Compare SEN / Special Education International Schools in Costa rica

Ciudad Cariari, La Asunción de Belén, Heredia, Costa Rica.

Pre-school to 12th grade, organized as Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and High School.

Private, co-educational, non-profit day school.

Approximately 80% Central and South American; 13% United States; 7% other nationalities.

Special education services and English language support (ESL) for non-native English and Spanish speakers.

United States (U.S.-style education and U.S. high school diploma).

Calendar follows the U.S. academic year (August–December and mid-January–June); two semesters; school day 8:00am–3:00pm; after-school activities 3:10pm–4:10pm.

Bus service is available for an additional fee; routes and costs provided by the transportation provider (contact AIS for details).

The AIS dress code requires all students to wear a uniform. The uniform consists of a polo shirt with the AIS logo and khaki or navy-blue pants, shorts, or a skirt. The physical education uniform is an athletic shirt with the AIS logo, and shorts or leggings.

A hot breakfast and lunch are offered daily in the AIS cafeteria by EM Delicias, with drinks and snacks also available. Microwaves are available for students who bring their own food. A bank transfer can be made to each child's account, or meals can be paid for in cash.

AIS is a non-profit school founded in 1970. It offers both U.S. and Costa Rican high school diplomas and is led by an Executive Director, Kattya Alvarado.

AIS offers both U.S. and Costa Rican high school diplomas for students in elementary through high school. The high school program includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and MATEM (Matemática para la Enseñanza Media) classes for Costa Rican universities. Beginning in high school, students prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and AP exams, with some students taking honors courses to deepen preparation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing, creativity, physical activity, leadership, and global mindedness. Complementary programs include Music, Art, Drama, MakerSpace, Life Skills, Physical Education, Science Lab, and Model UN, along with Honors Classes and Advanced Placement; the school uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments and provides Learning Support (LSP), SSL, and ESL support.

The college counseling program supports students as they transition from high school to higher education. The college counselor works individually with each student to narrow college options in Costa Rica and abroad, assists with university applications, finding scholarships, and building a resume. A College Preparation class begins in 10th grade to prepare for admissions tests and procedures, and AIS students have been admitted to outstanding colleges and universities worldwide. AIS is a member of the International Association of College Admission Counseling (IACAC).

Honors Classes and Advanced Placement are available for advanced students.

AIS emphasizes social, emotional, and intellectual development in its mission. The National Honor Society highlights scholarship, service, leadership, and character. A wide range of after-school activities, field trips, camps, and volunteering opportunities expands learning beyond the classroom. The college counseling program supports students as they transition to higher education. Learning Support Program provides tools and resources for fast integration into mainstream classes for students with special learning needs and non-native English speakers.

AIS provides a Learning Support Program for students with special learning needs and non-native English speakers. The Learning Support Program is listed among the school's Support Programs (LSP, SSL, ESL). Applicants with a learning disability that requires non-significant accommodations must submit an official cognitive report from a professional. The school's small-school environment supports individualized attention to meet each student's needs.

AIS offers ESL (English as a Second Language) as part of its Support Programs. Learning Support Program provides tools for non-native English speakers to integrate into mainstream classes. The school has more native English-speaking teachers than any other U.S. diploma school, supporting English language instruction. Life Skills and other complementary programs also support communication and language development.

AIS addresses students' social, emotional, and intellectual needs through its mission. The school emphasizes character building, respect, and leadership as part of wellbeing. The school provides a safe learning environment as a core value.

1. Admission Form: Download and complete the AIS Admission Form. The form begins the application process. After completing, submit it as part of the application package. Admissions are open year round. 2. Documents: Submit the required documents for admission. All documents must be in English or Spanish. A full set includes: completed AIS Admission Form; complete school transcripts covering at least two years; a cognitive report if needed for a learning disability; available standardized test scores; a photocopy of the applicant's passport or ID; two passport photos; a photocopy of the parent(s) ID; a letter of recommendation in a sealed school envelope; birth certificate; letter of financial solvency from current or previous school; vaccination record; audiometry and eye screening for preschool to first grade. 3. Exam & Interview: Students will be scheduled to take entrance exams and participate in an interview. The interview can be conducted virtually. The exams and interview determine admission eligibility. An appointment for the exams and interview will be arranged after the required documents are received. 4. Decision: The admission decision is communicated to the parents within 15 working days or less after the interview. The communication indicates whether admission has been granted. The notification is sent to the parents as part of the admissions process. This marks the completion of the formal admission decision.

