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Futuro Verde

Costa Rica, Guanacaste

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 230
Type Co-educational
Opened 2008
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Spanish
Typical class size 17
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Futuro Verde is an IB World School in Costa Rica offering preschool through 12th grade (ages 3 to 18). The campus on the Nicoya Peninsula sits amid lush jungle, where learning regularly unfolds in contact with the natural environment. The school is bilingual, with instruction in English and Spanish, and follows a constructivist, inquiry-based approach. Its transdisciplinary curriculum blends multiple disciplines through project-based inquiry to foster international mindedness, with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, global issues, social justice, and intercultural relations. The Diploma Programme forms part of the upper secondary continuum, and the school serves about 230 students from diverse backgrounds. Since 2018 Futuro Verde has been an IB World School authorized to offer the IB DP. It maintains Costa Rica's highest green certification and runs campus initiatives to reduce waste and conserve energy, reflecting its commitment to sustainability as a core value. Well-being and service are central values.

Carretera Cóbano a Montezuma – 1.3 km del BNCR Cóbano, Puntarenas

The Essentials

Futuro Verde has 230 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Cobano, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Located on the Cobano–Montezuma road, 1.3 km from the BNCR (Banco Nacional de Costa Rica) in Cobano.

Stages
Preschool through 12th grade (PK3–12).

Type
IB World School offering Preschool through 12th grade.

Country affiliation
Costa Rica
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires uniforms and a dress code. Official Futuro Verde uniforms may be purchased on campus. Shirts cost ₡8,000; Physical Education uniform (shirt and shorts) costs ₡12,500; IB shirts cost ₡9,000.

Food Options
The school operates a cafeteria service with meals for students. The cafeteria is prepaid and charged for the full month (excluding vacation periods). Payments are processed through the service provider, Doris Madrigal Villegas, with BNCR and IBAN payment details available; a monthly payment form is required and a Cafeteria Service Form is used to register usage. Contact Doris Madrigal via WhatsApp at +506 8778 1783 for arrangements.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private bilingual international school that is auto-financed by monthly school fees and offers scholarships to at least 30% of the student body. It is governed by a school board.
Fees
Application and Enrollment Fees

- A one-time enrollment fee (matrícula) is required at registration. A separate new-family fee applies to first-time students. A volunteer fee is also charged where applicable. These one-time fees are non-refundable.

Tuition fees by year group (amounts)

- Detailed tuition rates by year group and term are published in the school's Appendix 1 (2025–2026 rates) and are used to calculate the annual fee and monthly installments. The publicly available contract and admissions pages reference Appendix 1 for the full rate table but do not list the per-grade numeric rates on those pages. Appendix 1 is the school's source for the full per-year and per-term rates.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual tuition may be paid as a single full payment (which carries a 5% discount) or in monthly installments. The contract establishes payment of the annual fee in 12 consecutive monthly installments. Monthly installments are expected early in each month; the contract specifies payment before the 5th of each month, and the admissions guidance states monthly fees are due by the 10th. Late-payment interest of 5% is applied to outstanding amounts beginning on the 11th of the month. Families who pay annually are not required to issue the three-month promissory note that is requested for monthly payers. If two or more installments are missed, the school may suspend services and take collection measures. Sibling discounts apply (second child 5%, third child 10%, fourth child 15%) and do not apply to registration or other one-time fees.

Boarding / Accommodation

- Futuro Verde does not list any boarding or residential program fees and the contract treats transportation, food, and overnight activities as separate services with their own arrangements; there is no indication of an on-site boarding option or boarding fees.

Other charges and regular additional costs

- IB students must pay IB examination fees and other IB-related expenses separately from tuition. Field trips, expeditions, and extracurricular providers (for example, bus transport and cafeteria services) are charged separately and are not included in monthly or registration payments. Some official activities (trips, graduations, expeditions) require advance payment; non-payment may exclude the student from participation. The school maintains a collective student insurance policy with coverage up to CRC 500,000; any excess cost is the family's responsibility.

Uniforms and supplies

- Official uniforms are sold on campus. Current posted prices are:
- Regular shirts: ₡8,000.
- Physical-education uniform (shirt + shorts): ₡12,500.
- IB shirts: ₡9,000.
- Historical school communication indicates that the enrollment fee has in some years included the provision of classroom supplies; however, parents remain responsible for certain personal items (backpack, water bottle, and a laptop where indicated for upper grades).

Refund and withdrawal policy

- One-time fees (enrollment, new-family fee, and monthly tuition payments) are explicitly stated as non-refundable. If a student is withdrawn for disciplinary or legal violations, the contract remains valid up to the end of the withdrawal month; the financial obligations for that month remain in force. The school may condition future enrollment on outstanding payments.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Accepted payment methods include Banco Nacional internet banking (payments via the educational-centers menu), BN-affiliated payment points, and in-person payment at Banco Nacional branches. The school accepts domestic transfers in Costa Rican colones and US dollars; posted account details are:
- Colones account (Banco Nacional): 200-01-090-008962-7; Cuenta Cliente: 15109020010089623; IBAN: CR12015109020010089623.
- US dollar account (Banco Nacional): 200-02-090-005264-8; Cuenta Cliente: 15109020020052644; IBAN: CR09015109020020052644.
- For families without a local bank account who need to make an international transfer, the finance department provides assistance via email (tania@futuro-verde.org). Payments can also be made in person at the school in designated hours.

