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The British School of Costa Rica

Costa Rica, San Jose

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 715
Type Co-educational
Opened 1981
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Spanish, French
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

The British School of Costa Rica is an independent day school for students aged 3 to 18, delivering IEYC and IPC in the primary years, a bespoke middle-years curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE in Years 9–10, and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 11–12. The Diploma is a bilingual English/Spanish two-year programme. The school is bilingual throughout, with most classes in English and the remainder in Spanish (or French), and aims for bilingual proficiency before Year 3. Founded in 1981, it is NEASC-accredited, recognized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education, and authorised as an IB World School and Cambridge assessment centre. The 2.2-hectare campus includes an Early Years block, 46 general classrooms, five senior science labs, two Makerspaces, an Art Salon, and a 300-seat Auditorium/Theatre plus a 1,200 m2 gym and on-site sports fields. Extracurriculars feature Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, alongside broad arts and sports offerings.

XV28+2HJ, Av. 37, San José, Santa Catalina, Costa Rica

The Essentials

The British School of Costa Rica has 715 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
The British School of Costa Rica is located in San José, Costa Rica. The address is From the end of Rohrmoser Boulevard, 125 m north, Pavas, San José 10109, Costa Rica.

Stages
Early Years; Primary; Secondary. Early Years starts at 3 years of age; Primary starts at 6 years of age; Secondary starts at 11 years of age.

Type
The school is an independent day school. It offers education from Early Years 1 (3 year-olds) to Year 12 (12th Grade).

School day structure
School Day starts at 8:00 am for all year levels. Early Years and Years 1–4 finish at 2:00 pm; Year 5 and Secondary finish at 3:00 pm. School Office hours are 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Bus service
The School Bus Service is managed by TRANOSYS.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not offer boarding facilities per se; however, week-day boarding arrangements for children can be made with school families who live in the vicinity.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required for all students. The 2026 uniform guides are available for Primary and Secondary.

House System
Pupils are organized into houses for tournaments and other activities; Primary House tournaments are part of the school.

Governance and Ownership
The British School of Costa Rica is an independent day school. Founded in 1981 by Mr. David Lloyd and Mrs. Liliana Lloyd, who serve as Directors General, it is privately owned and registered in the Costa Rican Public Registry. It is NEASC-accredited, recognized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education, and is a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization; it is a Cambridge IGCSE Centre and an IELTS Testing Centre, licensed by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, among other designations.
Fees
Application / Admission fees

- Admission quota (one-time, paid by the family): CRC 610,000 (plus 13% VAT).
- Annual matriculation (matrícula) fee (applies per student) for the period 1 January 2026 to 31 October 2026, by year group:
- Early Years 1: CRC 350,000.
- Early Years 2: CRC 507,000.
- Early Years 3: CRC 516,000.
- Years 1–2: CRC 573,000.
- Years 3–5: CRC 582,000.
- Years 6–8: CRC 684,000.
- Years 9–12: CRC 738,000.

Tuition fees (by year group and payment frequency) — academic year 2026

- Annual tuition (single payment) by year group:
- Early Years 1: CRC 4,004,022.
- Early Years 2: CRC 5,793,480.
- Early Years 3: CRC 5,901,210.
- Years 1–2: CRC 6,547,590.
- Years 3–5: CRC 6,643,350 (level marked with includes a Chromebook).
- Years 6–8: CRC 7,816,410.
- Years 9–12: CRC 8,438,850.

- Semester tuition (two payments per year; 2% service charge included in the amounts listed) by year group:
- Early Years 1: CRC 2,042,050.
- Early Years 2: CRC 2,954,675.
- Early Years 3: CRC 3,009,615.
- Years 1–2: CRC 3,339,270.
- Years 3–5: CRC 3,388,110.
- Years 6–8: CRC 3,986,370.
- Years 9–12: CRC 4,303,815.

- Monthly tuition (paid over 12 months) by year group (monthly amounts shown):
- Early Years 1: CRC 350,000 per month.
- Early Years 2: CRC 507,000 per month.
- Early Years 3: CRC 516,000 per month.
- Years 1–2: CRC 573,000 per month.
- Years 3–5: CRC 582,000 per month.
- Years 6–8: CRC 684,000 per month.
- Years 9–12: CRC 738,000 per month.