The British School of Costa Rica is located in San José, Costa Rica. The address is From the end of Rohrmoser Boulevard, 125 m north, Pavas, San José 10109, Costa Rica.

Early Years; Primary; Secondary. Early Years starts at 3 years of age; Primary starts at 6 years of age; Secondary starts at 11 years of age.

The school is an independent day school. It offers education from Early Years 1 (3 year-olds) to Year 12 (12th Grade).

School Day starts at 8:00 am for all year levels. Early Years and Years 1–4 finish at 2:00 pm; Year 5 and Secondary finish at 3:00 pm. School Office hours are 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.

The School Bus Service is managed by TRANOSYS.

The school does not offer boarding facilities per se; however, week-day boarding arrangements for children can be made with school families who live in the vicinity.

Uniforms are required for all students. The 2026 uniform guides are available for Primary and Secondary.

Pupils are organized into houses for tournaments and other activities; Primary House tournaments are part of the school.

The British School of Costa Rica is an independent day school. Founded in 1981 by Mr. David Lloyd and Mrs. Liliana Lloyd, who serve as Directors General, it is privately owned and registered in the Costa Rican Public Registry. It is NEASC-accredited, recognized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education, and is a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization; it is a Cambridge IGCSE Centre and an IELTS Testing Centre, licensed by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, among other designations.

IGCSE in Years 9–10 (most of this programme is taught in English) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Years 11–12. The Upper Secondary curricula have been developed by Cambridge Assessment International Examinations and the International Baccalaureate Organization, and the IB Diploma is a bilingual English/Spanish two‑year programme.

Class sizes are capped at a maximum of 22 students per teaching class (20 in Early Years) with an average of 19+; the school is bilingual with most classes taught in English and the remainder in Spanish (or French); teaching staff comprises about 14% international, 23% British, and 63% Costa Rican teachers; in secondary levels the ratio of international to national teachers is approximately 50/50.

IB Diploma: 2020–2024 pass rates include 2020: 31/31, 2021: 35/36, 2022: 32/33, 2023: 28/32, 2024: 43/45; notable IB results include best Latin American region performance (1998) and best world individual score (45 points) in 1998. IGCSE: defined pass rate as the percentage of students passing at least five subjects with grade C or higher; 2020–2021: 100% (students took only 2 subject exams due to Covid), 2022: 88%, 2023: 73%, 2024: 75%; historical notes include top Australian/UK/world results in certain years (e.g., 1996 best individual world result; 2009 best world results in French and Spanish).

Graduates have enrolled at universities worldwide, including University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, University of Calgary, Carleton University, York University, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and other Canadian institutions; in the United States, institutions such as MIT, Harvard University, Duke University, New York University (including NYU Abu Dhabi), and Johns Hopkins University are listed among destinations; in the United Kingdom, the University of Cambridge and other UK universities are represented; graduates have also progressed to universities in other countries and locally at institutions such as EARTH and Universidad de Costa Rica.

Social and emotional learning is integrated through a focus on emotional wellbeing and social relationships. A Year 5 Social, Emotional and Relationships Talk was delivered with Year 11 student mentors to support the transition to secondary school. Health Week included a workshop on staying safe online delivered by external speakers and a psychologist. House System and Service Learning activities, such as 'Boxes of Hope', promote teamwork and social responsibility across year groups. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is part of the school's extracurricular offerings.

