The British School of Costa Rica

The British School of Costa Rica is a private, independent day school offering a bilingual education to Costa Rican and international students. The school's philosophy emphasizes both academic excellence and the importance of an 'all-round' education. The school was founded in 1981 by the present proprietors and Directors General. All academic aspects are managed by a British Headmaster and Head of Primary School and most policy decisions are made by Steering and Management Committees composed of teaching staff and administrators. The school is accredited by both CIS and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), recognized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education, is a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization, acts as an examination centre for the University of Cambridge International Examinations, is a Charter Member of the International Primary Curriculum, is licensed by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Scheme and is the Costa Rican Centre for 'Philosophy for Children'. The majority of academic subjects are taught in English and all students are prepared to take the University of Cambridge IGCSE examinations in 9th and 10th grades and, eventually, the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in 11th and 12th grades. Local students have the option of the National "Bachillerato" in 11th grade. Recently, the International Primary Curriculum has been integrated throughout the Primary School ensuring that students cover most aspects of the English National Curriculum. Purpose-built school facilities have been constructed since 1986 on a wooded, 2.2 hectare site and include two libraries, six laboratories, an audio-visual centre, a gymnasium and three computer laboratories. The teaching staff is composed mainly of experienced and qualified British (18%) and Costa Rican (75%) teachers. The majority (85%) of the students are Costa Rican, but this population is very cosmopolitan and many hold dual nationality . The school year runs from February until early December, Monday to Friday with a mid-year break in July. Various clubs and school team practices take place after classes and religion classes are an optional, extra-curricular activity. Most students enter at the pre-school levels after an interview with parents. Placement tests are administered to older students. The school welcomes applications from international families seeking the continuity of a British or IB-oriented education.