A family buyer’s guide from Real Estate Suma
Moving your family to the coast is easier when you know where the good schools are. Below is a curated shortlist of established international and bilingual schools within easy reach of Costa Rica’s beaches, plus quick housing notes for each zone. (Details change—always confirm curriculum, accreditation, fees, and seat availability directly with the school.)
North Pacific (Guanacaste: Papagayo • Tamarindo • Flamingo • Nosara)
La Paz Community School (Flamingo & Tempate)
Dual-language, community-driven, project-based learning with a strong service ethos. Upper grades offer rigorous college-prep pathways.
Best for: families seeking an international, socially engaged environment.
Where to live: Playa Flamingo, Potrero, Surfside, Reserva Conchal, Mar Vista.
CRIA – Costa Rica International Academy (Brasilito/Tamarindo)
U.S.–style curriculum, English-forward, small classes, AP/college-prep options; popular with Papagayo/Tamarindo professionals.
Best for: North American families wanting continuity toward U.S. or Canadian universities.
Where to live: Brasilito, Playa Conchal, Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Huacas.
TIDE Academy (Tamarindo)
Flexible schedules tailored to athletes/surfers and traveling families; personalized academics with strong tech integration.
Best for: high-commitment surfers and student-athletes.
Where to live: Tamarindo, Langosta, Playa Grande.
Educarte (Brasilito/El Llano)
Bilingual school with arts and technology emphasis; warm community and varied extracurriculars.
Best for: well-rounded learners who enjoy arts alongside academics.
Where to live: Reserva Conchal, Mar Vista, Potrero/Surfside.
Guanacaste Waldorf School (Cañafístula, near Tamarindo/Avellanas)
Waldorf pedagogy with strong nature connection and crafts; intimate class sizes.
Best for: families seeking holistic, low-screen education.
Where to live: Villareal, Playa Avellanas, Hacienda Pinilla.
Nosara Community School (Nosara)
Project-based, bilingual, community-centric; close to Nosara’s wellness/surf scene.
Best for: families prioritizing mindfulness, sustainability, and small-school culture.
Where to live: Nosara (Guiones, Pelada), Ostional.
Futuro Verde (Cóbano – Nicoya Peninsula; access to Santa Teresa/Montezuma)
International, bilingual school known for environmental focus; offers a globally recognized college-prep track.
Best for: eco-minded families near Santa Teresa, Malpaís, Montezuma.
Where to live: Delicias, Cóbano, Santa Teresa/Hermosa.
Lakeside International School (near Playas del Coco/Papagayo)
Bilingual school serving the Papagayo/Coco corridor; diverse student body and strong community ties.
Best for: Papagayo resort workers, digital nomads, and boat-loving families.
Where to live: Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Hermosa, Papagayo.
Central & South Pacific (Herradura • Jacó • Dominical • Uvita)
Las Nubes School (Herradura/Jacó)
Bilingual school close to the Los Sueños marina and golf; convenient for commuting parents.
Best for: families balancing school runs with sportfishing/golf or San José business trips.
Where to live: Herradura, Los Sueños, Jacó.
Life Project Education (Uvita)
Progressive, project-based learning with outdoor immersion; tight-knit community in the Costa Ballena.
Best for: experiential learners who thrive in nature.
Where to live: Uvita, Playa Hermosa (Osa), Dominical.
Uvita Christian Academy (Uvita)
English-medium, Christian values, U.S.–style academics; structured approach and clear college-prep path.
Best for: families seeking faith-based education in the Southern Zone.
Where to live: Uvita, Ojochal, Dominical.
How to choose (quick checklist)
- Commute time: Aim for ≤20–30 minutes in rainy season. Test the drive at school drop-off hours.
- Curriculum & accreditation: IB, AP, U.S./British pathways, or bilingual national? Ask about graduation equivalency for universities.
- Language balance: True bilingual vs. English-forward; Spanish support for newcomers.
- Class size & learning support: Teacher-student ratios, counseling, ESL/SSL services.
- Admissions timing: Many coastal schools fill early; apply 6–9 months ahead if possible.
- Activities: Surf, sailing, conservation, robotics—match to your child’s passions.
- Community fit: Tour campus, meet families, ask about parent involvement and school culture.
Real estate tips by zone
- Papagayo/Conchal/Flamingo: Gated communities with amenities (pools, gyms, trails) and reliable services; good for younger kids.
- Tamarindo/Avellanas/Nosara: Walk-to-beach living, surf culture; confirm road access and internet speeds.
- Santa Teresa/Montezuma: Spectacular scenery; plan for 4×4 access and backup power in remote pockets.
- Uvita/Dominical/Ojochal: Jungle-ocean views, larger lots; check slope, drainage, and drive times.
Talk to Real Estate Suma
We help families pair the right school with the right neighborhood and home—from walk-to-class condos to ocean-view villas with easy school runs. Tell us your child’s grades, curriculum preference, and budget; we’ll shortlist properties within the optimal school commute and coordinate campus tours.
Thinking of a move this upcoming school year? Let’s start with a quick call and a custom map of homes within 30 minutes of your preferred school.