Mental wellbeing is supported through a focus on emotional wellbeing and social relationships. A Year 5 Social, Emotional and Relationships Talk involved Year 11 student mentors to build confidence during the transition to secondary school. Health Week included a psychologist-led workshop on online safety and privacy, helping students manage digital life and wellbeing. House System and Service Learning activities promote social connectedness and community involvement across year groups. Values such as honesty, respect and responsibility underpin student wellbeing.

Admissions are welcome year round. Complete the official Admissions Form. An admissions officer will arrange a virtual meeting with the relevant coordinator. The school will arrange an evaluation of the child, conducted virtually with the parents. Results are sent to the parents within the following week. If a place is offered, the parents have two weeks to pay the reservation fee. Evaluations are scheduled only if there is space available. The school serves Early Years (3 to 6 years), Primary (6 to 11 years) and Secondary (11 to 18 years).

Berkeley Academy is located in Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica. The official address is De la Cruz Roja, 150 Metros Oeste, 350 Metros Sur, Santa Ana, Costa Rica 10901.

Pre-K through 12 (Elementary, Middle School, High School).

Private, K-12 international school offering U.S. high school program and Costa Rican national program.

Enrollment is about one-third U.S. and Canadian citizens, and about two-thirds Costa Rican or other nationalities.

Costa Rica

School days run 7:45am–2:45pm, Monday through Friday; North American academic calendar with two semesters and four quarters.

Uniforms are required. Polo shirts with grey pants, a black or brown belt, black socks, and black dress shoes are worn on Mondays, Wednesdays, and alternating Fridays. PE uniforms (grey PRIDE shirt and black shorts/lycra) are worn on PE days (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Polo shirts must be tucked in; Fridays alternate between social etiquette dress and free dress.

Lunch is part of the regular schedule. Lower Elementary lunch is from 11:00 to 11:45; Upper Elementary lunch is from 11:30 to 12:30.

The school is privately owned and governed by a Board of Directors. Leadership includes President and Co-founder Peter J. Swing; Vice President and Co-founder Yorlenny Aguilar; Head of School Beth Martin; Deputy Head of School Ximena Castillo.

The U.S. High School curriculum (based on the UC/CSU A-G Requirements) and the Costa Rican National Baccalaureate are offered, with diplomas awarded for each program. Official languages of instruction are English for U.S. required courses and Spanish for Costa Rican required courses. The academic calendar runs two semesters per year. Berkeley Academy offers 25 AP courses and 20 Honors courses, including Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Literature and Culture, U.S. History, and World History. Standardized exams include AP Exams, PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT.

Student/Faculty Ratio is 17:1; average class size is 16.

University acceptances include a broad range of U.S., Canadian, and international universities, including University of California campuses (Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz), University of Florida, Northeastern University, University of Ottawa, Universidad de Navarra, and Universidad de Costa Rica.

AP Program and Honors courses provide advanced coursework for high‑achieving students; AP achievements include a perfect score and multiple AP Scholars.

The school emphasizes character and citizenship through its programs and activities, with a focus on developing students' responsibility and leadership.

The school profile notes general compliance with local education standards and does not specify separate SEN facilities on the profile, but includes a broad range of student services and supports typical of a K–12 international program.

The primary language of instruction is English. The Elementary program includes Spanish-language study (three times per week) within its social studies/civics content, and Middle/High School courses include Spanish-language requirements and AP/Pre-AP Spanish options.

The program includes a diverse set of clubs, service opportunities, and counseling supports as part of its college-prep and student-life offerings to support well-being through academics and services.

The school operates under Costa Rican law and Academy policy with non-discrimination and harassment policies in place; campus safety and safeguarding are aligned with standard private-school practices in Costa Rica.

