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Centro Docente Miravalle

Costa Rica, Cartago

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Spanish, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 2 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1994
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages Spanish, English
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Centro Docente Miravalle is a bilingual campus in Cartago, Costa Rica serving ages 2 through 18. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside Cambridge English Certification for eleventh-year students and Java programming certification, with English taught by bilingual teachers. The curriculum also emphasizes Project-Based Learning to develop English fluency and critical thinking. The campus spans about 30,000 square meters with 13 modules and around 60 classrooms, plus cafeterias, courtyards, auditoriums and modern laboratories. Facilities include 21st‑century classrooms, computer and science labs, a library, sports spaces and 24‑hour security; all are designed to support accessible learning for preschool, primary and secondary students. Distinctive programs include Music Fever, delivered in English, and international exchanges with London and the United States. The school also offers Olympiad-focused clubs, Model United Nations projects, internships, and intercambios, plus the Cambridge English Certification and Oracle Java certification through its Miravalle programs. For globally minded learners.

800 m south of the southeast corner of the Courts of Justice, Cartago, Costa Rica

The Essentials

Centro Docente Miravalle has instruction in Spanish, English.

Location
Cartago, Costa Rica. 800 meters south of the southeast corner of the Courts of Justice.

Stages
Preschool, Primary, and Secondary education are offered. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Cambridge Certification, a Java programming certificate, and Music Fever, taught in English by bilingual teachers.

School day structure
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00am–4:00pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Sustainable uniforms are used starting in 2025; uniforms are made from eco-friendly fabric produced from recycled materials. Nine 600 ml PET bottles are recycled to make one shirt, and eighteen bottles to make one pair of pants.

Food Options
On-site cafeterias are available (sodas).

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private educational institution in Cartago, Costa Rica, registered with the Dirección de Centros Privados del Ministerio de Educación Pública de Costa Rica.
Fees
Application / enrollment (matrícula) fees
- The school requires payment of an enrollment (matrícula) fee at the time families sign the contract and complete admission steps.

Tuition fees by year group (amounts per term / per year)
- The school does not publish a public, itemised schedule of tuition (monthly/term/annual) amounts for each year group on its public admissions or policy documents. No per-year tuition figures suitable for direct entry into a fee database were found in the school's published admission or policy materials.

Billing schedule and payment terms (general)
- Enrollment (matrícula) payment is required during the registration process as part of finalising the contract. Payment for matrícula is accepted via bank connectivity through authorised banks and via BN Servicios.
- For the optional student transport service, monthly payments are collected from February to November; additionally there is a fixed charge in December of ₡31,425 (IVA included). Transport monthly fees are due within the first 10 days of each month; late payment incurs a penalty of ₡5,000. Sibling discounts apply: 10% for the second sibling, 15% for the third sibling and an extra 5% per sibling from the fourth onward.

Boarding / residential fees
- Centro Docente Miravalle does not operate a boarding/residential programme; no boarding fees are published. The school's program descriptions list Pre‑school, Primary and Secondary offerings and student services but make no reference to on‑campus boarding.

Student transport (detailed fees and terms)
- Transport fees are published per route and per service level (Full / Medium). Examples of the published monthly amounts (IVA included) are: ₡56,000–₡100,500 for full service depending on route, and ₡48,000–₡77,300 for medium service depending on route. The December fixed charge is ₡31,425 (IVA included). Payment timing, sibling discounts and late‑payment penalty are as above. (See route list for specific route prices.)

Programme‑specific additional fees (Bachillerato Internacional / IB)
- Students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme are subject to an additional programme fee that covers membership, programme registration, official teacher training, materials, Turnitin similarity‑checking, submission and review of official IB exams/works, and printed diplomas/certificates. That additional programme amount is non‑refundable if a family switches the student to the national programme during 10th or 11th year. A past publication for the 2023–2024 period listed a supplementary IB charge of USD 95 per month; more recent policy documents confirm the existence of the non‑refundable additional IB cost but do not publish a single up‑to‑date monthly amount for 2025/26 or 2026.

Other costs or fees (uniforms, meals, after‑school, materials, clubs)
- The school operates a shop and provides student food services (soda), after‑school schedules and co‑curricular activities, but published unit prices for uniforms, meals, after‑school programmes or club fees are not provided in the public documents located. Transport and IB programme extras are the only line‑item prices published in school PDFs found.

