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Saint Paul College

Costa Rica, San Jose

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 0 - 17 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1982
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish
Strengths Languages, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Saint Paul College is a private bilingual school in Costa Rica serving ages 0 to 17 across two campuses: a Preschool/Primary campus and a Secondary campus. The school delivers a bilingual curriculum from preschool through secondary, with active, play‑based learning and early English–Spanish immersion in the early years. In primary, the bilingual program features dynamic activities, STEAM laboratories, and the development of cognitive, academic, social and emotional skills, plus sports and arts. In secondary, students follow a rigorous bilingual program with interdisciplinary projects and technology integration, and have the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in grades 10 and 11 alongside national subjects. Cognia accreditation and Cognia Early Learning accreditation acknowledge the school's standards after 44 years of history. Facilities include two campuses with libraries, science and computer labs, technology‑enabled classrooms, a pool, gym, athletics track and football pitches, plus a Green House and garden. Extracurriculars include the ACE Programme, Coding and STEAM Skill International Program, Challenger Program, A.S.A.P, SP Sports Academy, MUN, and the English Musical. Special subjects include Art, Music, Computing, Religion, Guidance, Physical Education, and Swimming.

Alajuela Province, San Rafael, Costa Rica

The Essentials

Saint Paul College has instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Located in the west sector of the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) in Costa Rica. The campus comprises two separate facilities: one for Preschool and Primary, and another for Secondary.

Stages
CAI early childhood program (from 3 months old) through 11th grade; Preschool; Primary; Secondary; International Baccalaureate program available in 10th and 11th grade.

Type
Private bilingual school

Additional learning support
Orientation and Psycho-pedagogical Department for student support.

Country affiliation
Costa Rica

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
The school day begins at 7:00 a.m. For Primary, dismissal is 1:40 p.m. with After School Activities until 3:00 p.m. The program offers school transport for After School Activities; Secondary day runs 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, with Friday dismissal at 1:00 p.m. Early childhood (CAI) offers flexible hours with extended care options.

Bus service
The school provides a school transport option for After School Activities and related departures.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school has international accreditation awarded by a globally recognized education accreditation network.
Fees
Overview

- No explicit numeric fee schedule for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic year (application fees, term or annual tuition by year group, boarding rates, uniform costs, or refund terms) is published on the school's admissions, admissions‑form, FAQ or program pages.

Application fees

- No published amount for an application, registration, or enrollment fee is available online. The school provides an online admissions/registration form but does not publish a monetary value for any application or registration charge.

Tuition fees by school year (per term / per year)

- No per‑year or per‑term tuition figures for any year group (Pre‑school/Primary/Secondary/IB levels) are published online. There are descriptive program pages for Pre‑school, Primary and Secondary but they do not list termly or annual fee amounts.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- There is no publicly posted billing schedule or standard payment terms (for example, due dates, number of payments per year, or penalties for late payment). The school processes admissions via an online form and maintains accounts for payments; a payment entry for "MATRICULA" associated with the school appears in external bank payment listings, indicating bank deposit/payment is used for at least some transactions. Specific billing cycles and written payment terms are not published online.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- The school presents itself as having separate campus facilities for Pre‑school/Primary and for Secondary and describes on‑campus services and programs; there is no mention of a boarding/residential programme or boarding fees. Boarding is not applicable based on published information.

Other costs and fees (uniforms, materials, transport, extracurriculars)

- No published fixed prices for uniforms, textbooks, materials, transport, cafeteria/meal plans, or school insurance are available. The school operates after‑school activities and sports academies which are described as programs that may carry separate charges, but no published fee amounts for these activities are available online.

Refund information

- There is no publicly posted refund policy or set of refund terms for tuition, deposits or matriculation fees. No specific refund amounts, deadlines, or conditions are published on the admissions or FAQ pages.

Fee payment options

- Bank payment (bank deposit/transfer) is used for school payments as indicated by the school's name appearing in external bank payment listings under "MATRICULA". No public details confirming acceptance of credit cards, online card payments, or international wire instructions are published. Admissions are initiated through the school's online admissions form.

Summary of available facts for parents

- The school does not publish numeric amounts or a downloadable fee schedule on its public admissions, FAQ or program pages; no application fee amount, per‑term or per‑year tuition by year group, boarding fees, uniform costs, refund policy, or detailed billing schedule is available in the publicly visible pages examined. Parents should expect to be provided exact amounts and formal payment terms directly by the school during the admissions/registration process.
Academics

Saint Paul College teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 0 to 17.