Berkeley Academy uses a rolling admissions policy with a preferred application window from April to July for admission in August. Admission is selective and based on conduct, academic performance, specialized talent, and diversity of personal background, with preference given to students who demonstrate outstanding citizenship, core values and academic excellence. Required documents for registration are: Berkeley Academy Student Application; birth certificate; passport identification page; vaccination record; one passport photo; two years of official transcripts; letter of good financial standing from the previous institution; and official police reports/background checks for both parents. The Application Process follows three steps: 1. Application — send an official request to Berkeley Academy administration for an admissions interview; academic transcripts, conduct records, and at least one letter of recommendation from an academic or community service-related source are required for applicants entering middle school and above; applicants are notified within seven working days if they have received an offer for interview. 2. Interview — admissions officers assess conduct, English language level, and knowledge appropriate for age; if successful, the candidate is scheduled for an entrance examination. 3. Entrance Examination — tests cover Public Speaking, English, Math, Reading Comprehension, and Essay Writing; a score of 85% or higher in all areas is preferred. The school uses a holistic admissions approach.

John Swing Scholarship: Candidates must reside in Costa Rica and be in Grade 8 or 9 in good standing. Three letters of recommendation from a teacher, community leader, mentor, coach, or someone who can attest to the candidate's personal and professional character are required. Candidates write a 500-word essay describing background, passion, drive and talent and explaining why they should be selected as a recipient of the scholarship. A video (no longer than one minute) telling the candidate's story is also required. Selected candidates or finalists will be asked to attend Berkeley Academy for a one-day student evaluation. Submit all application materials to swingscholarship@berkeleycr.com by March 4, 2025.

The school is located in Santa Ana, Costa Rica. It serves students from preschool through high school, aged 3 to 18.

Early Childhood through Senior year (Preschool to 12th grade).

Private school

Costa Rica

Day structure varies by grade level: Pre-Kinder and Kinder run 7:30 am–12:00 pm; Foundations and Elementary 1 run 7:30 am–2:30 pm; Juniors 1–Seniors run 7:40 am–3:20 pm.

Founded in 2008 by Angela Jarman and Christian White; Leadership includes Christian White as Director and Executive, and Angela Jarman as Academic Director.

Tree of Life International School serves students aged 3 to 18 in Santa Ana, Costa Rica. The curriculum emphasizes Project-Based Learning (PBL) and uses multi-age classrooms to foster collaboration and problem-solving. The school uses a trilingual program (Spanish-English-Mandarin) with Cambridge English exams in grades 5, 10 and 11 and YCT/HSK Mandarin exams; Cambridge IGCSE preparation is available through Cambridge accreditation. Leadership development is central; the school is recognized by Franklin Covey as the first Leadership School in Latin America, implementing the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Technology is integrated across disciplines, with programming, robotics, 3D printing and an annual Maker's Day. The curriculum is organized by year group: Early Childhood (Pre-K and Kinder), Foundations, Elementary (1-3), Juniors (6-9), Seniors (10-12); school hours are Section A: 7:30–12:00, Section B: 7:30–2:30, Section C: 7:40–3:20. Nutrition is included (snacks in preschool; lunch in elementary and secondary).

Seniors can take 6 AS courses or 3 A Level courses to prepare for university admission.

Emotional Support is provided through a dedicated Student Support Department and a 7 Habits Council. Students are empowered to see themselves as unique and significant, which is the cornerstone of their own success. They learn to identify and express their emotions and know when to take positive action. The Student Support Department and the 7 Habits Council work with teachers, students, and parents to help them discover more about themselves. The school emphasizes leadership development through the 7 Habits framework and uses multi-age classroom structures to foster social-emotional growth and peer collaboration.

The school is trilingual, teaching Spanish, English and Mandarin, with immersion across the program. In grades 5, 10, and 11, students take Cambridge English exams to certify their English proficiency, and Mandarin proficiency is certified through YCT/HSK exams.

Mental wellbeing is supported through Emotional Support, with students learning to identify and express their emotions and to take positive action. The Student Support Department and the 7 Habits Council work with teachers, students, and parents to foster self-awareness, resilience, and healthy social interactions.

Inquiries / Tours: Check the requirements for the admission process, the prices by level, or schedule a school tour here.

San Juan de la Union, 900m east and 200m south of Curridabat Walmart, Costa Rica

Preschool through Secondary

Private non-profit school

Inclusive special education programme 'Everyone Matters Here'

Franciscan

4 food service options available

Non-profit organisation with Board of Directors; surpluses reinvested

Costa Rican national curriculum with Franciscan values. Subjects taught in English alongside Spanish. French as a third language.

