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Mareas Academy

Costa Rica, Guanacaste

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2012
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Located in Sámara, Guanacaste, Mareas Academy is a bilingual school offering Pre-K through High School education. The curriculum blends the Costa Rican framework with North American standards and is delivered in Spanish and English. From Kindergarten through high school, the Singapore Math method is used, supporting strong mathematical thinking. Mareas collaborates with The Ogburn School Inc. in Florida, enabling a fully recognized international program; work is reviewed to high standards and a legally valid certificate is issued by The Ogburn School at the end of each school year. Class sizes are small, with no more than 15 students, fostering individual attention. The new campus provides flexible, technology-enabled classrooms with interactive screens and cameras, barrier-free access, movable walls, an infant reaction area, and accessible restrooms, and runs on solar energy installed in 2016. The school emphasizes field trips, project-based learning, arts, and learning through nature and culture, shaping engaged learners.

Guanacaste Province, Sámara, Costa Rica

The Essentials

Mareas Academy has instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Located in Playa Sámara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The address is Sámara Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica 50205, near Samara Woods.

Stages
Pre-K to High School.

Type
The school is a bilingual school in Sámara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, accredited through The Ogburn School in Florida.

Country affiliation
Costa Rica
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires a uniform; the uniform costs $30 each.

Governance and Ownership
The school is accredited through The Ogburn School in Florida. The school was founded by parents, teachers, and students.
Fees
Academic year covered
- Figures and policies below apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Application and enrollment fees
- Application fee: USD 150 (non‑refundable).
- Enrollment fee: price varies by level (amount determined at time of enrolment).
- Credit application fee (for families applying to pay in installments): USD 300.

Taxes and additional obligatory charges
- 2% VAT applies to applicable charges.
- Prices do not include meals, field trips, extra‑curricular activities, tutoring, or transportation.

Uniforms and other routine costs
- Uniform: USD 30 each (per item).
- Additional incidental costs (repair/replacement for damaged school property) must be paid immediately by the responsible family.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)
- Annual tuition amounts by specific year group, and per‑term breakdowns, are not published as fixed figures in the school's public fee schedule. The school charges tuition on an annual basis; specific annual or per‑term tuition rates are provided by the school at the time of enrollment and vary by level.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is billed as an annual cost and is due in a single payment before the start of the school year (payment required before July 15th when that deadline is in effect).
- Families may request financing of the annual tuition into either 3 or 10 installments subject to credit approval; a USD 300 credit application fee applies for installment plans.
- When on an approved installment plan, all monthly payments are due before the 1st of the month to which they apply.
- Late payment penalties (when on installment plans): 15% fee for payments made after the 1st of the month; 25% fee for payments made after the 6th of the month.
- Students whose tuition is not paid before the 15th of the month are not permitted to continue attending and the school will withhold grades, transcripts, and student materials until the debt is cleared.
- In the event a student does not attend school for any length of time, tuition and fees are not reduced or adjusted; the full monthly tuition obligation remains.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school does not operate a boarding program and there are no boarding fees.

Refunds and cancellations
- All fees are non‑refundable.

Discounts
- Family discount applies to tuition only: 5% discount for the second student; 10% discount for additional students.

Payment methods and options
- Cash is not accepted for tuition or enrollment.
- Primary payment method: bank deposit to the school's account at Banco Nacional de Costa Rica.
- PayPal payments are accepted but are subject to an additional 15% surcharge to cover PayPal and bank fees.
- For families requesting the financed installment options (3 or 10 payments), arrangements and terms must be made in the school office and are subject to credit approval.

Other payment policies
- The school will not release grades, transcripts, or student materials until outstanding tuition or fees are paid in full.
- The school reserves the right to take disciplinary action, suspend, or dismiss any student for non‑payment or for conduct considered unsatisfactory.

Summary of missing tuition rate detail
- Specific numeric tuition rates by year group (per term and per year) are not published in the public fee summary; families receive the exact annual tuition amount for their child's level at the point of enrollment.
Academics

Mareas Academy teaches American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows both the Costa Rican curriculum and North American standards. It offers a bilingual program with a solid foundation in Spanish, English, mathematics, and science. The Singapore Math method is used from Kindergarten through high school. The school collaborates with The Ogburn School Inc., enabling a fully recognized international program, with work reviewed to high standards and a legally valid certificate issued by The Ogburn School at the end of each school year.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes; no more than 15 students per class.