Refund information
- The additional fee charged for participation in the IB Diploma Programme is explicitly stated as non‑refundable if the family later moves the student to the national programme during 10th or 11th year. The policy also indicates families are responsible for any other IB‑related charges generated by changes of registration or appeals. No general refund schedule for enrollment, tuition or other services was published in the available admissions/policy documents.

Fee payment options
- Enrollment (matrícula) payments are accepted via bank connectivity through authorised banks and via BN Servicios. Specific accepted payment methods for other fee lines (tuition, transport, shop purchases) are not itemised in published documents; the transport service document specifies contractual arrangements directly with route transport providers and notes monthly payment timing and penalties.

Summary of what is published here and data gaps
- Published, route‑level amounts exist for the student transport service (detailed per route, full and medium service prices, December fixed charge, sibling discounts, due dates and late penalty).
- The school's admission and policy documents confirm an enrollment (matrícula) fee is required at registration and that an additional IB programme fee exists (with non‑refundability for programme changes), but those documents do not publish a current, itemised tuition schedule by year group (monthly/term/annual amounts) suitable for direct entry into a fees database for the 2026/27 academic year. A previously published figure (USD 95 monthly) appears for the IB supplement in the 2023–2024 document, but no updated IB amount for 2025/26 or 2026/27 is published in the policy materials located.

If you need these specifics recorded in your database, include the transport‑line items and the IB programme fee (noting the IB fee is programme‑specific and was listed historically as USD 95/month for 2023–24). For all other fee lines (tuition by year group, uniform or meal prices, general refund rules beyond IB), no published amounts were located in the school's publicly available admissions and policy materials.
Academics

Centro Docente Miravalle teaches IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Cambridge Certification is offered, with eleventh-year students prepared to take Cambridge exams and to internationally certify their English language level. Java Programming Certification is available for eleventh-year students. Music Fever is a modern, innovative method of music education based on international standards, delivered in English by bilingual teachers. Our active Project-Based Learning approach focuses on the gradual development of English language skills and the strengthening of critical thinking routines in children and youth. The school serves preschool, primary, and secondary levels.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Wellbeing Department is composed of professionals in psychopedagogy, psychology, and special education across the school. It provides guidance, support, and monitoring for student diversity and collaborates with teachers to strengthen academic development and competency formation. It also trains teaching staff on topics that strengthen classroom work and monitors situations that require interdisciplinary approaches. Programs in Wellbeing Estudiantil include preschool transitions, incubation of preschool competencies, preventive student workshops, psychoeducational talks, transitions to higher levels, climate-improving strategies, and activities to foster solidarity, belonging, and creativity.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A Committee of Support oversees students with special educational needs entering the IB Diploma Programme, with involvement from the Wellbeing Department and two teachers. The committee offers guidance to parents on external evaluation reports (psychology, psychiatry, neurology, neurodevelopment, psychopedagogy, medicine, etc.), reviews external evaluations to ensure they meet requirements, and coordinates actions to support the student's learning. The school provides professionals including teachers, a guiding teacher, psychopedagogy and special education specialists, educational psychology, and a specialty coordinator, and maintains confidentiality of information about students with NEE. The policies align with laws and IB guidelines to promote inclusive education and accessibility.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school's Project-Based Learning approach is oriented toward the gradual development of the English language, supporting ongoing language development across the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Department provides mental health resources and guidance, including tips for caring for the mental health of children. The department operates Monday through Friday from 7:05 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with services to students, teachers, and families available by appointment.

Safeguarding
The school informs students and families about unusual behaviors when needed and maintains the confidentiality of information about students' NEE. The Wellbeing Department leads decisions to improve inclusion and a positive learning environment, coordinating with families and staff to safeguard student wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History
The school began in 1992 when a feasibility study identified Cartago as the location for an educational center. In 1994 the project started to become a high-level bilingual institution focused on education, technology, organization, and holistic formation, and opened its doors to 31 seventh-grade students. The first lessons were taught in a small house in central Cartago, and by mid-opening the first module was built on the land where the campus is located. Enrollment growth led to a second module in 1995, and in 1998 rapid growth prompted the construction of additional modules to accommodate the students. Today Miravalle has 13 modules and 65 classrooms, plus cafeterias, ample parking, plazas, auditoriums, laboratories with the latest technology, and sports and recreational facilities that support educational development and the quality of education.

