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SEK International School Costa Rica

Costa Rica, San Jose

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 1 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1988
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

SEK International School Costa Rica is a private institution serving students from preschool through high school in Costa Rica. The school has offered the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme since 2018 and provides a bilingual start: Play Group (Maternal) with bilingual teachers, Preschool with digital boards and iPads, and Primary education delivered in Spanish and English to build multilingual literacy. The Secondary School blends the Academic Curriculum with a Complementary Curriculum that includes Programming, Robotics, Plastic Arts, Karate, Dance, and Swimming. More than 50% of teaching hours are conducted in English from the early years. Students may participate in English-immersion opportunities at SEK Preparatory International School in Florida or Boca Raton for seamless SEK studies. SEK Costa Rica is part of the SEK International Institution, a private education group with over 134 years of service, opened here in 1988. The campus features extensive educational technology: iMac laboratories, interactive whiteboards, three iPad carts carrying 90 iPads for Infant and Primary Education, campus-wide Wi-Fi, Moodle, and G Suite, with digital tools integrated across subjects.

de, 5km al norte, Del Servicentro La Galera 1, San José, Curridabat, Cipreses, Costa Rica

The Essentials

SEK International School Costa Rica has instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Cipreses de Curridabat, Del Servicentro La Galera, 1.5 km al norte, San José, Costa Rica. It serves the Greater San José Metropolitan Area and nearby cities; transport is provided door-to-door with safety as priority, and a companion accompanies students on all transports. The school operates within the eastern part of San José metropolitan area.

Stages
Preschool; Primary School; Secondary School; High School

Type
Private educational institution

Additional learning support
Psychopedagogical support available

Country affiliation
Costa Rica

Bus service
Transport comprises 28 routes with about 70% of students using it; covers the Greater San José Metropolitan Area and nearby cities (Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Santa Ana, among others); offers door-to-door service with an experienced driver and a dedicated companion; peripheral routes exist for clubs and summer courses.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
SEK Costa Rica has a formal uniform policy with daily, sports, swimming, and other uniforms. Hair and grooming rules require neat presentation: boys' hair must be short and above the earlobe, and entry is not allowed with an unshaven appearance; makeup, extravagant accessories, piercings and tattoos are prohibited.

Food Options
Dining is provided in a school dining hall with a quarterly menu sent to parents; the daily menu offers two entrées, a salad bar and two beverages, with a weekly 'Food Court' featuring items such as burgers, hot dogs, french fries, burritos, pizza and ice cream. Special diets such as soft, low-calorie and vegetarian are available; the dining area follows a rigorous food-handling plan and health inspections by an external laboratory monthly, with drinking water tested regularly.

Governance and Ownership
The school belongs to the SEK International Institution, a private educational institution with more than 134 years of service, present in Europe, the USA, Latin America and South Africa.
Fees
Application fees
- The school does not publish a single, general application fee schedule for all levels in its public documentation. Specific to the IB pathway, there is a one-time registration/evaluation charge of USD 800 for students entering the IB Diploma (11°–12°).

Tuition and programme-specific fees (amounts provided where published)
- Pre-IB (9° and 10°): USD 105 per month (charged as part of programme-related monthly fees).
- IB Diploma (11° and 12°): USD 150 per month for the PD program; in addition, the PD evaluation/registration fee of USD 800 is charged once and is prorated across 20 months for billing purposes.
- Annual or term tuition by year group (preschool through secondary outside the IB-specific items above) is not published in the school's public documents; the school's published materials give the payment structure but do not list full annual or per-term tuition amounts for each grade in the publicly available bulletins and regulations.

How tuition is billed (billing schedule and payment terms)
- Standard billing cycle: tuition is divided into 10 monthly instalments covering February through November. Invoices are issued on the 1st of each month and payments are due by the 5th of each month.
- Early-payment discount: a 2% discount applies to families who pay all 10 monthly instalments in full before the end of February.
- Book charges: the cost of textbook packages is billed in five instalments (20% each) for the months of February, March, April, May and June.
- School insurance: an annual student accident insurance premium is billed in February.
- Late or returned-payment penalties: a late-payment surcharge is applied on amounts unpaid after the due date (interest calculated in accordance with the country's maximum legal rate); returned checks incur a USD 25 administrative fee.

Boarding (residential) fees
- Boarding is not listed among the school services; the school operates with day-school services (including on-campus meal provision and transport options) rather than a boarding/residential programme. There are no published boarding fees.