Curriculum
The school offers a bilingual curriculum from preschool through secondary. Preschool uses active, play-based learning with early English-Spanish immersion and foundational literacy. Primary provides a bilingual program with dynamic activities, STEAM laboratories, and development of cognitive, academic, social and emotional skills, plus sports and arts. Secondary delivers a rigorous bilingual program with interdisciplinary projects, technology integration and the option to pursue the IB Diploma Programme in grades 10 and 11, alongside national curriculum subjects. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered with six subject groups and core components (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service) and externally graded assessments. Special subjects include Art, Music, Computing, Religion, Guidance, Physical Education, and Swimming; Cognia international accreditation is held and the school has 44 years of educational history; there are two campuses, one for Preschool/Primary and one for Secondary.

Higher Education Progression
The IB Diploma Programme is recognized by universities worldwide and prepares students for higher education and professional life, fostering a global mindset.

Gifted and Talented
Challenger Program develops talented students through areas aligned with the theory of multiple intelligences, including linguistics, visual arts, music, logical-mathematical reasoning, and sciences. National Olympiads receive special support to help students excel in math, science and philosophy and to participate in national competitions under guidance from specialized teachers. Advanced Programs offer university-level coursework in mathematics (Elementary Mathematics 0125 and Calculus I MA1001) and chemistry (General Chemistry I) through partnerships with the University of Costa Rica and the National University; exams and laboratories are conducted at the universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Orientation provides emotional support and practical tools for decision-making, emotion management, and personal development at every educational stage.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
A bilingual English and Spanish program is implemented. Preschool uses a bilingual system with early immersion in both languages and literacy development in English and Spanish; Primary also uses a bilingual program with dynamic activities that stimulate curiosity and support learning in both languages.

Mental Wellbeing
Emotional support is addressed through Orientation, offering emotional support and practical strategies for managing emotions and personal development.
Parent Experience

History
Saint Paul College was founded in 1982 by Dr. Celedonio Ramírez Ramírez, from Palmares de Alajuela, and Rodell Sneeringer Nash, originally from Baltimore, Maryland. The school began in 1982 with a little over 100 students and was the first private bilingual institution in the western GAM area. Today, after 44 years, it serves CAI levels with babies from 3 months old up to 11th grade. Since 2025, it has been accredited by Cognia, an international accrediting network, and Cognia Early Learning accreditation confirms the high standards of its early childhood program.

Community
Saint Paul College offers cultural and artistic programs. The Cultural Week (Secondary) is a vibrant event where secondary students present the culture, traditions, dances, and customs of a country selected in advance. United Nations (Primary) is a celebration in which each primary level represents a country and showcases culture, including presentations, dances, and cuisine. Saint Paul Model United Nations (SPMUN) is a simulation in which participants act as diplomats and discuss global issues, developing research, public speaking, negotiation, and teamwork. The Saint Paul English Musical is an annual English-language production organized for secondary students, showcasing their talent.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has two separate campuses: a Preschool and Primary campus and a Secondary campus. The campus has ample parking and is designed to provide an ideal learning environment tailored to the needs of each school level. Both campuses promote the integral development of students and provide safe, functional spaces for learning, growth and achievement.

Sports Facilities
Preschool and Primary campus features include an athletics track, three football fields, a pool and a gym. It also houses two libraries. Secondary campus includes a cafeteria and a library, three science labs, an equipped kitchen, a computer lab and technology-enabled classrooms, plus a gym and an athletics track, a football pitch and a futsal gym.

Academic Facilities
Preschool and Primary campus has three computer labs and a science lab. It features a pool and a gym, an athletics track, three football pitches, two libraries, a garden and a Green House, and a cafeteria. Secondary campus has a cafeteria and a library, three science labs, an equipped kitchen for culinary programs, a computer lab, technology-enabled classrooms, a gym and an athletics track, and a football pitch with a futsal facility.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A.S.A.P After School Activities Program offers a wide range of sports, arts and educational activities for preschool, primary and secondary students, with hours Monday to Thursday until 3:00 p.m. Semestral activity programs are provided for each level. SP Sports Academy offers programs for ages 5 to 13, with sessions on weekdays and Saturdays; contact information for the coach is provided for more details.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
IB Diploma Programme (IB) is available for tenth and eleventh grade students, organized around six subject groups and three core elements: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). The programme aims to develop research, critical thinking, problem solving and time management skills to prepare students for university study. The Challenger Program supports high-ability students with specialized tracks, including preparation for national Olympiads and opportunities to take university courses while in school. University-level courses are available in Mathematics (Elementary Math 0125) and Calculus I (MA1001), and Chemistry General I through partnerships with Costa Rican universities.

