Compare French Curriculum International Schools in Costa rica

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.

The school cafeteria offers nutritious and balanced meals with a variety of options. There are two meal sales services; funds can be deposited so students can purchase food as needed, and payments are accepted in cash and by card.

Lincoln School is a not-for-profit association governed by the Assembly of Associates. The Assembly meets annually to receive presidency, treasury, and fiscal reports, elect the Board of Directors, and vote on important decisions; families are represented by a designated associate or power of attorney. The Board may call extraordinary assemblies, and board committees (Finance, Transportation, Education, Scholarship, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Founders, and Buildings & Grounds) support governance and report to the Board.

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.

Tres Redos, Costa Rica, on the road to Concepcif3n. The address is described as from the house of Jose9 Figueres, 5 km northeast, on the road to Concepcif3n de Tres Redos.

Maternelle (preschool) from TPS to GS; Élémentaire (elementary); Colle8ge (middle school) with the American Section and the Sports Section; Lyce9e (high school) including La Terminale.

French international school, homologated by the French Ministry of Education and conventioned with AEFE; offers a double diploma: the Costa Rican baccalaureate and the French baccalaureate.

France

Bus service is provided by Transportistas Independientes Franco F.C.S. SA. It runs 25 routes to San Jose9, Heredia, and Cartago. All vehicles have a student transport permit from MOPT, INS insurance, and RTV license, and are equipped with seat belts. Door-to-door service is available, with an assistant accompanying students; kindergarten students are taken to their classrooms. The providers office is opposite the schools main entrance. A contract is signed directly between each family and the provider; the school does not set tariff policy. A Transport Committee handles transport-related feedback.

Uniform policy: It is mandatory to wear the complete uniform and maintain a neat appearance for all activities (Article 18). Pre-school students wear color-coded gabachas (aprons): yellow for TPS, red for PS, blue for MS, and green for GS, each bearing the school crest and the child's name. Primary: gray polo shirt with the crest; blue pants or equivalent (shorts or long pants with skirts or leggings allowed in blue); socks in black/gray/blue; closed-toe shoes in black/blue/white/gray; the official sweater becomes mandatory from the 2026 school year, with 2025 as a transition year allowing a blue/dark gray sweater. Secondary: white polo shirt with crest; long pants in black (blue or black allowed in 2025 transition; by 2026 only black); socks in black; closed-toe shoes in black/blue/white/gray; the official sweater becomes mandatory from 2026 (2025 a transition year). The official PE uniform must be purchased at the school bookstore and includes the official T-shirt and shorts; substitutions with blue or black sweatpants are allowed for the bottom piece per Annex 7. Article 26 states the uniform is not mandatory, allowing clothing that is appropriate, though the school may deny entry for inappropriate attire; the 2026 sweater requirement remains in force.

Grill & Fresh is the school's meal provider. The school uses a virtual wallet called G&F Pay to load funds for meals, and payments are handled exclusively through the wallet (with a cash or physical card option available via a linked card). The wallet enables online recharges and real-time monitoring of purchases. The daily menu is available in the dining hall and via a WhatsApp line; SINPE Móvil payments were discontinued as of August 30, 2025.

Managed in tripartite fashion by the French Ministry of Education and AEFE, the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP), and the AFCE (Association Franco-Costarricense de Enseñanza). The Liceo Franco-Costaricense offers a double diploma: the Costa Rican Bachillerato and the French Baccalaureate.

The school offers education from Maternelle to Terminale, combining the French curriculum with the Costa Rican system. It is managed in tripartite collaboration by the French Ministry of National Education and AEFE, the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP), and the AFCE, and it offers a double diploma: the Costa Rican baccalaureate and the French baccalaureate. Diplomas and certifications include the Diplôme National du Brevet (DBND), the Baccalauréat, Costa Rican diplomas, and DELF–DALF. The Terminale year prepares students for the French baccalaureate with new disciplines, a 20-minute oral exam, and a focus on orientation toward higher education, with personalized guidance via the Parcoursup France platform. The American Section strengthens English and deepens knowledge of US history and literature, and enables the International French Baccalaureate (BFI). Orientation and studies in France are provided by school counselors, with opportunities to study in France and abroad.

100% of students passed the Baccalaureate.

AEFE network graduates go on to top universities and grandes écoles around the world, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford; Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics; HEC, Sciences Po, Sorbonne Université, Polytechnique; ETH Zurich; McGill and the University of Toronto.

Diversity and discrimination: a reflection with our students.

The school has an American Section.

Psychology service is available under the health services; on-site nursing and a school doctor are available.

The school has internal regulations and a student policy.

1. Documentos Informativos: The enrollment information package includes the Circular proceso de matrícula, Aranceles 2026, and Reglamento financiero, as well as the school supplies list for 1st grade through January 16, 2026. Access requires a secure personal device; sign in to francoenligne.org or enter the URL directly and log in or create an account under Mi Cuenta. The documents guide the enrollment process and specify the materials and fees for the upcoming year.

2. Proceso de Matrícula: The Gestión de matrícula LFC platform is the official secure medium to include, consult, and update student data. Enrollment for 2026 is available by level according to the calendar from December 2 to December 5, 2026. The process includes obtaining student insurance via the link in the circular; paying the tuition; entering the Enrollment Management module; updating or completing the medical form (activate the insured checkbox and enter the INS policy number), informed consent, rights to voice and image, and a promissory note. Finalize by clicking Crear matrícula; enrollment becomes official after verification, with a notification sent to the registered email within 48–72 hours.

3. Finalización y Confirmación: The enrollment is considered complete once the information is verified and the steps above are completed. The status changes to enrolled and a confirmation email is sent within 48 to 72 hours after finalization. Families should monitor the email on file for the confirmation.

4. Boleta de cargo y pagos: The enrollment portal provides an option to download the automatic billing slip. Tuition and fees for 2026 are described in the circular, and families are expected to complete payments as part of the enrollment process. The Descargar boleta de cargo automatico link makes the billing statement accessible as part of the steps.