Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica offers outstanding educational opportunities for both local and international students. If your family is considering a move to Costa Rica, you must find a school that helps your child expand their knowledge and find joy in learning. Costa Rica schools, both public and private, take a hands-on approach to education and deliver a diverse array of subjects that include languages, conversation, and culture.
Families seeking the beach life in Costa Rica have excellent options for schools in the area. Here’s our top 8.
CRIA (Costa Rica International Academy)
CRIA is a prestigious US-accredited college preparatory school servicing an international community located in Brasilito, the heart of Guanacaste. CRIA offers Advanced Placement (AP) as well as Dual Enrollment programs and offers a holistic education to students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. With a focus on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness, CRIA prepares students to become well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future. Two of our children graduated from CRIA.
La Paz Community School
La Paz Community School is a non-profit institution that combines an excellent academic program with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and community involvement. They have 2 locations: one in Flamingo and one in Liberia. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and offers classes for children from pre-kindergarten through high school. They are a project-based school. La Paz nurtures students to become compassionate leaders who are environmentally conscious and socially responsible.
Educarte
Educarte is an alternative education center that advocates for personalized learning and self-directed discovery. While not a traditional school, it offers homeschooling support and a creative learning space for students aged 5 to 18 years. Educarte's approach focuses on nurturing students' interests and talents, fostering a deep love for learning and personal growth.
Tide Academy
TIDE Academy was established in 2011 in Tamarindo, Costa Rica with a mission to provide a personal and flexible education to each child. Their educational philosophy is that each child learns differently and should be celebrated. As educators, it is necessary to have the flexibility to work and commend each child’s learning style and pace. They want each student to succeed to the best of his or her ability. They pride themselves in challenging students while simultaneously engaging students in vigorous academic work while following a US curriculum with an additional focus on Spanish and Costa Rican Culture and History.
TIDE is partnered with North Atlantic Regional High School, which allows all students to receive a United States Diploma. They have a physical school in Tamarindo, they serve 80 students in grades preK-12. They also have developed flexible online courses for enrolled students. Their online program, TIDE Abroad, works with students year-round, or if they are away from TIDE Academy for a semester or less.
TIDE Academy is a US-accredited school. Having under 70 students from Kindergarten to 12th grade, Tide creates an environment that allows staff members to get to know everyone in the school on a personal level. Located in Playa Tamarindo, this flexible scheduled school is targeted for families who like to travel or are athletes. It attracts many surfers. Tide teaches their students 4 days a week which provides their students with extra free time to focus on their other passions. Our daughter graduated high school from TIDE.
Waldorf School Guanacaste
Guanacaste Waldorf School is a bilingual, international K-8 school near Hacienda Pinilla, Costa Rica. The school has a natural, nurturing setting inspired by Rudolf Steiner and the principles of Waldorf Education.
In grade school, academics are introduced in an artistic, experiential, and thoughtful way that meets the development of each child.
Journey School Guanacaste
Currently located in Tamarindo and Playa Grande, Journey is a school of community learners that offers personalized and group lesson plans to children from grade K to grade 12. They believe that learning comes by doing and they offer a Project-Based Learning education. They are accredited
Milestones Academy
Our passion is working with young people, helping them realize what incredibly gifted individuals they are, and guiding them on their educational journeys to become self-directed, self-believing lifelong learners. We believe children should get as excited about traditional learning as they do about playing, providing valuable opportunities to experiment, grow and thrive.
Lakeside International School
Situated near the picturesque Lake Arenal, Lakeside International School offers a tranquil and inspiring setting for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the American curriculum, and its well-qualified faculty ensures that students receive a high-quality education. Lakeside also emphasizes extracurricular activities, allowing students to explore their interests beyond academics.
Final Thoughts
Guanacaste stands as an exceptional destination not only for its natural beauty and cultural heritage but also for the outstanding educational opportunities it provides. Whether you are a local resident or an expatriate seeking an excellent international or private school for your children, the province offers a diverse range of options. From institutions following the International Baccalaureate program to those with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, Guanacaste's schools strive to shape students into responsible global citizens equipped to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
If you’re looking for more information on relocating to Costa Rica with your family, get in touch with us here.