Other costs and recurring charges
- Uniforms: wearing the official SEK uniform is mandatory; uniforms are sold through the school's uniform service and must be genuine SEK items. Uniform purchases at the school do not accept cash; payments for uniforms are accepted by bank transfer or by check, and the bulletin lists the school's bank accounts in both Costa Rican colones and US dollars.
- Meals / media pensión: the contract of enrolment includes the mid-day meal service (media pensión) as part of the school contract; any additional transport service is contracted separately and billed when chosen. Transport is offered on multiple routes and transport fees are billed separately.
- Extracurricular clubs and auxiliary programmes: these carry extra fees; extracurricular activity fees are billed by period (the bulletin states activity payments are billed bimonthly) and will appear as separate charges.
- Textbooks and digital device programme: textbooks are charged in instalments (see above); the school's communications describe an iPad/digital-textbook programme for certain year levels that may involve equipment or programme charges for secondary grades.
- Incidentals: additional incidental charges (lost/damaged books, certain trips, specific external exam fees, sports or club-specific costs) may be billed as incurred. The bulletin and institutional regulations treat such charges as separate from the basic tuition instalments.

Refunds and withdrawal obligations
- Contractual obligations and refunds: the school's internal regulations treat the educational contract as a course-long obligation. If a family decides to terminate enrolment during the school year, the family is normally liable for the tuition and fees due up to the end of the academic year unless the school's direction accepts a justified cause. The regulations require payment of fees owed through the school year when a family withdraws without an accepted justified cause. These rules effectively mean refunds are restricted and withdrawal obligations normally carry financial responsibility for outstanding tuition.

Accepted payment methods and practical payment details
- Bank transfers and checks: the school accepts payments by bank transfer and check; the bulletin and uniform guidance provide the school's account numbers and IBANs in both Costa Rican colones and US dollars for transfers. Families are asked to send proof/copy of the transaction to the school's payment receipts email address.
- Returned items and payment handling: the bulletin sets a USD 25 fee for returned checks and applies legal moratory interest on late payments in accordance with national law. The school's published materials do not list credit-card acceptance for standard tuition billing (uniform purchases and other service purchases specify transfers or checks).

Brief summary of available published figures and remaining items not published
- Published, specific amounts found in the school's public documentation are limited to IB-programme items (Pre-BI USD 105/month; PD USD 150/month; PD evaluation/registration USD 800 prorated). The school's 2026 informational bulletin and internal regulations provide the billing schedule, bank-account details, administrative fees, and the contract/withdrawal rules but do not publish a full schedule of annual or per-term tuition rates by grade for all year groups. As a result, comprehensive per-term or per-year tuition amounts by grade level (preschool through secondary outside the IB items) and any one-off admission/registration charges for levels other than the IB evaluation fee are not listed in the publicly available documents examined.
Academics

SEK International School Costa Rica teaches IB (DP) for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Play Group (Maternal) is offered with bilingual attention and experienced teachers. Preschool uses digital boards and iPads to energize the learning process. Primary School teaches in Spanish and English, developing language skills and literacy. Secondary School combines the Academic Curriculum with a Complementary Curriculum including Programming, Robotics, Plastic Arts, Karate, Dance, and Swimming. More than 50% of teaching hours are in English from the early years, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) has been offered since 2018. Students may participate in English-immersion opportunities at SEK Preparatory International School in Florida or Boca Raton for continuous SEK studies. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is globally recognized by universities, with approximately 2,000 universities publishing DP admission policies.

Higher Education Progression
IB Diploma Programme is globally recognized by universities, with approximately 2,000 universities publishing DP admission policies.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides social and emotional wellbeing support. A School Coexistence Coordinator oversees student relationships and the school climate. The Psychology & Health team includes a psychologist and a nurse to support student wellbeing and health. The educational approach emphasizes respectful coexistence, empathy, and positive social interactions.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A Psychopedagogical department supports learners with diverse needs in the SEK Play Group. This psychopedagogical focus is part of the school's approach to inclusive education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Being bilingual in English and Spanish, SEK Costa Rica teaches more than 50% of its instruction in English from the early years. Most subjects are taught in English, with opportunities for immersion through international programmes.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the Psychology & Health team, including a psychologist and a nurse, to attend to students' mental health and health needs.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is supported by a School Coexistence Coordinator who oversees student safety and climate, alongside the Psychology & Health staff.
Parent Experience

History
SEK Costa Rica is part of the SEK International Institution, a private educational group with more than 134 years of service to education, present in Europe, the USA, Latin America and South Africa. SEK Costa Rica opened in 1988 as part of the Institution's expansion into the Americas. In 1989, the SEK International Institution was established with management independence from the old schools in Madrid. SEK Costa Rica provides education from Preschool through High School.

Community
SEK Costa Rica has a governance board led by a General Director, with a leadership team including the Admissions Director and Heads of Studies for preschool and secondary levels. The school operates Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School and High School, supported by Coordinators and by Management and Health staff. The We are SEK page lists a Board and numerous staff roles, including Board, Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Coordinators, Complementary, Management and Psychology & Health. The General Director is Eduardo Ahumada.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Commissions of Parents exist to foster family participation. The Parent Commissions include School Collaboration, Family Sports, Safety, International, and Professional. School Collaboration members cooperate with teachers in caring for and organizing the students during trips and excursions. Family Sports coordinates various sports competitions involving students and parents, with a formal closing ceremony to recognize winners. Safety exists to increase participation and improve its objectives. The International Commission promotes international and multicultural character through activities that showcase cultures and traditions of different countries, with participation possible from families of diverse nationalities. The Professional Commission gathers parents from different professions to inform and help students understand various careers. Don Juan Esteban Marín is the Coordinator of the Parents Commissions, and interested parents can enroll by emailing comisiones@sekcostarica.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a modern and extensive quality infrastructure and trained personnel to support learning and development. Educational technology is a priority, integrating computer science as a transversal tool across the curriculum. The school operates a technology laboratory equipped with iMac computers and a digital projector. All classrooms feature state-of-the-art digital and interactive whiteboards and projectors. Three portable carts carry 90 iPads for Infant and Primary Education, and campus-wide Wi-Fi enables online learning and communication via Moodle, email, and other digital resources.