Higher Education Progression
Electives broaden in high school to prepare for university or professional life.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Collaborative, inclusive community fosters social and emotional development at Mareas Academy. The school uses a holistic learning approach that integrates project-based learning, artistic stimulation, and time spent in nature to engage students emotionally and socially. Older students interact with younger ones and mentor them, building leadership, empathy, and responsibility across grade levels. A caring environment is cultivated where each student is valued, respect is emphasized, and learning through cooperation is encouraged. The mission is to shape loving, responsible, respectful, and grateful adults who contribute positively to the community.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Mareas Academy runs a bilingual program that follows both the Costa Rican curriculum and North American standards. It provides a solid foundation in Spanish, English, mathematics, and science. The Singapore Math method is used from Kindergarten through high school to promote mathematical and logical thinking. The bilingual approach supports language development in two languages across the curriculum. Through this program, Mareas Academy aims to develop proficiency in both languages and core subjects.
Parent Experience

History
Mareas Academy was founded in 2012 by Angelina Phillips (USA), Lenina Araya (Costa Rica), and Miryam González (Colombia). The founders created Mareas International Homeschool in Patio Colonial Shopping Center, starting with five students—the founders' own children—and enrollment grew to twenty in the first year. In 2019, Mareas Academy relocated to a larger campus one kilometer from downtown Sámara, made possible by the generosity of Doña Cristina Castillo. In November 2024, Mareas Academy moved into new facilities designed to meet the requirements for official accreditation from the Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica.

Community
Fostering a collaborative community, Mareas Academy supports academic and personal growth and prepares students to be responsible global citizens. The school was founded by parents, teachers, and students and promotes essential community collaboration for personal growth. It values a diverse environment where everyone works together with respect and cooperation.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The new Mareas Academy campus is a facility designed to provide a top-tier educational experience. The building is one of the largest in the area. Flexible and customizable spaces use movable walls to create divisions or open spaces for different activities. Each classroom is equipped with interactive screens and cameras to support technology-enhanced teaching. The campus emphasizes accessibility with barrier-free access and universal design features. In April 2016, solar panels were installed to power the school, reflecting environmental stewardship.

Academic Facilities
Each classroom is equipped with interactive screens and cameras to support technology-enhanced instruction. A specialized infant reaction area and accessible restrooms are part of the facilities. Flexible spaces with movable walls allow teachers to create smaller or larger learning areas. The facilities comply with universal accessibility standards, ensuring barrier-free access. Solar panels power the school, supporting sustainability.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Beyond language learning, Mareas Academy offers immersive courses across subjects. Field trips and projects stimulate curiosity and critical thinking. Art and creativity are fundamental pillars of teaching, with students exploring new artistic techniques. The school emphasizes learning through nature and cultural experiences. Yoga sessions and library gatherings are accommodated within flexible spaces.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is bilingual in Playa Sámara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It is accredited through The Ogburn School in Florida and offers education from Pre-K to High School. Classes are small, with no more than 15 students, and the curriculum combines the Costa Rican framework with North American standards. Singapore Math and project-based learning are emphasized to develop critical thinking and problem solving.

Arts & Creative
Art and creativity are fundamental pillars of Mareas Academy. Students explore new artistic techniques and express their creativity daily. The curriculum complements academic learning with practical and innovative experiences.

Cultural & Language
The school is bilingual and fosters intercultural exchange and learning about other cultures. It prepares students to be responsible global citizens. The school emphasizes exchange of ideas and exposure to different cultural perspectives.

Community & Service
Mareas Academy was founded by parents, teachers, and students. It promotes community collaboration for personal growth. A diverse environment is fostered where everyone works together with respect and cooperation. The school emphasizes values of respect and cooperation across the community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Learning is interactive and nature-based. The natural environment is leveraged to foster a deep connection with the planet. Field trips and projects stimulate curiosity and critical thinking. Engagement with nature and art supports a love for learning.
Languages

Language Provision
Bilingual language education is provided.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is bilingual in Playa Sámara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school is accredited through The Ogburn School in Florida.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Prepare documents: The school requires a digital copy of your passport, a digital copy of your child's passport, a digital copy of your child's most recent school transcripts, and a digital copy of your child's vaccination records. Complete the Parent Admission Questionnaire, which is available here. If your child is in 4th Grade or above, complete the Student Admission Questionnaire, which is available here. When you have all of that together, go to the online application to begin the submission. 2. Complete the questionnaires: Complete the Parent Admission Questionnaire. If applicable, the Student Admission Questionnaire for students in 4th Grade or above. The questionnaires collect information to help evaluate the applicant's background and needs. Both questionnaires should be submitted as part of the application package. 3. Submit the online application: After gathering the documents and completing the questionnaires, submit the online application. The online application is the next step in the admissions process. Ensure all information is accurate and up to date before submitting. 4. Contact for details: For more details or if there are additional questions, contact the admissions office. The admissions team is available to assist and welcomes families as part of the Mareas family.
School Events
The school has not added events
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