Costa Rica, San Jose
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Lincoln School in San Jose is a Costa Rican non‑profit international school serving students aged 4 to 18. The seven‑hectare campus in Santo Domingo de Heredia features a central plaza, flexible libraries, an Arts Center with theatre and visual arts classes, four gyms, and a soccer field. In 2023, the Lincoln Innovation Center (LINC) opened to support project‑based learning and prototyping. The school offers the International Baccalaureate across its program: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and a candidate for the Career‑related Programme (CP). The DP can be pursued as a full IB Diploma or via individual IB courses, with subjects including English, Spanish and French language and literature, business management, economics, sciences, mathematics, computer science, film, music, and visual art. Lincoln emphasizes a bicultural, bilingual heritage and features strong arts and sports programs, complemented by a broad range of extracurriculars such as HMUN, AASCA participation, and leadership activities through LEAD and Babson partnerships.
Heredia Province, Cantón de Santo Domingo, Barrio El Socorro, 40301, Costa Rica
Lincoln School - San Jose has 1,430 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, Spanish.
Located in Barrio Socorro, San Miguel, Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica. The campus sits in the heart of Santo Domingo de Heredia within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). The campus spans 7 hectares dedicated to education.
Preschool; Elementary; Middle School; High School
The school is a non-profit organization.
Costa Rica
The day includes Early Morning, Start of Classes, Recess and Lunch, Extracurricular Activities, and End of the Day.
Transportation covers the entire Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), from Tres Ríos to La Guácima, and from Santa Bárbara de Heredia to southern Escazú sectors. It provides over 90 routes with morning, after-school, and after-after-school program schedules. Prices and schedules vary by location. An occasional pass system allows flexible stops.
Lincoln School - San Jose teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 4 to 18.
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It provides the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6–10 and the Diploma Programme (DP). The DP can be pursued as a full IB Diploma or via individual IB courses, with all students considered IB students. The DP offers a broad range of subjects, including IB English Language and Literature; IB English Literature; IB Spanish Language and Literature; IB Spanish Literature; IB Spanish B; IB French B; IB Business Management; IB Economics; IB History; IB Psychology; IB Biology; IB Chemistry; IB Physics; IB Computer Science; IB Math AA HL; IB Math AA SL; IB Math AI SL; Pre-Calculus (College course); IB Film; IB Music; and IB Visual Art. Lincoln is a candidate for the IB Career-related Programme (CP) and is pursuing authorization to become an IB World School.
Graduates have been accepted to universities around the world, including the United States, Spain, Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The top majors chosen by graduates include Business Administration, Engineering (civil, industrial, biomedical, mechanical, electrical), Medicine, Law, Computer Science, Finance/Economics, Marketing, Psychology, Architecture, and Finance.
The Student Life Department was created in 2019 to address students' emotional, recreational and safety needs, complementing and supporting their academic activities. The department's mission is to nurture a healthy and safe environment that inspires and empowers a culture of caring, inclusive, ethical, and accountable citizens, with a vision of an engaged and connected community that cares. Lincoln School believes that emotional well-being is key to academic success and a balanced life, offering a wide range of cultural, athletic, entrepreneurial, and academic experiences designed to promote that balance and personal growth. The team of deans and counselors provides personalized support for each student, offering academic guidance as well as support for emotional and social well-being. The Student Life team works with students to help them set personal and academic goals and to overcome challenges, providing resources to develop study skills, manage stress, and resolve conflicts, contributing to holistic growth. They work closely with parents to ensure a comprehensive approach to each student's development. The deans are an integral part of the child protection team, dedicated to ensuring the emotional, physical, and mental health of all students.
The school provides bilingual education (English and Spanish).
Counselors are the first line of support for students, guiding and nurturing them in pursuit of a balanced life. They help students develop self-awareness and strong relationships that contribute to success across areas of life. The Student Life approach places mental well-being at the center of learning, backed by resources that help students manage stress and maintain emotional health. The team works to build healthy relationships, resilience, and coping skills. Oliver, the school's therapy dog, supports social-emotional development and learning needs.
