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Journey School of Costa Rica

Costa Rica, Guanacaste

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees CRC 11,707
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 290
Type Co-educational
Opened 2016
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Preschool
Introduction

Journey School of Costa Rica is an international, bilingual day school serving ages 2–18 across two campuses: Tamarindo (the flagship) and Jacó. The school offers a dual-language PreK–12 program aligned with the IB Primary Years (PYP) and Middle Years (MYP) frameworks, with instruction in English and Spanish. A transdisciplinary, project-based approach unites mathematics, science, language, and the arts, anchored by a Reggio Emilia-inspired ethos and the idea of the '100 Languages of Children' to support expression through multiple modalities. Social-emotional learning is woven into daily life via Conscious Discipline and restorative justice. Tamarindo carries IB accreditation and national approvals (MEP, Dirección de Educación Privada) as well as Middle States Association, while Jacó pursues similar accreditations. The community includes students from 35 countries, speaking 27 native languages. After-school options span sports, arts, robotics, culture, and service, reinforcing inquiry, well-being, and global citizenship. Students benefit from a collaborative, international community that supports curiosity, kindness, and discovery.

152, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica

The Essentials

Journey School of Costa Rica has 290 pupils, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Two campuses in Costa Rica: Tamarindo (152, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo 50309) and Jacó (Calle Ancha, Plaza Boulevard Local #33, Garabito, Jacó 61101). Tamarindo is the flagship campus on the Gold Coast in Guanacaste; Jacó is in the Central Pacific region.

Type
International bilingual day school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from 35 countries; 27 languages spoken.

Additional learning support
Student Support Services provides social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, ADHD support, academic modifications, reading support, and ESL; approximately 20% of students require specialized support; the team includes a neuropsychologist, a psychiatrist, a school psychologist, an ESL and reading coordinator, and a social-emotional coordinator.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Franchise-based governance and ownership. Journey School of Costa Rica operates as a franchise program with multiple campuses (Tamarindo and Jacó). The franchise program provides accreditation support and leadership guidance through the process, including pre-approved architectural plans and ongoing mentorship. Accreditations across the network include IB, MEP, DGE, MSA, and Cognia.
Fees

Annual tuition at Journey School of Costa Rica ranges from CRC 11,707 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrollment Fees
- Initial (one‑time) enrollment fee: USD 800 (one‑time per new enrolment).
- Annual re‑enrollment fee (listed as a yearly payment): USD 800 (charged each year).

Tuition fees (Per campus; Pre‑K through Grade 12)
- General / Other campus (published 2025–2026 figures):
- Monthly tuition (11 payments, due last day of each month for the following month): 1st student USD 926; 2nd student USD 880; 3rd student USD 833; 4th student USD 787.
- Annual (single‑payment) tuition: 1st student USD 9,167; 2nd student USD 8,712; 3rd student USD 8,247; 4th student USD 7,791.
- Campus concierge medical: USD 240 per year.
- Materials fee: USD 700 per year.
- The published schedule covers Pre‑Kinder through 12th grade at these rates.

- Tamarindo campus (published 2025–2026 figures):
- Monthly tuition (11 payments, due last day of each month for the following month): 1st student USD 882; 2nd student USD 838; 3rd student USD 794; 4th student USD 750.
- Annual (single‑payment) tuition: 1st student USD 8,732; 2nd student USD 8,296; 3rd student USD 7,861; 4th student USD 7,425.
- Materials fee: USD 700 per year.
- Campus concierge medical: USD 220 per year.
- Field trips, taxes, and insurance are listed as included in the annual tuition.

- Costa Ballena campus (published 2025–2026 figures):
- Monthly tuition (11 payments, due last day of each month for the following month): 1st student USD 840; 2nd student USD 798; 3rd student USD 756; 4th student USD 714.
- Annual (single‑payment) tuition: 1st student USD 8,316; 2nd student USD 7,900; 3rd student USD 7,484; 4th student USD 7,068.
- Materials fee: USD 700 per year.
- Field trips, taxes, and insurance are listed as included in the annual tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Monthly option: tuition billed as monthly installments (11 payments); each monthly payment is due on the last day of the month for the following month.
- Annual single‑payment option: a single annual payment is offered with a published 10% discount when paid by the stated annual payment due date in the published fee document for that year. Specific published due dates in the fee materials include June 1, 2025 (general/other campus) and prior annual deadlines shown on campus materials (dates vary by document).
- Materials fee and other recurring small fees (listed separately) are billed yearly as indicated in the published fee schedules.