Academic Facilities
The integration of New Technologies is central to teaching, with digital tools used across subjects. The school provides 24-hour internet connectivity via a high-capacity line and an internal intranet linking computers and mobile devices. A technology laboratory is equipped with iMacs and a digital projector, and every classroom has state-of-the-art digital and interactive whiteboards and projectors. Three portable carts carry 90 iPads for Infant and Primary Education, with campus-wide Wi-Fi supporting use of laptops and tablets in and out of the classroom. The Moodle platform supports document sharing and activities, while email accounts and a content filter enable safe online learning; G Suite tools support chat and videoconferencing; from 6th to 10th grade, students complete work on their own iPad.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The extra-curricular program complements classroom learning by linking theoretical knowledge to practical activities and promoting values. It includes Art, Music, Programming and Robotics, Karate, Ballet, Swimming, Religion, Ethics, Business Management, and Global Issues. Activities develop skills across creativity, physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, and global awareness. The program is designed to enrich the SEK Costa Rica student experience beyond the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
STEM teaches science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through dynamic, hands-on activities. Students explore the world around them, develop problem-solving skills, and foster creativity. From simple experiments to engineering projects, STEM provides an interactive and stimulating learning experience. Robotics courses strengthen imagination and creativity by applying these skills to technology, with summer robotics sometimes offered as an additional activity.

Arts & Creative
Music is taught through songs, games, learning musical instruments, and dancing. Crafts involve pencils, paints, crayons, papers, recyclable materials, and other resources to create weekly themed projects. Literature activities develop listening, writing, speaking, and reading comprehension through stories, poems, rhymes, and riddles from national, foreign, and student-created works. Art provides a creative outlet for expression and imagination, offering a safe space to experiment and create without limits.

Cultural & Language
InterSEK is a global event promoting internationality and cultural diversity, where SEK students from around the world meet to participate in sports or cultural activities and share common values. Green Week introduces students aged 13 and above to environmental issues in the context of Costa Rica's natural resources, supported by bilingual staff. The Boca Prep International School English program offers SEK students aged 13 to 16 the possibility to continue their studies in English at a fully accredited US school. The international programs and exchanges provide opportunities for global experiences through SEK's network.

Social & Hobbies
Sports offer an exciting opportunity to develop physical, social, and emotional skills through active participation. Traditional games foster fun and camaraderie, teaching social skills, coordination, and strategy outdoors. It's Christmas Time features festive activities centered on the Christmas season.

Community & Service
SEK Costa Rica is awarded five Blue Flag stars; the commitment to the planet includes encouraging love for the environment and stewardship of natural resources. During January Active Holidays, activities are linked to promoting respect for nature. Ecology activities teach children to be guardians of the Earth, from exploring habitats to participating in recycling projects.

Leadership & Professional
Residential summer camps and short courses are offered at St John's International School in Devon, enabling SEK students to stay and participate in academic and extracurricular programs. InterSEK Deportivo and InterSEK Cultural events promote international collaboration and shared values among SEK students. The International Programmes include opportunities to study in the United Kingdom and the United States, broadening horizons for SEK students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports promote physical health and teamwork, while outdoor activities like hiking connect students with nature and promote environmental appreciation. Active Holidays offer a range of experiences including STEAM, cooking, music, crafts, robotics, jewelry making, literature, science, and sports. The programs emphasize well-being through engaging, balanced activities.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English and French. Official academic certifications are offered in English and French. An English-language immersion option is available through the International English Program at Boca Prep International School for older students. Green Week is based at SEK's school and is supported by bilingual staff in English and Spanish.

Bilingual Teaching
Bilingual in English and French from kindergarten, with official academic certifications in English and French.

Immersion Programs
International English Program Boca Prep International School allows SEK students aged 13–16 to continue their studies in English; Boca Prep International School is fully accredited in the United States.
Reputation

Awards
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Admissions

Admissions
SEK Costa Rica International School offers a bilingual curriculum from Pre-kindergarten through to university. For admissions, Irene Armijo Bonilla is the Director of Admissions. Families can fill in an online form to be contacted. The school is located at Cipreses de Curridabat, 1.5 km north of Servicentro La Galera, San Jose, Costa Rica.
School Events
The school has not added events
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