UWC Costa Rica

The school's mission is to cultivate in young people the passion and ability to serve humanity and the planet by learning from nature and from each other. Its educational framework is built upon core values of empathy, inclusion, respect, reciprocity, accountability, and social responsibility. Sustainability is at the core of the experience, with the school integrating regenerative solutions and environmental stewardship into its curriculum, daily life, and campus development.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which can be pursued as a bilingual diploma in English and Spanish. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, with faculty contextualizing courses through field trips, projects, and community-based initiatives. Key academic components include the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and collaborative arts and theater projects, all of which are informed by the school's sustainability framework.

Graduates of UWC Costa Rica join a global network of over 80,000 alumni and are eligible for the Davis UWC Scholars Program, which expands access to higher education worldwide. The school's alumni have pursued diverse global pathways, with recent graduates securing university acceptances across the globe. The institution is recognized for its commitment to service, having received awards such as the Bandera Azul Ecológica in the Climate Change category and recognition as an Ashoka Changemaker School.

The school provides a structured residential life and wellness programme designed to support students' personal growth and community integration. This includes initiatives like the Firsties Camp, which focuses on building leadership, teamwork, assertive communication, and empathy among new students. The school also maintains a focus on safeguarding and provides guidance through its Residential Life & Wellness team.

UWC Costa Rica welcomes applications year-round for its two-year residential programme. The admissions process is designed to identify young people who align with the school's mission and values, with approximately 80% of students receiving financial assistance to attend. Prospective students can begin their application journey through the school's official website.

The academic year typically begins in August with official arrival dates for students. The calendar includes scheduled breaks, such as a December break and a Semana Santa period in the spring. Graduation for the senior class is traditionally held in May, pending confirmation of International Baccalaureate examination schedules.

The current campus in Santa Ana features residences, classrooms, and various indoor and outdoor learning and recreation spaces. A new, state-of-the-art campus in San Isidro, Heredia, is currently under construction and is scheduled to launch in August 2027. This new site is designed to be fully embedded in nature and aims to achieve dual sustainability certification.

As part of the IB Diploma, students must complete 240 hours of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). These experiences, which vary annually based on student-led initiatives, include activities such as the Compost Champions CAS, Greenhouse CAS, Model United Nations (MUN), and the Agents of Change Camp. Students also participate in regular outings, community-wide activities, and volunteer opportunities that allow them to engage with local communities and explore Costa Rica's natural environment.