Discounts and scholarships

- Sibling discounts to tuition: second child 5%, third child 10%, fourth child 15% (these discounts do not apply to registration or other non-tuition fees). A sliding-scale tuition and scholarship program are available to permanent students by application; scholarship and sliding-scale applications for 2026–2027 are scheduled to open April 1, 2026. Annual-payment discount: 5% for families who pay the full year in advance.

Summary of availability of specific numeric tuition rates

- The school's contract and admissions notices reference a separate detailed rate table (Appendix 1: 2025–2026 Rates) for the exact numeric tuition amounts by year group and term. The contract and admissions pages available publicly describe payment structure, one-time fees, discounts, penalties, and other charges in detail, but the per-grade numeric fee table itself is not published on those pages. The Appendix 1 rate table is cited by the school as the source for the specific amounts.
Academics

Futuro Verde teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Futuro Verde is an IB World School offering preschool through 12th grade. The school is bilingual, with instruction in English and Spanish. It follows a constructivist, inquiry-based learning approach. The curriculum emphasizes environmental stewardship, global issues, social justice, and intercultural relations. Learning is transdisciplinary, integrating multiple disciplines through project-based inquiry to foster international mindedness.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Peace Practices run weekly for all preschool through 12th grade students. Regular school-wide community meetings update learning, celebrate successes, and reinforce the Futuro Verde community profile descriptors: inquirer, knowledgeable, a thinker, a communicator, principled, open-minded, caring, a risk-taker, balanced, and reflective. The routine includes a welcome, mindfulness, songs, stretching, and discussions tied to monthly descriptors, followed by announcements, a News of the Day, and sharing of learning. The program reflects Costa Rica's pacifist roots and aims to foster peaceful, collaborative learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Due to the diversity of our student population, some students may require external specialized educational support, such as a personal tutor, a teaching assistant, occupational therapy, specialized psychotherapy, academic tutoring, second-language support, or special behavior management approaches. These services cannot be provided by the school; students at all levels with any special educational needs or with limited or no proficiency in Spanish and/or English must complete the school's required assessments and, if determined by the institution, participate in a language-support course after school; costs for tests and tutoring or courses are borne by the family.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
External language support for a second language may be required for some students, and language-support courses may be offered after school; costs for tests and tutoring or courses are borne by the family.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through Peace Practices, which provide weekly mindfulness activities, opportunities for reflection, and avenues for social connection across all grades.

Safeguarding
Safety and liability are addressed through formal safety measures during official curricular and extracurricular activities; non-official activities outside school premises fall under the guardian's responsibility. In medical emergencies, Futuro Verde may take urgent actions such as hospitalization or hiring private medical professionals, with guardian authorization; the guardian bears legal and financial responsibility. The school may require drug testing within 48 hours if there is reasonable suspicion, and belongings may be inspected; police may be present on campus for prevention and detection of weapons. The school reserves the right to modify the academic calendar in extraordinary circumstances.
Parent Experience

History
Futuro Verde was established in 2008 on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. It was founded by Ekaterina Barquero Chaves, Andrea Drost, and Astrid Schultz to provide holistic, personalized education emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship. The school began with three students and has since grown to around 230 students from diverse backgrounds. In 2018, Futuro Verde was authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme for grades 10 through 12. The school emphasizes environmental commitments, including the highest green certification in Costa Rica and campus initiatives to reduce waste and conserve energy.

Community
Futuro Verde has a diverse international community of students and educators, supported by a local network. The school emphasizes environmental stewardship and inquiry-based learning, with events and volunteering programs that involve families. There is a strong emphasis on community engagement, including ongoing volunteer and outreach programs and a calendar of events open to students, parents, and the broader community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Futuro Verde maintains a governance structure that includes an active Board & Association. The board is led by President Jeffe Tanghe, with Soledad Yacob as Vice President, Katherine Schenone as Secretary, Ginger Doud as Treasurer, and members Emma Todd Lacono, Heather Gerould, Valentina, and Stephanie serving as Vocal I-III. The association operates within a private bilingual international school that is self-financed by monthly fees and offers scholarships to at least 30% of the student body. The school engages in volunteer and outreach programs coordinated through the association, welcoming involvement from the broader community. The Association supports the school's mission and helps ensure financial sustainability and community involvement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Futuro Verde is a dynamic IB World School offering preschool through 12th grade. It is a bilingual, international school with instruction in English and Spanish. The learning approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning and addressing global issues related to social justice, intercultural relations, and the environment. Surrounded by lush jungle, learning takes place with direct interaction with the natural world, making nature a central part of education. The school promotes environmental stewardship and maintains a diverse, committed community of educators.