Community
The school's commitment to the community is to forge happy, independent, and capable students who learn to be better people, contributing to society. The school emphasizes project-based learning that develops English language skills and strengthens critical thinking. The school's values include collaboration, interculturality, and sustainability.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans 30,000 square meters and is monitored 24 hours a day. It comprises 13 modules, about 60 classrooms, plus cafeterias, ample parking, and courtyards. Auditoriums, laboratories with up-to-date technology, and sports and recreational facilities are on site. There are accessible facilities and spacious learning spaces throughout the school.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include a synthetic turf field. There is also a gymnasium for physical education. The campus provides additional athletic spaces and green areas. The facilities support a range of team and individual activities.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include computer laboratories and modern science laboratories. There are 21st-century classrooms designed for contemporary teaching. The on-site library supports study and research. Preschool, primary, and secondary areas share spacious, accessible classrooms. The school houses modern laboratories and dedicated spaces for learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Music Fever is a modern and innovative music program delivered in English by bilingual teachers. Cambridge Certification prepares eleventh-year students to take Cambridge English exams and certifies English proficiency internationally. Eleventh-year students can obtain a JAVA programming certification. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered. Project-Based Learning is used to develop English and strengthen critical-thinking routines.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Olympiads are offered in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry with student teams participating in these competitions. Advanced programs include Precalculus and Calculus, ADIMAT (a program for computational mathematics through neuroscience and emotional intelligence), field science practicums, and monographic research projects. Cambridge English Certification is offered for Eleventh-year students, certifying English proficiency internationally, and Oracle Academy Miravalle provides Java programming certification. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is available, and Music Fever is taught in English by bilingual instructors; Space Camp is conducted in Huntsville, Alabama.

Arts & Creative
Music Fever is the school's music program, delivered in English by bilingual teachers and aligned with international standards. The program is a flagship arts offering under Programas Miravalle. Music education is integrated across the school's grade levels.

Cultural & Language
Intercambios a Londres y Estados Unidos: exchange programs with London and the United States are available. The school welcomes students from other countries and opens opportunities for Miravalle students to study at partner schools abroad. These exchanges enhance language development and intercultural understanding.

Community & Service
Community outreach focuses on developing students who excel academically, physically, emotionally, and ethically, becoming caring, informed, globally-minded young people with a lifelong learning mindset. The program emphasizes social responsibility and engagement with the wider community.

Leadership & Professional
Pasantía vocacional: three-day internship with a tutor from the field of interest. Proyecto MIRAMUN: a Model United Nations simulation where students act as ambassadors of member states, addressing topics such as human rights, justice, policy, development, climate change, and refugees, to propose solutions and maintain peace. Intercambios a Londres y Estados Unidos: exchange opportunities with schools in London and the United States.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Student Wellbeing Department comprises professionals in psychopedagogy, psychology, and special education who provide guidance, support and follow-up for diverse learners and collaborate with teachers to strengthen academic development. It also trains staff on topics that strengthen classroom practice and monitors situations requiring interdisciplinary intervention. Programs cover preschool transitions and competencies, psychoeducational talks, student workshops, and wellbeing bulletins (Info-BE); other initiatives foster a healthy school climate, social-emotional development, and enrichment for gifted students through a Grand Council and age-appropriate pedagogical environments that support reading in English and Spanish.
Languages

Language Provision
English language development is emphasized through a Project-Based Learning approach. Cambridge Certification prepares Eleventh-grade students to take Cambridge exams and certify their English proficiency. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Music Fever is delivered in English by bilingual teachers.

Bilingual Teaching
Preschool has bilingual teachers. Secondary teachers hold international certification. Music Fever is taught in English by bilingual teachers.

Immersion Programs
Music Fever is delivered in English by bilingual teachers.
Admissions

Admissions
Preescolar admissions. 1) Schedule an interview with the family or legal guardian. Contact the Admissions Unit at matricula@colegiomiravalle.com or via WhatsApp at 8450-0555 to arrange the appointment. The interview introduces the family to Miravalle's approach and sets the enrollment process in motion. The appointment is the first step in the admissions process.

2) Interview with the parent or guardian and the student. The interview is conducted with the parent or guardian and the student to discuss background, needs and goals. The admissions team gathers information to determine fit with the program and to explain next steps. The interview helps align expectations for both family and school.

