Las Nubes
Las Nubes School is the most popular and expensive option, located slightly north of Jaco. This school offers a top-tier Costa Rican education within an international setting, catering to students from ages 2 to 17. Founded in 2000, Las Nubes was established to provide bilingual education in line with international standards while meeting the individual learning needs of each student. The school’s environment, surrounded by natural beauty and a coastal setting, enhances the learning experience.
Las Nubes follows the Costa Rican academic calendar and offers education from preschool through high school. The teaching staff is composed of professionals from countries where English or Spanish is the first language, supporting the school’s bilingual approach. Students benefit from a balanced curriculum that integrates academic subjects with physical education, art, music, gardening, swimming, life skills, and robotics to foster holistic growth.
Ficus Tree School
Ficus Tree School is located in Playa Hermosa and offers education from Nursery to Sixth Grade for children aged 1.5 to 12 years. This bilingual school places equal emphasis on teaching in both English and Spanish, personalizing instruction to meet the needs of each child.
Ficus Tree’s curriculum includes specialized classes in areas such as science, math, and art, taught entirely in English, while physical education is conducted in both languages. Music and social studies are taught in Spanish, following the Ministry of Education’s guidelines. With extracurricular activities like music, art, sports clubs, and family events, Ficus Tree ensures students develop well-rounded social skills.
Centro Educativo Bilingüe Inmaculada
Centro Educativo Bilingüe Inmaculada is located in Jaco, just three blocks from the highway. It offers bilingual education from preschool through high school.
- Preschool: Focuses on building autonomy, responsibility, and critical thinking, tailored to each student’s needs.
- Primary Education: Combines English and Spanish instruction in various subjects, fostering cognitive, social, and physical development.
- Secondary Education: Also follows a bilingual format, promoting the formation of responsible and engaged citizens.
Horizon International School
Horizon International School, based at Horizon Church in northern Jaco, is the first Christian private school in the area. It offers a Christ-centered curriculum for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, led by a dedicated team of Christian educators.
Horizon students engage in real-world, cross-cultural experiences through field trips and community service projects. The curriculum emphasizes strong communication skills in both English and Spanish. High school students have access to a virtual learning room where they can take dual-credit college courses to jump-start their higher education journey.
Jacó Learning Center
Jacó Learning Center offers a unique, alternative educational experience for children aged 10 to 14. This center focuses on building creativity and confidence in problem-solving, using a U.S. curriculum and a child-centered approach.
The school promotes hands-on learning and community involvement, with a dedicated team of teachers who foster curiosity, innovation, and exploration in their students.
Hermosa Valley School
Hermosa Valley School provides a holistic, bilingual education with a mission to nurture both the academic and personal growth of students. The school welcomes children from diverse backgrounds, offering an inclusive and challenging learning environment.
The curriculum emphasizes arts, music, science, and math, while promoting physical development and life skills through sports and physical education. Hermosa Valley also focuses on fostering respect for nature and diverse cultures, preparing students for their role in a globalized world.