Personalised socio-emotional accompaniment based on 'Philosophy of Tenderness'. Self-awareness tools and emotion management training.

Inclusive special education programme 'Everyone Matters Here'.

Healthy relationship building and prevention programmes

Prevention programmes in place

1. Complete the online admission process.
2. Contact via WhatsApp +506 7010-5076 or call 2278-9300.

800 meters south of the Hermanos Montes gas station, Santa Ana

Preschool, Primary, Secondary, and International Baccalaureate

Private school

The school has an international student body.

Germany-affiliated international school (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen)

The school is a private international school founded in 2003 by Hannia Araya. The founder established the school in a home‑like, multicultural environment to provide a high‑quality education that would prepare students for a challenging and ever‑changing future. Hannia Araya serves as Director.

Trilingual education, International Baccalaureate, and Music. In our commitment to educational excellence, every word in German and English, every musical note, and every step toward the International Baccalaureate are intertwined to develop the maximum potential of our students.

Preschool provides a safe and enriching environment that children perceive as their second home, where they can explore, learn and grow in a playful setting. Primary education fosters intellectual and emotional growth. Our educational vision aims to forge well‑rounded individuals who face life's challenges with creativity, compassion and determination, with music underpinning this purpose to ensure holistic learning.

English and German language development begins in primary. English is used to teach core subjects such as science, social studies and English itself, with a high proportion of native‑speaking teachers providing deep language immersion from the start. German is taught as a second language since 2004 in collaboration with the Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA). This approach also enables mathematics to be taught using German methodologies.

Preschool provides a safe and enriching environment that children perceive as their second home. In primary, intellectual and emotional growth is emphasized as part of a holistic education.

Step 1. Application information. Franz Liszt Schule is open to expanding its family. Prospective families should review the information necessary to apply to our institution. The admissions process provides clear guidance for applicants to start their enrollment. Step 2. Requirements. The documents required for enrollment are: a birth certificate (Costa Rican nationals may obtain it online via the Supreme Elections Court); the student's identification document (foreign students must provide a copy of the passport or DIMEX); a copy of the immunization record; a passport-style photo; an academic report issued by the previous school; a conduct letter issued by the previous institution; proof of up-to-date payments to the previous institution; and the completed admission form provided by the school. Step 3. Fees. Tuition and fees for 2026 are as follows: Pre-Kinder and Kinder enrollment CRC 408,000; monthly CRC 301,000; annual CRC 3,719,000. Preparatory enrollment CRC 408,000; monthly CRC 403,000; annual CRC 4,841,000. Primary enrollment CRC 510,000; monthly CRC 413,000; annual CRC 5,053,000. Secondary enrollment CRC 510,000; monthly CRC 444,000; annual CRC 5,394,000. Observations: Tuition can be paid monthly or annually; there is a discount for annual payments. The annual tuition includes the enrollment fee and 11 months of the academic year. The listed amounts do not include materials, books, and uniforms, which are purchased through the online store. Step 4. Additional costs. Additional costs include a New Student Enrollment Bond of CRC 400,000 per student, paid once, and a Entrance Exam fee of CRC 50,000, which is deducted from the enrollment cost if the student is admitted. Step 5. Join our family. Contáctenos to begin the process and arrange a visit.

2.5 km north of the main entrance of Liberia on the Inter-American North Highway (Carretera Interamericana Norte). Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Postal code 1865000. The school serves the Liberia area in Guanacaste.

Preschool, Primary, Secondary, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Private educational institution

Costa Rica

The school is a private educational institution founded in 1982 by a small group of parents. It is the first bilingual institution in Guanacaste province duly recognized by the Ministry of Public Education. It is currently accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization, which enables it to offer the IB Diploma Programme and meet the requirements for obtaining the Costa Rican National Diploma.

We offer comprehensive education from preschool through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in a bilingual English–Spanish environment.

The school has outstanding results in international examinations.