3) Complete the information form for new students. Fill out the information form to initiate enrollment for a new student. The form collects essential details about the student and family for processing. Submission triggers the progression to testing or observation.

4) Take the admission tests and/or the observation of the student. Tests are administered as part of the admissions process; Maternal does not take a test, but an observation is conducted. Results guide the next steps in placement and program fit. Additional evaluation may be requested as needed.

5) Submit the required documents. Provide the documents requested by the school to complete the file. Documentation is used to verify identity, permissions, and eligibility for enrollment. The school will inform you which documents are required.

6) After the admission decision is issued, deliver the original documents. When a decision is communicated, submit the original documents to finalize enrollment. This ensures the student's records are complete for the new academic year. Original documents are required before contract signing.

7) Sign the enrollment contract, by appointment. The enrollment contract is signed by the family with a prior appointment. The contract formalizes enrollment terms and the school's commitments. An appointment helps ensure all details are reviewed before signing.

8) Pay the tuition. The tuition or enrollment fee is paid through the designated banking channels or BN Servicios. Payment finalizes the enrollment and secures the student's place. Proof of payment is typically required to complete the process.

9) Receive an induction briefing according to the convocation date. A school induction talk is provided according to the enrollment period. The briefing introduces families to routines, policies and the upcoming school year.

Primaria (Primary) admissions. 1) Interview with the parent or guardian. An interview is held with the parent/guardian to discuss the student and family context. The school explains its programs and expectations for new students. This interview marks the start of the enrollment process.

2) Admission test for the student (appointment required). The student takes an admission test by appointment. Testing helps determine placement and readiness for the program. The school may request additional information if needed.

3) Submit complete documentation. Provide the full set of documents as indicated by the school. Documentation supports the enrollment file and eligibility verification. You will be informed of the exact documents required.

4) Sign the enrollment contract. The family signs the enrollment contract, with a previa appointment. The contract formalizes enrollment terms and school commitments. A scheduled appointment ensures a thorough review before signing.

5) Pay the tuition. The tuition can be paid through the authorized banking channels or BN Servicios. Payment completes the enrollment and reserves the student's seat. Proof of payment is required to finalize enrollment.

Secundaria (Secondary) admissions. 1) Interview with the parent or guardian. An interview is held with the parent/guardian to review the student's background and goals. The school explains the program and enrollment requirements. This interview initiates the enrollment process.

2) Admission test for the student (previa cita). The student undergoes an admissions test by appointment. The test assesses academic readiness and placement. Additional information may be requested depending on performance.

3) Submit complete documentation. Provide the full set of documents listed by the school. Documentation supports enrollment eligibility and record accuracy. You will be advised which documents are required.

4) Sign the enrollment contract. The enrollment contract is signed by the family, with an appointment. The contract formalizes enrollment terms and expectations. A scheduled appointment ensures all details are reviewed.

5) Pay the tuition. Tuition is paid through the school's approved banking channels or BN Servicios. Payment completes enrollment and secures the student's place. Proof of payment is required to finalize enrollment.

IB Diploma Programme admissions (Program IB Miravalle). 1) Presentation of the Diploma Programme to parents and students through in‑person meetings. The admissions process begins with information sessions about the IB Diploma Programme. These sessions explain requirements, commitments and opportunities for students and families. In‑person meetings help families assess fit and ask questions.

2) Pre-registration of interested candidates. Families and students submit an initial request to be reviewed for Diploma Programme admission. This step initiates the formal review of eligibility and alignment with the IB requirements. It sets the stage for a formal admission review.

3) Video and letter of intent by the student and parental commitment. The student prepares a personal video and a formal letter of intent, while parents submit a commitment letter. These materials demonstrate the student's goals and the family's support for the Diploma Programme. The documents are evaluated as part of the admission review.

4) Student attends a convivio and participates in activities. The student attends an event where skills relevant to the Diploma Programme are assessed. Attendance and performance in this convivio inform the admissions decision. The school looks for evidence of collaboration, communication and critical thinking.

5) Admissions committee verifies documents and academic/disciplinary requirements. The committee reviews the student's documentation and checks academic and behavioral records. A final decision is communicated to the family through the official channels. The school reserves the right of admission for Diploma Programme candidates as appropriate.
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