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Washington School - San Jose

Costa Rica, San Jose

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths Sport, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Washington School – San Jose offers education for ages 3 through 18. It follows an American curriculum with AP courses alongside a Costa Rican program and is approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education. ESL support is available, and faculty include educators affiliated with Harvard, UC Berkeley, and the University of Costa Rica. The school emphasizes Thought-Based Learning (TBL) and integrates Project-Based Learning (PBL), Solution-Based Learning (SBL), Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) and Creative Arts-Based Learning (ABL). This approach helps students develop critical thinking and digital fluency for leadership in a progressive society. Washington School offers a Model United Nations program (WCRMUN) and a Soccer Team, with field trips as part of school life. Creative arts, including a Talent Show and video activities, are woven into learning. University connections provide exposure to international universities and opportunities for engagement with global peers.

Vivero Habitat, 1km Al Norte De Construplaza Contiguo A, Escazú, Guachipelin, 10201, Costa Rica

The Essentials

Washington School - San Jose has instruction in English.

Location
1 km north of Construplaza, next to Vivero Habitat, Guachipelín, Escazú, Costa Rica. The school is in the Guachipelín area of Escazú.

Stages
Preschool (Kindergarten), Primary, and Secondary (High School).

Country affiliation
Costa Rica

School day structure
Mon–Fri 7:20 am – 3:15 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All students must attend daily in uniform, including a polo shirt with the school logo. The PE uniform is a grey shirt worn under the sweatshirt on designated PE days.

Food Options
Preschool students must bring their lunch daily; lunch should include items from each of these groups: protein, fruit/vegetable, bread or cereal, and milk. A microwave is available for heating lunches; breakfast is not provided. Dietary restrictions require a physician or licensed dietician's note. The school is a peanut-free facility.

Governance and Ownership
The Washington School is a private educational institution approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The Educational Services Contract and General Regulations govern the relationship between the school, parents and students.
Fees
Application / Enrollment fee

- Matriculation (one-off application/enrollment) fee: CRC 242,352 (one-time payment at enrollment).

Tuition fees (by payment period and example grade)

- Published reference figure (first-grade example): monthly tuition CRC 242,352.
- Typical annual tuition based on the published monthly amount and the school's 11-payment billing pattern: CRC 2,665,872 per year (CRC 242,352 × 11).
- The school structures tuition as monthly installments rather than a per-term flat charge; the contract sets the annual amount to be paid in monthly installments.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing schedule: monthly payments due within the first ten working days of each month; the academic cycle runs January through December.
- Number of installments commonly applied in published comparisons: 11 monthly payments per academic year.
- Late-payment penalties: a 10% surcharge if unpaid before the end of the month and a 20% surcharge for payment one month overdue. Repeated non-payment (two missed monthly payments) can lead to contract termination and suspension of the student.
- Payment channels: deposit to the school's bank account (Banco de San José) or payment made in person at the school; families are asked to scan and email the deposit voucher with payer and student details to the school for receipt issuance. No credit-card payment method is specified in the contract.

Boarding fees

- The school operates as a day school; no boarding facilities or boarding fees are published or listed.

Other costs and recurring additional charges

- Uniforms: a uniform is required and compliance is enforced as part of school regulations; uniform costs are charged to families.
- Educational materials and textbooks: the published comparison entry indicates the standard fee does not include materials (the fee does not cover school materials). Expect separate charges for books, supplies and any grade-specific materials.
- Extra activities and one-off charges: excursions, camps, special activities, and other event fees are charged separately and must be paid prior to the activity.
- Other typical items to budget for (not listed as included in the standard fee): extracurricular club fees, field trips, special project fees and any examination or certification charges.

Refund and withdrawal policy

- Matriculation (enrollment) fee: non‑refundable under normal circumstances; a refund of the matriculation fee is permitted only within 24 hours after payment.
- Withdrawal: if a family withdraws the student before the end of the academic year they must notify the school in writing at least two weeks in advance and remain responsible for amounts agreed under the contract.

Discounts, sibling reductions and scholarships

- No published sibling discounts, indexed tuition, or scholarship details were found in the school's contract or in the available fee-comparison entry. Families should assume standard fees apply unless the school communicates a specific discount or aid program.