Boarding fees
- Journey School operates as a day school (no boarding program); therefore no boarding fees are charged.

Other costs and charges
- Materials fee: USD 700 per year (listed separately from tuition).
- Campus concierge medical fee (health/medical coverage): USD 220–240 per year depending on the published campus schedule.
- Annual re‑enrollment fee: USD 800 per year (listed as an annual payment).
- The published fee statements indicate there are no additional or hidden fees and that field trips, taxes, and insurance are included in annual tuition.

Refund information
- The published fee documents do not include a detailed, standalone refund schedule in the fee materials provided for the 2025–2026 fee publications. When a formal refund schedule is required it is handled according to the school's financial/enrollment policies as administered by the accounting office.

Fee payment options
- Credit card payments are accepted with pricing information available through the school accounting contact (parents are directed to email accounting@journeyschool.com for credit‑card pricing).
- Monthly billing and annual single‑payment options are published; monthly payments follow the 11‑payment schedule described above.

If you are entering these figures into a database, use the campus‑specific blocks above for the published 2025–2026 tuition and fees (Pre‑K through Grade 12), the one‑time initial enrollment fee (USD 800), the annual re‑enrollment fee (USD 800), and the listed yearly materials and medical fees.
Academics

Journey School of Costa Rica teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Dual-language, PreK–12 curriculum. Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Reggio Emilia-inspired practices form the core, with the '100 Languages of Children' guiding expression through multiple modalities. Social-Emotional Learning is integrated through Conscious Discipline and restorative justice to support well-being and community. The Tamarindo campus is accredited by International Baccalaureate (IB), the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), Dirección de Educación Privada, and the Middle States Association (MSA); other campuses are pursuing similar accreditations.

Student Teacher Ratio
253 students and 30 teachers/advisors at the Tamarindo campus; student-teacher ratio approximately 8.4:1.

Higher Education Progression
Alumni have attended Berklee School of Music, Cornell University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas at Austin, University of Washington, Pepperdine University, University of Illinois Chicago, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. Edward's University, University of Minnesota, University of North Carolina, McGill University, McMaster University, University of Prince Edward Island, University of Toronto, University of Vancouver, Catholic University of Milan, University of Amsterdam, King's College, and Edinburgh School of Art.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) into every aspect of the curriculum to prioritize emotional well-being and resilience. The Conscious Discipline trauma-informed framework is used to integrate SEL, discipline, and self-regulation, and Restorative Justice supports conflict resolution and empathetic communication.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Approximately 20% of students require more specialized support, and follow individualized plans with accommodations and modifications. The Student Support Services team provides expertise in social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, ADHD, academic modifications, reading support, and ESL. The team includes a neuropsychologist, a psychiatrist, a school psychologist, an ESL and reading coordinator, and a social-emotional coordinator.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ESL services are provided through Student Support Services, with an ESL and reading coordinator on staff.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental well-being is supported through the integration of SEL into the curriculum and the Conscious Discipline framework for self-regulation; a dedicated social-emotional coordinator supports students alongside other mental-health professionals on the Student Support Services team.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in August 2016 as a pilot program, Journey School of Costa Rica, Tamarindo began with 20 learners in the Gold Coast region. The Tamarindo campus has grown to 290 students enrolled on campus and online, supported by a team of 30 teachers and advisors. Tamarindo serves as the flagship campus and the professional development hub for the Journey School of Costa Rica family, and is a laboratory for innovation in education. Education at Journey School is a joyful and adventurous journey, with a focus on delight, kindness, and discovery within a vibrant international community. Tamarindo is accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), Dirección de Educación Privada, and the Middle States Association (MSA); other campuses are pursuing similar accreditations.

