Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
Costa Rica, San Jose
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
The learning journey includes the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the BSCR Middle Years Curriculum (BSCR MYC), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). In 1990 the school decided to offer the IGCSE and IB programmes in the Secondary School. The Cambridge International Examinations and the IB Curriculum and Assessment Office develop these curricula, with external examiners responsible for marking and grading. The Diploma programme has a long-standing average pass-rate above 90%, and graduates have achieved high IB scores, including 40+ points on multiple occasions; IGCSE pass rates have historically been high as well.
Extracurricular activities complement academic training with cultural, sporting and recreational experiences. The school runs sports and arts teams with national and international representation, clubs, international experiences and preparatory courses for university admission exams. Available activities include sports representation at the USA Cup, MATEM-UCR, Model United Nations (MUN), technology, football, basketball, gymnastics, art, yoga, choir, volleyball, badminton, taekwondo, cheerleading, cooking, pickleball and drama.
International Cultural Exchange Programmes are offered. Languages include English and Spanish, with French available as a language option; the school also emphasises multilingual, globally aware lifelong learners as part of its mission. The IB language framework includes English and Spanish literature options and French as a language option, aligning with the Group language requirements.
A wide range of extracurricular activities allows students to engage in cultural, sporting and recreational experiences beyond the classroom. Activities include Model United Nations, international exchanges, pre-university courses, and a broad list of sports and arts clubs. These offerings support a well-rounded education by fostering collaboration, discipline and teamwork.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is part of the school's provision and is internationally recognised for commitment, service, and independence. The award has Bronze, Silver and Gold levels with four sections: Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey, with a Gold Residential Project requirement. The programme is available to students aged 14 and older, and interested students should contact the Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator for more information.
The House System divides the school into four Houses named Arenal, Irazú, Barva and Poás, promoting loyalty and collaborative competition. Leadership and professional development are supported through participation in projects such as MUN and through prestigious programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The school also positions itself as a leader in educational innovation, as reflected in its Vision.
Sports and fitness are emphasised, with activities including football, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, badminton, taekwondo and cheerleading. Mindfulness and wellbeing are supported by activities such as yoga and other wellness offerings. The Duke of Edinburgh Award further promotes physical recreation and adventurous journeys as part of student wellbeing. The school's mission to develop globally aware, multilingual lifelong learners reinforces a focus on holistic development and well-being.
The British School of Costa Rica is an independent day school for students aged 3 to 18, delivering IEYC and IPC in the primary years, a bespoke middle-years curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE in Years 9–10, and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 11–12. The Diploma is a bilingual English/Spanish two-year programme. The school is bilingual throughout, with most classes in English and the remainder in Spanish (or French), and aims for bilingual proficiency before Year 3. Founded in 1981, it is NEASC-accredited, recognized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education, and authorised as an IB World School and Cambridge assessment centre. The 2.2-hectare campus includes an Early Years block, 46 general classrooms, five senior science labs, two Makerspaces, an Art Salon, and a 300-seat Auditorium/Theatre plus a 1,200 m2 gym and on-site sports fields. Extracurriculars feature Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, alongside broad arts and sports offerings.
