International Schools in Costa Rica
Compare 71 international schools in Costa Rica. Filter by curriculum, fees (average CRC 811,923), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Edited by Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
- Schools listed
- 71
- Curricula
- 19
- Average annual fee
- CRC 811,923
- Fee range
- CRC 1,400 – 6,406,800
More school facts
- Most common curriculum
- IB (DP) (42 schools)
- Average school size
- 514 pupils
- Largest by enrolment
- Lincoln School - San Jose
- Oldest
- Humboldt Schule (1912)
- With boarding
- 2
About international schools in Costa Rica
International and bilingual schools in Costa Rica are clustered mainly in the Central Valley around San José, Heredia and Alajuela, with further options in popular expat coastal areas such as parts of Guanacaste. Schools commonly offer bilingual Spanish - English instruction and a mix of internationally recognised pathways - the International Baccalaureate, US-style American programmes, and British/Cambridge tracks are widespread, with a few German- and French-language options. Tuition varies by school, age and location but typically runs from roughly US$4,000 a year at more affordable bilingual schools up to the mid-five-figure range at full international or college-preparatory schools; most schools also charge one-off enrolment or matriculation fees plus recurring charges for materials, transport and activities. Admissions rhythms differ: many international schools follow a northern-hemisphere (August/September) intake while bilingual schools may follow the Costa Rican MEP February - December calendar, so families should check calendars and apply early because popular schools often fill well before term starts.
View by curriculum (6)
View by curriculum
36 international schools in San Jose
See all 36 →9 international schools in Guanacaste
See all 9 →3 international schools in Cartago
See all 3 →
2 international schools in Santo Domingo de Heredia
See all 2 →2 international schools in Tamarindo
See all 2 →2 international schools in Atenas
See all 2 →2 international schools in San Vicente de Moravia
See all 2 →1 international school in San Rafael de Heredia
See all 1 →1 international school in Monteverde
See all 1 →1 international school in Bagaces
See all 1 →1 international school in Santa Ana
See all 1 →1 international school in Alajuela
See all 1 →1 international school in San Antonio de Coronado
See all 1 →1 international school in Turrialba
See all 1 →1 international school in Nosara
See all 1 →1 international school in Miramar
See all 1 →1 international school in Santiago de Puriscal
See all 1 →1 international school in Palmares
See all 1 →1 international school in Ciudad Quesada
See all 1 →1 international school in San Isidro de El General
See all 1 →1 international school in Cariari
See all 1 →1 international school in Puntarenas
See all 1 →Choosing an international school in Costa Rica
Curricula
There are 71 international schools in Costa Rica covering 19 curricula. The most widely offered are IB (DP) (42), Bespoke Curriculum (34), American Curriculum (16), IB (MYP) (9), IB (PYP) (8). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.
Fees & what they cover
Annual tuition across Costa Rica runs from about CRC 1,400 to CRC 6,406,800, averaging roughly CRC 811,923. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.
Admissions & timing
Sought-after schools in Costa Rica run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.
Boarding
2 of the 71 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.
How doris stays impartial
doris lists every international school in Costa Rica we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.