Saint Mary School logo

Saint Mary School

Catholic, Founded 1979

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender
For-profitOwnership

Curriculum

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglish

Saint Mary School is a private, Catholic-oriented international school in Costa Rica offering a 100% bilingual education for students from preschool through secondary. It focuses on providing an integral, values-based formation that combines academic excellence with sports, cultural, and technological development.

Teaching approach

Saint Mary School is a private, Catholic-oriented institution that emphasizes an integral education nurturing the heart, mind, and spirit equally. Its philosophy is rooted in the belief that academic excellence is achieved by focusing on competencies, aptitudes, and values, while spiritual education serves to unite the mind and heart. The school promotes tolerance, respect, and cultural exchange as core pillars of its community.

Programmes

The academic programme spans from nursery to secondary school, offering a 100% bilingual curriculum. Preschool utilizes a 'Learning Centers' methodology based on integrated projects, while elementary school follows 'The Literary Tree' curriculum, which centers on literature to teach English. In high school, students pursue the National Baccalaureate, with the option to complete the two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in 10th and 11th grades. Religious education is a foundational element, including preparation for First Communion and Confirmation.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown
Frequently asked questions(4)
What curriculum does Saint Mary School offer?
Saint Mary School offers IB Diploma.
What accreditations does Saint Mary School hold?
Saint Mary School holds accreditations including IB.
Is Saint Mary School co-educational?
Saint Mary School is a co-ed school.
Where is Saint Mary School located?
Saint Mary School is an international school in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The school manages admissions for students from nursery through secondary levels, requiring an interview with the Department of Integral Support and an admission test for kindergarten through secondary. Applicants must meet specific age requirements by February 15th of the entry year and provide documentation including academic records, vaccination history, and identification. For students transferring from abroad, academic records from the previous year must be apostilled and certified by relevant educational and governmental authorities. The school offers personalized tours and virtual meetings for prospective families.

Calendar

The school follows the national academic calendar, with the school year beginning in February and concluding at the end of November. Monthly tuition payments are processed over 11 months, from February through December.

Facilities

LibraryScience labsTheatre / auditoriumArt roomPlaygroundSports fieldGymnasium

About the campus

The campus features specialized facilities including computer and science laboratories, an art room, a theater, and a library. Sports infrastructure includes a regulation soccer field, a five-a-side soccer field, a multipurpose court, an athletics track, and a specialized gymnasium for children. The school also provides green areas and dedicated play spaces for preschool and primary students, alongside technology such as interactive whiteboards and iPads for preschool use.