Community
Journey School of Costa Rica is a community and a family, with doors open to bridge families and the school, fostering inclusivity and unity. A profound sense of community peace is cultivated, with core values such as Joy, Kindness, Compassion, Forgiveness, Generosity of Spirit, Empathy, Gratitude, Curiosity, Academic Excellence, and Love guiding daily life. Daily connection, hands-on experiences, and service to others help students build lifelong relationships. The community welcomes students from 35 countries, speaking 27 languages and dialects.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates two campuses: Tamarindo and Jacó. Tamarindo is the flagship campus and the professional development hub for the Journey School of Costa Rica family. It is described as a laboratory for innovation in education and a joyful, adventurous learning environment within an international community. The Jacó campus is located in Garabito, Jacó, Costa Rica. The school pursues international accreditation, including IB World School status (IB code 062813), and accreditations from the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), Dirección de Educación Privada, and the Middle States Association (MSA). The community includes students from 35 countries, speaking multiple languages.

Sports Facilities
The athletics program includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, chess, cross country, parkour, and more. The Journey Jaguars have earned national and regional championships in basketball and volleyball, with other students achieving titles in chess and cross country and competing in parkour. The program also participates in the National Math Olympics, reflecting a balance between athletic and academic excellence.

Academic Facilities
Lessons are delivered through a transdisciplinary approach that integrates mathematics, science, language, and the arts, with students collaborating on projects and applying concepts to real-world contexts. Daily enrichment includes art, music, language, and science investigation, and social-emotional learning is woven throughout the day, including mindful morning meetings and collaborative tasks. The school emphasizes project-based learning as a core method and draws on a Reggio Emilia-inspired ethos, referencing the '100 Languages of Children' to support creative expression.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school activities include a wide range of clubs and sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, chess, cross country, parkour, skating, karate, Brazilian jiu jitsu, yoga and acro, cooking, science experiments, origami, rock painting, Spanish tutoring, and dance. Additional programs cover terminology-based tutoring, robotics and math-focused activities, and cultural and creative exploration, all designed to complement academics and build skills outside the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Project Based Learning (PBL) drives the curriculum, encouraging students to actively engage with their studies and apply knowledge to real-world contexts. Core subjects are taught through transdisciplinary connections that integrate mathematics, science, language, and the arts. The program emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and self-regulation. The school is IB World School accredited, aligning its program with international standards for rigorous academics.

Arts & Creative
After-school activities include artistic expression such as mural painting, graffiti, music, video creation, and photography. Rock painting and other crafts are offered through after-school clubs. Culture and Tradition workshops cover Costa Rican indigenous customs through dances, pottery, and traditional ceremonies. Dance and other arts-focused programs are available through the After School Activities lineup.

Cultural & Language
Culture and Tradition workshops focus on Costa Rican indigenous customs through dances, pottery, and traditional ceremonies. The school community welcomes students from 35 countries and languages; 27 native languages and dialects are spoken within the community. The diverse, multilingual environment supports cross-cultural learning and global awareness.

Social & Hobbies
Athletics and after-school activities include basketball, soccer, volleyball, skateboarding, and parkour. The programs emphasize skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Academic enrichment clubs include Math Olympics, science experiments, and Spanish tutoring through after-school offerings. The YANDA program provides a holistic after-school experience focused on creativity, movement, culture, and community.

Community & Service
Journey School emphasizes community and inclusivity, with daily connection, service to others, and mutual respect as core practices. Restorative Justice guides conflict resolution and relationship-building within the school community. The community values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming students from 35 countries and many languages.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor time, athletics, and shared meals are integrated into the daily routine to support balance and well-being. The 6M's program combines Muscle, Movement, Motivation, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Meals to promote physical and mental well-being. Yoga and Acro, parkour, and other movement activities improve flexibility, balance, and confidence. Dancing, sports, and other activities contribute to a healthy, active lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught as a second language. An After School Spanish Tutoring for Beginners program promotes basic vocabulary and daily sentences with gradual immersion. English Language Arts (ELA) is taught by English teachers, including Jim Niven as an English Teacher.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is described as an International Bilingual School. Spanish is taught as a second language, including an After School Spanish Tutoring for Beginners program. The community includes students from 35 countries, speaking 27 languages, creating a diverse bilingual environment.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Scholarships
Annual Scholarship Application Review Process: Scholarships are reviewed once a year and weighed by needs, and dependent upon availability. To assist eligibility, the scholarship information form asks for: 1) Requested Scholarship Amount; 2) Expected Earned Income; 3) Property & Assets; 4) Business Interests. The Apply link leads to a Google form. Journey School of Costa Rica Tamarindo is accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IBO Code: 062813), the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP), Dirección de Educación Privada, and the Middle States Association (MSA).
School Events
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