Del Mar Academy

Del Mar Academy is guided by a vision of 21st-century education that integrates academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and global awareness. The school fosters a nurturing environment rooted in values such as respect, integrity, cooperation, and tolerance. It encourages students to become active, joyous learners who are empowered to act as independent researchers and decision-makers.

The school offers a bilingual curriculum that includes a Montessori-based programme for ages 3 to Grade 3, an interdisciplinary programme for Grades 4 to 6, and the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 7 to 10. For high school students in Grades 11 and 12, the school provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which includes core subjects like Language and Literature, Biology, Mathematics, and Visual Arts, alongside the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay. All programmes are accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP).

Graduates of the IB Diploma Programme are prepared for success at leading universities worldwide, with alumni attending institutions in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Costa Rica. The school’s academic programmes are designed to foster critical thinking, resilience, and global citizenship, ensuring students are equipped for higher education and beyond. Students consistently demonstrate strong academic performance, often outperforming global IB pass rates.

The school maintains an optimal teacher-to-student ratio to facilitate individualized and small-group instruction. It also supports access to education for a diverse student body through a robust scholarship and financial aid programme, with nearly 45% of students currently receiving support.

The admissions process begins with an inquiry, followed by the submission of an application form and an administrative fee. The school accepts applications year-round, though it maintains specific deadlines for the upcoming school year, including December 1 for applications and March 1 for interviews and placement tests. Many grade levels have limited space and maintain waitlists, requiring families to complete the process promptly to secure enrollment.

The school operates on a structured academic calendar. Families can access specific dates and scheduling information through the Sycamore school management portal using their assigned credentials.

The 11-acre campus in Nosara features indoor classrooms and expansive outdoor spaces, including pollinating gardens and composting facilities. Athletic and creative facilities include a full-size swimming pool, two soccer fields, a covered basketball court, an art studio, and a climbing wall. The school also maintains a dedicated science lab to support its academic programmes.

Students participate in a variety of enrichment activities, including community service projects, creative arts, and physical education. The school emphasizes experiential learning through day trips and multi-day expeditions to national parks, volcanoes, and cultural sites across Costa Rica. High school students also engage in the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme, which encourages leadership, teamwork, and personal growth through extracurricular projects.