- Surcharges and notes on payment frequency:
- The school publishes that tuition can be paid annually, by semester (2% surcharge) or by month (5% surcharge). Semester figures shown include the 2% service charge. Monthly payment detail on the fees page also shows a fixed surcharge statement of CRC 12,000 per month for the monthly option.
- Annual tuition payments cover, where appropriate by level, official trips and excursions, most external exams, school photos, a yearbook (e-book), textbooks and most workbooks, equipment and materials; Chromebook is provided at specified levels.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment frequency options: annual (single payment), semester (two payments per year), or monthly (12 equal monthly payments). Semester and monthly options are subject to the surcharges noted above. Monthly payments are shown as paid over 12 months.
- When a place is offered, parents have a short reservation period to pay the reservation fee (admissions process states parents have two weeks to pay the reservation fee after admission is confirmed).

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable: the school operates as an independent day school. No boarding fees are published.

Other costs and recurring charges

- Textbooks and equipment deposit (per student):
- Primary (Years 1–5): CRC 100,000.
- Secondary: CRC 120,000.
- Student medical insurance (accident cover): approximately CRC 22,000 per year per student.
- After School Care / special classes: the school may charge for special classes and After School Care at CRC 2,500 per hour.
- School bus: school bus service pricing is managed by a separate, independent company (Tranosys); bus fees and routes are handled by that company rather than in-school billing.
- Uniform: a 2026 uniform guide is provided for primary and secondary students (uniform items are defined in the published uniform guide). Costs for uniform items are set out in the uniform guide.

Refund information

- The school's published fees and the Terms and Conditions pages do not set out a specific, detailed refund policy for tuition, matriculation, reservation or other fees. No separate, explicit refund schedule is published on those fee and terms pages. For matters requiring an exception or clarification, direct contact with the school's admissions or finance office is the operational route.

Fee payment options (methods accepted)

- Online payment platform: the school uses Placetopay to process online payments. Placetopay accepts Visa and MasterCard credit cards and also allows payment via debit accounts (savings and current accounts) through the electronic payment flow; online payments may be made 24/7 through the payment platform.

- Additional notes on payment processing:
- The school's published materials indicate electronic payments are processed through the virtual store and the Placetopay gateway, which issues transaction receipts to the payer's email address. For questions about payment confirmations the school lists specific contacts.

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

The British School of Costa Rica teaches IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
IGCSE in Years 9–10 (most of this programme is taught in English) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Years 11–12. The Upper Secondary curricula have been developed by Cambridge Assessment International Examinations and the International Baccalaureate Organization, and the IB Diploma is a bilingual English/Spanish two‑year programme.

Student Teacher Ratio
Class sizes are capped at a maximum of 22 students per teaching class (20 in Early Years) with an average of 19+; the school is bilingual with most classes taught in English and the remainder in Spanish (or French); teaching staff comprises about 14% international, 23% British, and 63% Costa Rican teachers; in secondary levels the ratio of international to national teachers is approximately 50/50.

Exam Results
IB Diploma: 2020–2024 pass rates include 2020: 31/31, 2021: 35/36, 2022: 32/33, 2023: 28/32, 2024: 43/45; notable IB results include best Latin American region performance (1998) and best world individual score (45 points) in 1998. IGCSE: defined pass rate as the percentage of students passing at least five subjects with grade C or higher; 2020–2021: 100% (students took only 2 subject exams due to Covid), 2022: 88%, 2023: 73%, 2024: 75%; historical notes include top Australian/UK/world results in certain years (e.g., 1996 best individual world result; 2009 best world results in French and Spanish).