Academic Facilities
Futuro Verde is an IB World School offering preschool through 12th grade. The Diploma Programme forms part of the upper secondary IB continuum. Instruction is bilingual in English and Spanish. The preschool program covers PK3, PK4, and Kinder; primary and secondary programs span Grades 1–12. The International Baccalaureate program is a core element of the school, with an emphasis on inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Upcoming activities include Art in the Wild (March 19, 2026), UN Debate (March 27–29, 2026), Biodiversity Day (April 22, 2026), Book Night and Authors (April 30, 2026), FV Got Talent (May 20, 2026), and Mathematics Olympiad (June 5, 2026).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Futuro Verde is an IB World School offering a preschool through 12th‑grade program. The school is bilingual and international, guiding students to become reflective inquirers who address global issues related to social justice, intercultural relations, and the environment. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry‑based learning, with nature as a core learning environment that supports exploration and critical thinking. The IB Diploma in the upper years reflects the school's international mindset.

Arts & Creative
Student life includes arts and cultural events such as Art in the Wild, a Night of Books and Authors, and FV Got Talent. These arts and literary activities encourage creativity and performance as part of the school's program. The events integrate creative expression with learning across grade levels.

Cultural & Language
Futuro Verde is bilingual and international, with students learning across two languages. Growing up bilingual: a life lived in two languages.

Social & Hobbies
Active, artistic, and creative pursuits are integral to holistic learning at Futuro Verde. The school offers cultural and recreational activities through events and clubs and promotes social collaboration among students. Sports and outdoor activities are part of daily life, reinforcing well‑being and teamwork.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is supported through student participation in events such as the United Nations Debate, which fosters public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Nature is our classroom, with learning conducted in a lush jungle environment that encourages inquiry and environmental stewardship. Competitive sports are offered to support physical health and overall well‑being.
Languages

Language Provision
Futuro Verde emphasizes multilingualism and language diversity as part of its bilingual program. The school promotes mother-language maintenance and multilingual literacy, noting that strong mother-language skills support literacy in other languages. The IB program supports international mindedness.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is a bilingual international school offering preschool through 12th grade. It is an IB World School. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and international mindedness.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the Admission Form. All prospective students must fill out the New Student Admission Form thoroughly and accurately. 2. Admission Fee Payment. A non-refundable payment of $100 USD per student is required to process the application. 3. Submit Required Documents. All prospective students must provide the following documents where applicable and available. 4. January Admissions. This applies to students transferring from Costa Rica's national calendar (February–December) to Futuro Verde's Northern Hemisphere calendar (August–June). 5. Evaluation and Placement. Students may be placed in their current or previous grade level based on admissions evaluations and interview results; this assessment is particularly important for students coming from a national calendar (January to December). 6. PreK to 3rd Grade Applicants. Applicants from PreK to 3rd Grade will undergo a tailored admissions process designed to assess their developmental and academic readiness; A. Special Education Assessment; B. Admissions Interview. 7. 4th to 10th Grade Applicants. At Futuro Verde, applicants seeking enrollment as permanent students may be subject to testing and must successfully pass admissions exams to be considered for admission. The exams cover the following subjects: A. Spanish Language Arts; B. English Language Arts; C. Mathematics (Oxford IB Mathematics). 8.

Scholarships
Scholarships at Futuro Verde: Scholarship Applications Timeline. Returning Students for the next school year: Application Period April 1 – April 30; decisions by May 15. New Students Enrolling for Semester 1: Application Period May 1 – May 31; decisions by June 15. New Students Enrolling for Semester 2: Application Period November 1 – November 30; decisions by December 15. Step 1: Application process. Complete online application and submit required documents. Step 2: Fee Payment. Non-refundable application fee: 40,000 CRC per student; Admission fee: $100 per student (waived); Registration fee: 400,000 CRC per student (percentage based on scholarship); New Family Fee: 300,000 CRC per student (percentage based on scholarship); Parent Volunteer Fee: 75,000 CRC per student (faculty exempt). Family Discount. Families applying for enrollment with two or more children are eligible for a 5% discount on the second child's enrollment, a 10% discount on the third, and a 15% discount on the fourth; the 5/10/15% discount does not extend to registration or other fees. Payment Days. Monthly fees are due by the 10th of each month; from the 11th, a 5% interest will be applied to the outstanding amount. Payments can be made via transfer or the National Bank's Internet Banking, or in person from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Annual Payment. Families paying the full annual amount receive a 5% discount. IB Examination. All IB students must separately pay the examination fees and other IB-related expenses. Additional Costs. Field trips and expeditions are not included in monthly or registration payments; the bus provider and Cafeteria are separate costs. For additional inquiries: admissions@futuro-verde.org or +506 8777 2100.
School Events
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