About
Our Story
Country Day School Costa Rica is a member of Nord Anglia Education, the global leader in international K, 12 education encompassing a network of 89 schools across 37 countries. Situated in Alajuela Province, the school provides a comprehensive day and boarding education for students aged 3 to 18. Its mission is to nurture curious, confident, and compassionate young people who possess the knowledge, character, and ambition to shape their own future and make a positive difference in the world. The school delivers a highly personalized, research-led learning experience centered on academic excellence, creativity, wellbeing, resilience, purpose, and global connectedness. As part of the Nord Anglia family, students join a vibrant multicultural community stretching across borders and benefit from world-class teaching quality, rigorous safeguarding standards, and outstanding university outcomes.
Programs & Trainings
International Early Years Curriculum, foundational learning programme for the youngest students
Primary Education, progression through a personalized international curriculum leading to secondary qualifications
GCSE / IGCSE Programmes, internationally recognized qualifications preparing students for advanced study
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, globally respected pre-university qualification offering worldwide university access
STEAM Programme, interdisciplinary, practical, hands-on learning developed in collaboration with MIT; students tackle real-world challenges to build creativity and complex problem-solving skills
Performing Arts Programme, dance, drama, and music curriculum enriched by exclusive collaboration with The Juilliard School; develops self-expression, empathy, confidence, and cultural exploration
Sports and Wellbeing Programme, elite athletic training combined with personal development and mindset coaching through collaboration with IMG Academy; builds resilience, confidence, and leadership on and off the field
University and Careers Counselling, dedicated guidance supporting pathways to the world’s top universities
Global Campus & Virtual School Experience, online learning platform enabling collaboration across the global Nord Anglia network and seamless transition between classroom-based and remote learning
Expeditions & Outdoor Learning, regional and global opportunities including mountaineering and self-led team challenges in Les Martinets, Switzerland, and community building projects in Arusha, Tanzania
Social Purpose & UNICEF Partnership, curriculum-embedded UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; student-led local outreach, volunteering, and fundraising through the Share A Dream programme
Boarding Programme, full residential boarding life experience integrated within the school community
Summer Camps, boarding summer camps and regional camp opportunities available in Switzerland, the UK, Italy, Spain, and North America
Academic Excellence and Wellbeing, integrated framework supporting both outstanding achievement and holistic student health
Early Years Education, dedicated foundational stage nurturing early development and curiosity
Specialties
International Baccalaureate (IB) and British curricula (GCSE / IGCSE)
STEAM education powered by MIT collaboration
Performing arts powered by The Juilliard School collaboration
Sports and wellbeing powered by IMG Academy collaboration
Global citizenship and social impact through UNICEF and UN SDGs
University and careers preparation and counselling
Personalized learning and academic excellence
Boarding and day school options
Expeditionary and experiential learning
Virtual and blended learning capabilities
Methods & Approach
The school employs a research-led, highly personalized approach to learning that fosters ambition and achievement in every student. World-class teachers undertake annual professional development, including specialist training delivered through collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and IMG Academy. The methodology emphasizes interdisciplinary, practical, hands-on learning, teacher-led and technology-enabled instruction, and the development of human skills that AI cannot replace. Learning extends far beyond the classroom through global expeditions, online collaboration via Global Campus, and local outreach. The school also prioritizes safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Who It's For
Children and young people aged 3-18 years seeking an international education with globally recognized qualifications. Students aiming for admission to top universities worldwide. Families looking for day or boarding school options in Costa Rica. Young athletes, performers, and innovators seeking elite co-curricular development. Globally mobile families and locally based families valuing a multicultural, English-language learning environment. Students interested in sustainability, social impact, and global citizenship.
Facilities & Practical Info
The campus is located in Hacienda Espinal along Route 27 in the Alajuela Province. The school offers advanced learning environments with world-class technology-enabled classrooms and inspiring facilities. Boarding options are available for residential students. Virtual School Experience is integrated to ensure uninterrupted learning. The school serves a diverse multicultural community and maintains strong parent engagement and regular communication.
Location
Address: Hacienda Espinal, 5 Sobre Ruta 27 Km 17, Alajuela Province, San Rafael, 20108, Costa Rica
Hours: See website for schedule
The "+"
Membership in Nord Anglia Education's global network of 89 premium schools across 37 countries
Access to world-class collaborations with MIT for STEAM, The Juilliard School for performing arts, and IMG Academy for sports and wellbeing
Globally recognized qualifications including the IB Diploma and GCSEs / IGCSEs
Personalized learning pathways with outstanding university and careers counselling
Global expeditions and outdoor learning experiences in Switzerland, Tanzania, and beyond
Strong emphasis on wellbeing, resilience, and developing skills that AI cannot replace
State-of-the-art technology and advanced learning environments with virtual schooling capability
Boarding and summer camp options available within an inclusive international community
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