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have enrolled at universities worldwide, including University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, University of Calgary, Carleton University, York University, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and other Canadian institutions; in the United States, institutions such as MIT, Harvard University, Duke University, New York University (including NYU Abu Dhabi), and Johns Hopkins University are listed among destinations; in the United Kingdom, the University of Cambridge and other UK universities are represented; graduates have also progressed to universities in other countries and locally at institutions such as EARTH and Universidad de Costa Rica.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and emotional learning is integrated through a focus on emotional wellbeing and social relationships. A Year 5 Social, Emotional and Relationships Talk was delivered with Year 11 student mentors to support the transition to secondary school. Health Week included a workshop on staying safe online delivered by external speakers and a psychologist. House System and Service Learning activities, such as 'Boxes of Hope', promote teamwork and social responsibility across year groups. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is part of the school's extracurricular offerings.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a focus on emotional wellbeing and social relationships. A Year 5 Social, Emotional and Relationships Talk involved Year 11 student mentors to build confidence during the transition to secondary school. Health Week included a psychologist-led workshop on online safety and privacy, helping students manage digital life and wellbeing. House System and Service Learning activities promote social connectedness and community involvement across year groups. Values such as honesty, respect and responsibility underpin student wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1981, The British School of Costa Rica is an independent day school offering education from Early Years 1 to Year 12. The school is registered in the Costa Rican Public Registry as Colegio Británico de Costa Rica, S.A., and is led by the founders and Directors General Mr. David Lloyd and Mrs. Liliana Lloyd. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and recognized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education; it is a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization (Code No. 0608) and a Cambridge assessment centre for IGCSE (Centre CR002) and Cambridge English Assessments (Centre CR001); it is also an IELTS Testing Centre and licensed by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Scheme and a Charter Member of the International Primary Curriculum. In Primary, ICA programmes IEYC and IPC are incorporated; in Years 9 and 10 the school offers the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and in Years 11 and 12 the International Baccalaureate. The School is bilingual throughout, with the majority of classes in English and the remainder in Spanish (or French), with the aim that students are bilingual before Year 3.

Community
The House System is a traditional feature of the school, dividing students into four houses named Arenal, Irazú, Barva and Poás, and fostering loyalty and house-based competitions throughout the year. The teaching staff comprises a mix of international, British and Costa Rican educators, with 14% international, 23% British and 63% Costa Rican teachers. The school community engages in events and activities referenced in school communications, including celebrations such as Friendship Day. The school publishes School Bulletins and communicates a range of community news and events to families.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The British School of Costa Rica maintains a Parent Council. The 2024 Parent Council is composed of year-level Parent Representatives, including EY1 Gabriela Santiago; EY2 Carolina Jiménez; EY3 Alexandra Serizier de Cadillo; Year 1 Javier Berrocal; Year 2 Stephanie Hudson; Year 3 Manuel Soto; Year 4 Laura Gómez; Year 5 Indiana Corrales; Year 6 Catalina Bruce; Year 7 Mónica Rojas; Year 8 Gloriana Echandi; Year 9 Rocío Zamora; Year 10 Elena Prado; Year 11 IB Gabriela Llobet; Year 11 NB Priscilla Somarriba; Year 12 Syomara Bremont. The Parent Representatives serve as a communication channel between their allocated year group and the School's Administration. Meetings for the first quarter will take place between February 27 and March 1.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Purpose-built facilities have been constructed since 1986 on a 2.2 hectare site. Buildings surround a central sports field and are built to strict anti-seismic regulations. The school includes an Early Years block with 8 specialist classrooms, 46 general classrooms, and two libraries (Senior and Primary). It also houses 5 Senior School Science Laboratories, a Primary Activities/Science Room, 2 Makerspaces, and an Art Salon and Studio. A 300-seat Auditorium/Theatre with a Performing Arts Centre (Music and Drama), a 1,200 square metre gymnasium, a Dance Salon, a Soda (Cafeteria), and Administration and Staff facilities complete the on-site facilities.

Sports Facilities
The central sports field is on-site and forms the core of outdoor activity spaces. A 1,200 square metre gymnasium provides indoor physical education and fitness facilities. A Dance Salon supports dance-based activities. Recreational areas are available on the premises.

