Marian Baker School
Secular, Founded 1984
Updated July 2026
IB Diploma
Marian Baker School is a leading private, American-style international school in Costa Rica serving students from preschool through grade 12. It provides a comprehensive bilingual education near San José, preparing students for success in global universities.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Marian Baker School is a private, student-centered institution that has operated for over four decades. It aims to nurture confident, purpose-driven learners by fostering a community where curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence thrive within a supportive, American-minded environment.
Programmes
The academic programme spans preschool through grade 12, with a focus on bilingualism and rigorous preparation for higher education. The Early Childhood division emphasizes kindness and a love of learning, while the Elementary school focuses on critical thinking and steady academic growth. The Middle School builds creative problem-solving skills, and the High School offers a pathway to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma alongside a U.S.-accredited High School Diploma.
Outcomes
The school prepares students for higher education and global universities, with graduates achieving acceptances to various institutions. The curriculum is designed to build strong literacy skills in both English and the student's native language, alongside critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. Students graduate with a triple diploma pathway, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, a U.S.-accredited High School Diploma, and the MEP diploma.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides social-emotional support as part of its educational experience. Additionally, it offers specialized English Language Learner (ELL) and Spanish as a Second Language (SSL) programs for students in elementary, middle, and high school.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Marian Baker School offer?
- Marian Baker School offers IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Marian Baker School?
- Annual tuition at Marian Baker School is $7.4K–$16.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Marian Baker School hold?
- Marian Baker School holds accreditations including IB.
- Where is Marian Baker School located?
- Marian Baker School is an international school in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| K2 – K3 (8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) | 2–3 | $7.4K |
| K4 | 4–4 | $9.3K |
| Prep | 5–5 | $11.8K |
| 1st – 5th Grade | 6–10 | $14.2K |
| Middle & High School (6th – 12th) | 11–18 | $16.4K |
Other fees(5)
| Application fee· Due before the admissions testing appointment. The fee will be deducted from the first tuition payment when the child is accepted. | $60 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Family Entrance Fee — paid one time, upon admission to MBS. To confirm attendance and reserve your child’s space in the program, this fee must be paid within two weeks of receiving notification of acceptance. | $1.4K |
| Registration fee· Yearly Registration covers textbooks, workbooks, consumables, Makerspace, basic materials, accident insurance, and snacks & lunch for Early Childhood Programs. | $1.4K |
| EAL· ELL / SSL — Elementary School | $1.1K |
| EAL· ELL / SSL — Middle & High School | $1.6K |
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 3%
- Sibling discount: variable
Admissions
The admissions process is designed to be personalized, offering one-on-one guidance for both local and expatriate families. Prospective families are required to schedule a guided tour of the campus and participate in a parent/family interview to discuss the student's strengths, needs, and goals. Following the interview, families complete the enrollment process to secure a place at the school.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in San Ramón de La Unión, the campus features a lush environment designed for learning, creativity, and growth. Facilities include a Makerspace, a physical library, and science laboratories. The school also provides access to sports facilities, which support competitive athletics such as basketball.