The Diploma Programme broadens opportunities for admission to international universities.

The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through the International Baccalaureate and a bilingual modality. A bilingual program develops students' language skills in English and Spanish, preparing them for a global context. The curriculum promotes life-long learning and aims to develop critical thinking, analytical thinking, global thinking, problem solving, and decision making, as well as self-regulation, independent and autonomous learning, communication, conflict resolution, and education of emotions. Students are prepared to live in a global world with a proactive and transformative mindset and to contribute to a more peaceful world within a framework of mutual respect and intercultural understanding. Core values are integrity, harmonious coexistence, honesty, solidarity, and social sensitivity. Learning is supported by innovative methodologies, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative work among family, teachers, and students.

The school offers bilingual instruction in most classes, enabling students to develop language skills in English and Spanish, giving them a competitive advantage in their future academic and professional endeavors. A highly trained and dedicated team of teachers is committed to delivering quality language education.

The school offers comprehensive education from preschool to International Baccalaureate and bilingual mode. The Diploma Program with International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational option offered at Academia Teocali for students who wish to expand their knowledge and skills. The school is one of the few authorized IB schools in Guanacaste. IB students have more opportunities to gain admission to prestigious international universities due to the advantages provided by this system of study. The IB program begins in the eleventh year, following a selection process conducted in the tenth year. IB students develop a global perspective on subjects, encourage research and teamwork, and acquire competencies and values that prepare them for international university education. Graduating in the twelfth year, IB students have more opportunity to prioritize and delve deeper into other subjects that complement their education. Diploma's Profile: Inquirers; Knowledgeable and educated; Thinkers; Effective communicators; Ethical; Open-minded; Caring; Courageous; Balanced; Reflective. Admission 2026: Secure your spot for the upcoming academic year. Admission to the IB at Teocali Academy: In Academia Teocali, the admission process for students to the Bilingual International Bachelor's Diploma Program, accredited in 2015, is applied. This includes the expectations of this policy, its characteristics, dimensions that imply assessment to ensure that students admitted to the program make the most of the opportunity to develop the profile proposed by the program. Finally, the requirements that the student must meet for the process to be concluded are established. General Mandatory Requirements: 1. The student must have successfully met all legal requirements established by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) to complete the Third Cycle of Basic Education. 2. The student must be between 15 and 17 years of age at the time of enrollment confirmation. If the student does not fall within this age range, an informed consent letter must be submitted to the PDBI Coordination. 3. The legal guardian must complete and submit the document “PDBI Admission Application Form” to the PDBI Coordinator (see Annex). 4. Applicants must take the PDBI diagnostic entrance assessments at Teocali in the following areas: Basic Sciences; Research on prescribed topics; Oral and written expression; English language proficiency (B2+, C1). 5. Attendance at the events convened by the Diploma Programme Coordinator is mandatory: Programme components overview meeting; Extended Essay workshops. 6. Student interview and signing of the Student Commitment Agreement. Scholarship for International Baccalaureate: At Academia Teocali, we firmly believe in providing opportunities that nurture the talent and academic potential of our students. As part of our commitment to educational excellence, we offer the possibility to apply for a scholarship for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a curriculum recognized worldwide for its academic rigor and its focus on critical thinking, research, and holistic development. With this scholarship, we aim to support dedicated, responsible, and motivated students who are willing to take on the challenge of an education with international standards and prepare themselves for a future full of opportunities. We invite you to carefully review the requirements and guidelines to apply for this scholarship in the following document.

Scholarship for International Baccalaureate: At Academia Teocali, we firmly believe in providing opportunities that nurture the talent and academic potential of our students. As part of our commitment to educational excellence, we offer the possibility to apply for a scholarship for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a curriculum recognized worldwide for its academic rigor and its focus on critical thinking, research, and holistic development. With this scholarship, we aim to support dedicated, responsible, and motivated students who are willing to take on the challenge of an education with international standards and prepare themselves for a future full of opportunities. We invite you to carefully review the requirements and guidelines to apply for this scholarship in the following document.