The Student Life Department is responsible for safeguarding the values of the Lincoln community, helping students, parents, and staff uphold these values to ensure a physically and emotionally safe campus in balance with the curriculum. Deans are an integral part of the child protection team, dedicated to ensuring the emotional, physical, and mental health of all students. This framework supports a secure environment where students can learn and grow with confidence.
Admissions Process - Your path to becoming a Trojan
1. Consultation: Schedule a virtual or in-person school visit with the Admissions Department. This initial contact introduces families to Lincoln School and outlines the next steps in the enrollment timeline. The admissions team aims to establish a collaborative relationship with families from the outset.
2. Online Application: Complete the online application and upload all required documents. The online form is the first formal step in the process, enabling the Admissions team to begin reviewing the candidate's materials.
3. Application Review: The Admissions team will review the application and coordinate an interview and assessment. This review considers the student's overall profile and readiness for the next stage of evaluation.
4. Assessments: Both the student and family will be invited to the Lincoln School campus for the interview and assessment. The assessment may include placement considerations and a formal interview as part of the process.
5. Notification of Results: The family receives the results of the admissions process. Final decisions are communicated to the family to inform next steps.
6. Payment: Approved families proceed with payment of the Association Fee. The financial step progresses the family toward enrollment once admission is secured.
7. Welcome to Lincoln School: Congratulations! Your journey as a Trojan family begins. This marks the transition from applicant to member of the Lincoln School community.
8. Onboarding Process: Streamline your transition to our school community with our efficient and welcoming onboarding process. Families receive guidance to settle into school life smoothly.
9. Key Dates: To ensure a smooth and timely application process, please note the following essential dates for the 2024-2025 academic year: Start of School Year: August 5; End of School Year: June 6; Summer Vacation: June 9 - August 1; Winter Break: December 16 - January 17. Staying aligned with these dates helps families plan interviews, assessments, and enrollment steps.
Admission Requirements: Admission decisions are based on a comprehensive assessment of students, considering their academic performance, previous school records, standardized test results, letters of recommendation, and interview results. Priority consideration is given to children of members, Lincoln School alumni, and international applicants. Preschool: A recent photograph; vaccination record; a copy of the passport; two letters of recommendation from active associates of Lincoln School; criminal background letter from the country of origin; up-to-date financial documentation; and a Good Standing letter from the previous school. Elementary, Middle School & High School: A recent photograph; vaccination record; a copy of the passport; complete academic record from the previous school for the last three years with a minimum average of 80% in each subject; complete behavior record from the previous school for the last three years with no grade below 80%; a recommendation letter from the current principal or school counselor; two recommendation letters from active members of Lincoln School; criminal background check from the country of origin; up-to-date financial documentation; proof of no outstanding balance from the previous school.
Founders Scholarship: The Founders Scholarship Fund (FSF) finances four years of Secondary School, from 9th grade through 12th grade, through the generosity of an alumnus and founding families. The program seeks motivated Costa Rican students with solid ethical values who may not have the financial means to access Lincoln School. Eligibility includes a strong academic record (total average of 89, B or above for the last three years), a behavior grade of B or 80%, an outstanding citizenry and attendance record, Costa Rican residency, proficiency in written and spoken English as determined by Lincoln School placement tests and an interview, successful Lincoln admission tests, demonstrated financial need, and completion of the scholarship application.
Required documents for the FSF application include: Online Application; the last three school report cards; two reference letters from teachers or counselors; Financial Requirement form; Ordenes patronales from CCSS; Proof of salary; Income tax return from the previous year; Certification of property and vehicles; a letter explaining the reasons for the scholarship request; and proof of debts.
Application process: 1) Applications Open; 2) Application Invitations; 3) Online Application; 4) Application review; 5) Admissions Interview; 6) Assessment; 7) Committee Interview; 8) Selection; 9) Notification; 10) Enrollment, with the family entering into a scholarship contract if selected.