Summary of limitations in published fee detail

- The school's formal contract describes payment methods, due dates, penalty and refund rules but does not publish a complete, grade-by-grade 2026/27 fee schedule on the public pages reviewed. The only readily available numerical figures found in third‑party fee listings show the matriculation and a monthly amount for a first-grade example (CRC 242,352) and indicate an 11‑month payment structure; a full breakdown by year group, per‑term rates, or an official 2026/27 schedule was not published in the documents reviewed.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Washington School uses Thought-Based Learning (TBL) as its core instructional approach. The methods include Project-Based Learning (PBL), Solution-Based Learning (SBL), and Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) with Creative Arts-Based Learning (ABL) as part of the program. Collaborative learning is emphasized, with projects designed to foster collaboration, peer solidarity, and supportive relationships. This approach promotes healthy self-confidence and meaningful knowledge. Assigned team roles build social skills for teamwork and leadership. Through interactive, hands-on research and evaluation, students learn to identify problems, test solutions, and apply knowledge inside and outside the classroom.
Parent Experience

Community
Washington School provides comprehensive, multicultural and global education. Thought-Based Learning (TBL) is honored and actively practiced, with Project-Based Learning (PBL), Solution-Based Learning (SBL) and Challenge-Based Learning (CBL). Faculty are certified and trained in cognitive neuroscience and are affiliated with universities such as Harvard, UC Berkeley, and the University of Costa Rica. The school is approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education and runs a Model United Nations program.
Facilities

Academic Facilities
The Washington School is approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education, meeting all official standards and requirements. The school provides a United States curriculum alongside the Costa Rican system. English as a Second Language (ESL) support is available for students who require language learning assistance. Faculty members affiliated with Harvard, UC Berkeley, the University of Costa Rica and others.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Model United Nations (WCRMUN) is a student organization that advances understanding of the United Nations and international issues, with activities including position papers, MUN conferences and lectures. Soccer Team — WIS Super Junior Team. Field Trips are part of Our School Life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school uses Thought-Based Learning (TBL). The curriculum includes Project-Based Learning (PBL), Solution-Based Learning (SBL), Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) and Creative Arts-Based Learning (ABL). Teachers are certified and trained in cognitive neuroscience to apply these methods in the classroom. Students develop critical thinking and digital fluency to prepare for leadership in a competitive, progressive society.

Arts & Creative
Creative Arts-Based Learning (ABL) is integrated into the educational approach. A Talent Show is a featured activity within school life, showcasing student performance. Washington School also includes video activities as part of student life, supporting engagement with creative media.

Cultural & Language
The WHS Model UN program teaches human rights, current events, international relations, diplomacy and proper United Nations protocol. Faculty affiliations include Harvard, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Costa Rica. University connections provide exposure to prestigious universities and opportunities for international engagement.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers a Soccer Team as part of student life. Kid's Club provides a space for younger students to engage in activities. Field trips are part of the school experience, supporting social learning and exploration. Talent Show and other celebrations are part of school life.

Leadership & Professional
The Model UN program develops diplomacy, international relations understanding and leadership skills. There are university connections with Harvard, UC Berkeley, and the University of Costa Rica that broaden opportunities for scholarly and professional growth. The Model UN activities emphasize proper protocol and engagement with global issues.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and physical activity are supported by a Soccer Team and Sport Day. Field trips provide outdoor experiences and social interaction. Celebrations and birthdays are part of the school community, contributing to a sense of belonging.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Preschool enrollment requires an interview with a parent or legal representative. The family submits completed documentations. The educational services contract is signed. The cost of tuition can be canceled. 2. Primary enrollment requires an interview with a parent or legal representative. Diagnosis testing of the student (by appointment) is conducted. Submission of completed documentations (see document list here) is required. Signature of the educational services contract and cancellation of Tuition payment complete the process. 3. Secondary enrollment requires an interview with a parent or legal representative. Diagnosis testing of the student (by appointment) is conducted. Submission of completed documentations (see document list here) is required. Signature of the educational services contract and cancellation of Tuition payment complete the process.
School Events
The school has not added events
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