social studies, languages, arts, technology, and physical education, with a focus on inquiry, leadership and character development within a Christ-centered environment.

Average IB Diploma score (2025) is 32.6 points. Graduates have a high acceptance rate to top universities worldwide, often accompanied by merit scholarships.

Graduates pursue higher education worldwide. Alumni have been accepted to universities across the United States, Costa Rica, Canada, Australia, and Europe, including American University, Arizona State University, University of Pennsylvania, Concordia University, York University, and Lancaster University Leipzig.

The school provides guidance and behavioral and emotional support to students as part of daily school life. Social-emotional learning classes are offered to help students develop emotional skills and address age-appropriate topics in a preventive manner. The Educational Psychology Department responds to and follows up on specific situations but does not provide ongoing clinical psychology services. Supports focus on addressing emotional and behavioral needs to foster a safe learning environment appropriate to students' ages and needs. The Institution collaborates with external psychologists to provide coordinated wellbeing support for students.

The Learning Support Program (LSP) manages educational supports and reasonable adjustments for students who require them. The teacher determines the application of supports based on reasonable and technically grounded criteria in line with current law. The process covers situations requiring curricular adjustments; at the start of each school year, supports are reviewed to determine continuity, and a document is sent to parents with changes. The Institution may refer students for external evaluations or supports to coordinate services for the student and family.

English as a Second Language (ESL): Personalized support for students whose first language is not English, helping them develop proficiency and confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Spanish as a Second Language (SSL): Tailored guidance for students whose first language is not Spanish, fostering language skills and cultural understanding.

Psychology and counseling services support students in navigating social, emotional, and personal challenges. The program includes individual guidance and group sessions, and offers social-emotional learning classes to build essential life skills. The Educational Psychology Department responds to and follows up on specific situations and does not provide ongoing clinical psychology services; external psychologists are engaged to provide coordinated wellbeing support.

The Code of Ethics and Conduct commits to safeguarding the wellbeing and safety of all members of the Lighthouse community. It establishes channels to report concerns or inappropriate behavior to school authorities and to escalate issues as needed, and emphasizes respectful conduct and proactive prevention of harm. Administrative channels exist for concerns and complaints.

Step 1 — Application: Fill out the application form with all required information and email it to [email protected]. Include the child's birth certificate, passport or national ID, and a recent photo. For Pre-K to 1st grade, include hearing and vision test results and any nutrition/development/physical assessments; for 1st grade and above, include transcripts from the last two years and a teacher recommendation. Core classes in English are taught by native-speakers.

Step 2 — Visit Day and Academic Assessment: After the application and documents are received, the student will be scheduled for a Visit Day. During the Visit Day, the student participates in classroom activities and completes the corresponding academic assessments according to their grade level. The assessments help the Admissions Committee evaluate readiness and fit for Lighthouse's program. The process aims to provide a thorough understanding of the student's strengths and needs.

Step 3 — Parent Interview: After the Visit Day, parents or guardians participate in a virtual interview with a member of the Admissions Committee. The interview covers the student's prior experiences and goals for schooling. It also provides an opportunity to discuss the family's expectations and Lighthouse's values. The Admissions Committee uses this information to inform next steps.

Step 4 — Decision: The Admissions Committee reviews all documentation, assessment results, and interview notes. Families are then formally notified of the decision. Notifications may include conditions for admission and guidance on enrollment.

Step 5 — Enrollment: If admitted, the parent or guardian completes the enrollment agreement and pays the corresponding tuition and fees to secure the student's place. Enrollment confirms the student's place for the upcoming term. The enrollment terms and deadlines are outlined in the enrollment agreement.

Step 6 — Tuition & Fees: Half-year payments receive a 5% discount; yearly payments receive a 10% discount. An entrance fee of $1,000 per family is charged for first-year enrollment and is not refundable. There is a 20% discount for the 3rd and 4th children. Tuition costs for the 2025-2026 school year are available on the Tuition & Fees page.