Arts & Creative
Cultural and artistic programs include a Secondary Cultural Week where students showcase culture, traditions, dances and customs; a Primary United Nations event where each level represents a country with presentations, dances and cuisine; Saint Paul Model United Nations (SPMUN); and the Saint Paul English Musical, an annual performance led by the English department. These activities foster creativity, performance and collaboration across the student body.

Cultural & Language
International Programs and Exchanges include the ACE Programme (London International English Program), a multicultural experience with modules such as Debate & Discuss, Focus & Film, and Create & Explore to develop English proficiency. The Coding and STEAM Skill International Program focuses on technology, science, engineering, arts and mathematics for younger students. Exchange programs promote intercultural understanding through approximately 15-day visits, encouraging tolerance, adaptability and friendship between countries.

Social & Hobbies
The After School Activities Program (A.S.A.P) offers a wide range of sports, artistic and educational activities with a schedule from Monday to Thursday until 3:00 p.m., including programs for preschool, primary and secondary students.

Community & Service
Social projection programs are central to student formation, guided by the motto El que no vive para servir, no sirve para vivir. Students in secondary levels complete 15 to 30 hours of community service each year, participating in projects such as a Swimming Tournament to raise funds for El Albergue El Pueblito, and solidarity drives to support Blujuriñac School. The school also hosts an annual Christmas celebration with activities for younger students and a Summer Camp that engages public school children, emphasizing leadership and community impact.

Leadership & Professional
The Challenger Program targets talented students across linguistic, arts, music, logical-mathematical reasoning and sciences, fostering holistic development. It supports participation in national Olympiads and provides opportunities for university-level coursework, including Elementary Math 0125 and Calculus I through university partnerships, and Chemistry General I for older students. These advanced options prepare students for higher education and future leadership roles.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports are a core pillar of the school's holistic development, with representative teams in football, basketball, swimming, athletics and volleyball; active participation in championships and school events reinforces discipline, teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship. Swimming is taught from nursery onward, with classes available across the full school program to build coordination, endurance and water safety. The physical education program promotes a healthy lifestyle and personal growth for every student.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include English and Spanish. In the IB Diploma Programme, English B and Spanish: Language and Literature are taught at Higher Level. The London International English Program supports English-language development as part of the ACE Programme.

Bilingual Teaching
The IB Diploma Programme is available for students aged 15 to 17. It includes English B (Higher Level) and Spanish: Language and Literature (Higher Level) as part of the six subject groups. It also includes Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service. The program aims to develop curious, informed, and globally minded learners prepared for university admission.

Immersion Programs
ACE PROGRAMME includes London International English Program, a multicultural environment where students exchange opinions, viewpoints, and creativity. Students are divided into teams and compete in three modules: Debate & Discuss, Focus & Film, Create & Explore; English proficiency is a key factor for the competition. Coding and STEAM Skill International Program unites students worldwide to participate in technology and innovation challenges, developing creative solutions and applying STEAM principles for 5th and 6th grade. The Intercambio exchange programs promote personal growth by broadening cultural horizons and exposing students to different realities; these programs last about 15 days and emphasize tolerance, acceptance, adaptability, and solidarity.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school has Cognia international accreditation.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Fill the admission form. The school processes inquiries and admissions applications to Saint Paul College. It accompanies families through the welcome process to ensure a smooth transition. For the convenience of families, virtual or in-person information sessions are organized to explain the educational program and admission requirements.
2. To undertake the diagnostic tests, the following documents must be presented: the annual grade reports for 2023 and 2024; a letter of good conduct issued by the student's previous educational institution; a certification letter showing that payments to the institution are up to date, issued by the Financial Department. After the documents are submitted, the admissions application form must be completed. The student's diagnostic tests are administered. The tuition payment must be made to guarantee a space.
3. After passing the diagnostic test, the following documents must be submitted to finalize enrollment payments: birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry or two passport copies for foreign students; a copy of the vaccination card; two passport-size photographs. The tuition payment is processed in the Accounting Department. At the end of the academic year, the approved Annual Grade Report must be delivered to the Admissions Department.
School Events
The school has not added events
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