Academic Facilities
Early Years block contains 8 specialist classrooms. There are 46 general classrooms. Five Senior School Science Laboratories and a Primary Activities/Science Room support science and practical learning. Two Makerspaces enable student-led projects and hands-on learning. An Art Salon and Studio support visual arts.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The 300-seat Auditorium/Theatre includes a Performing Arts Centre for music and drama, facilitating school productions and performances. The Dance Salon provides space for dance-related clubs and activities. Makerspaces support student-led clubs and practical projects beyond the classroom. The Art Salon and Studio host visual arts clubs and exhibitions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The learning journey includes the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the BSCR Middle Years Curriculum (BSCR MYC), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). In 1990 the school decided to offer the IGCSE and IB programmes in the Secondary School. The Cambridge International Examinations and the IB Curriculum and Assessment Office develop these curricula, with external examiners responsible for marking and grading. The Diploma programme has a long-standing average pass-rate above 90%, and graduates have achieved high IB scores, including 40+ points on multiple occasions; IGCSE pass rates have historically been high as well.

Arts & Creative
Extracurricular activities complement academic training with cultural, sporting and recreational experiences. The school runs sports and arts teams with national and international representation, clubs, international experiences and preparatory courses for university admission exams. Available activities include sports representation at the USA Cup, MATEM-UCR, Model United Nations (MUN), technology, football, basketball, gymnastics, art, yoga, choir, volleyball, badminton, taekwondo, cheerleading, cooking, pickleball and drama.

Cultural & Language
International Cultural Exchange Programmes are offered. Languages include English and Spanish, with French available as a language option; the school also emphasises multilingual, globally aware lifelong learners as part of its mission. The IB language framework includes English and Spanish literature options and French as a language option, aligning with the Group language requirements.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of extracurricular activities allows students to engage in cultural, sporting and recreational experiences beyond the classroom. Activities include Model United Nations, international exchanges, pre-university courses, and a broad list of sports and arts clubs. These offerings support a well-rounded education by fostering collaboration, discipline and teamwork.

Community & Service
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is part of the school's provision and is internationally recognised for commitment, service, and independence. The award has Bronze, Silver and Gold levels with four sections: Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey, with a Gold Residential Project requirement. The programme is available to students aged 14 and older, and interested students should contact the Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator for more information.

Leadership & Professional
The House System divides the school into four Houses named Arenal, Irazú, Barva and Poás, promoting loyalty and collaborative competition. Leadership and professional development are supported through participation in projects such as MUN and through prestigious programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The school also positions itself as a leader in educational innovation, as reflected in its Vision.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and fitness are emphasised, with activities including football, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, badminton, taekwondo and cheerleading. Mindfulness and wellbeing are supported by activities such as yoga and other wellness offerings. The Duke of Edinburgh Award further promotes physical recreation and adventurous journeys as part of student wellbeing. The school's mission to develop globally aware, multilingual lifelong learners reinforces a focus on holistic development and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches English, Spanish and French. The majority of classes are taught in English, with some in Spanish or French. In Secondary, students may study up to three languages (English, Spanish and French) and up to four sciences. The IB is a bilingual English/Spanish programme.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is completely bilingual. The majority of classes are taught in English, with the remainder in Spanish or French. The languages taught are English, Spanish and French. In Secondary, students can study up to three languages (English, Spanish and French). The International Baccalaureate is a bilingual English/Spanish programme.
Reputation

Accreditations
NEASC — New England Association of Schools and Colleges, an accrediting body that evaluates educational institutions for quality and integrity.
Costa Rican Ministry of Education — Recognized and authorized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education (MEP).
International Baccalaureate Organization — Member of the International Baccalaureate Organization (Code No.0608).
Cambridge IGCSE Examinations — Centre CR002 for the University of Cambridge IGCSE Examinations.
Cambridge English Assessment Examinations — Centre CR001 for Cambridge English Assessment Examinations (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, etc).
IELTS Testing Centre — Authorized IELTS Testing Centre.
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Scheme — Licensed by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Scheme.
International Primary Curriculum — Charter Member of the International Primary Curriculum programme.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions are welcome year round. Complete the official Admissions Form. An admissions officer will arrange a virtual meeting with the relevant coordinator. The school will arrange an evaluation of the child, conducted virtually with the parents. Results are sent to the parents within the following week. If a place is offered, the parents have two weeks to pay the reservation fee. Evaluations are scheduled only if there is space available. The school serves Early Years (3 to 6 years), Primary (6 to 11 years) and Secondary (11 to 18 years).
School Events
The school has not added events
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