St. Jude School
Part of International Schools Partnership, Christian
Updated July 2026
IB PYP
IGCSE
National Curriculum (England)Accreditations
Languages
English
Spanish
FrenchSt. Jude School is an international, values-driven private school in Costa Rica serving students from 6 months to 18 years old. It combines the National and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula within a supportive, forest-based campus environment.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is built on the foundational pillars of faith, integrity, excellence, kindness, and sustainability. Its mission is to foster innovation and academic excellence while developing students into critical thinkers and responsible global citizens. The educational approach emphasizes holistic development, empathy, and resilience, aiming to create a supportive community where every learner feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive educational journey starting with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for preschool (ages 6 months to 6 years). Primary school (ages 6-11) focuses on exploration and personal growth, while the secondary school (ages 11-18) follows the Cambridge curriculum, including IGCSE certifications. In the final years, students undertake the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The school also emphasizes multilingualism, with English and Spanish as core languages and French instruction provided from preschool through secondary.
Outcomes
St. Jude School reports that 100% of students graduate with a high school diploma, and 98% of graduates gain admission to universities in Costa Rica, the United States, and Europe, with 20% attending top global universities. Students consistently exceed international benchmarks in MAP (NWEA) assessments. Graduates of the IB Diploma Programme earn a bilingual diploma, and the school maintains a strong focus on preparing students for university and professional pathways.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides personalized support through programs such as CASE V, which assists high-performance athletes, and LEAP, which offers enrichment for gifted and talented learners. A dedicated Department of Counseling, Guidance and Support (CGS) provides emotional, social, and academic support from preschool through secondary school. The team includes psychologists and psychopedagogues who work with students, teachers, and parents to address individual learning needs and promote holistic development.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does St. Jude School offer?
- St. Jude School offers IB PYP, IB Diploma, IGCSE and National Curriculum (England).
- What accreditations does St. Jude School hold?
- St. Jude School holds accreditations including IB and UNESCO ASPnet.
- Is St. Jude School co-educational?
- St. Jude School is a co-ed school.
- Where is St. Jude School located?
- St. Jude School is an international school in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Tuition & fees
This school publishes fees only on request — contact admissions for a current schedule.
Admissions
The admissions process begins with an inquiry to schedule a visit or virtual call. Prospective families then participate in a school tour, submit academic records, and may complete a trial day or assessment. Following an interview with the academic team, a formal offer is provided, with a fixed window of 5 to 10 days to secure the placement through enrollment.
Calendar
The school operates on a four-term academic calendar. The year typically begins in January and concludes in December, with scheduled breaks including Spring Break, mid-semester breaks, and a Christmas break. The calendar includes various institutional events such as the 100th Day of School, Sports Festival, Science Fair, and graduation ceremonies.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus in Pozos de Santa Ana is a forest-based environment featuring modern learning spaces, including robotics and computing labs, science laboratories, and specialist classrooms for each educational stage. Sports facilities include a 25-meter heated swimming pool with six lanes and various sports areas. The campus also houses a small chapel for reflection and prayer, along with open green spaces for outdoor learning and play.
Co-curriculars
St. Jude School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams like basketball and swimming, as well as clubs. Students have opportunities to participate in international programs such as the Model United Nations, chess tournaments, and service projects like Street Child United. The school also hosts seasonal fairs and charity events to support local and global causes.
Kathryn ScanlanDirectora GeneralKathryn “Katy” Scanlan joined St. Jude School as General Director in June 2025, bringing three decades of experience as an international educator and school leader. Previously, she served as Head of School and Elementary Principal at Blue Valley School in Costa Rica, where she guided the institution through international accreditations and campus development. She is recognized for her compassionate yet disciplined leadership style and her commitment to student well-being and academic excellence.
- Yenda VillalobosDirectora de Preescolar
Yenda Villalobos Slon is the Preschool Director at St. Jude School, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Bilingual Preschool Education and Licenciaturas in Learning Disabilities and Educational Administration. She joined St. Jude in 2000 as its first preschool teacher, later becoming Preschool Coordinator in 2004 and Preschool Director in 2007. In addition to her leadership role, she coordinates health and safety across the school and directs the Street Child United program.
- Gloriana VillalobosDirectora de Primaria
Gloriana Villalobos is the Director of Primary with over 27 years of teaching experience and 7 years in educational leadership. She oversees curriculum development, instructional leadership, staff coaching, and student well-being while continuing to teach history and geography. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s in Bilingual Preschool Education.
- César LeandroDirector de Secundaria
César Leandro Marín is the Director of Secondary, where he leads curriculum development and pedagogical management with a student-centered approach. With over 33 years of experience in the Costa Rican education system, he has held roles such as Academic Director and Coordinator of Student Life. He joined St. Jude School in 2010 and assumed the role of Secondary Director in 2023.
- Gloriana JiménezDirectora de St. Jude Plus
Gloriana Jiménez Jiménez is the Director of St. Jude Plus and a Physical Education and Swimming teacher in Preschool. She holds a Master’s in Sports and Recreation Management and has worked at St. Jude for 9 years, leading the Physical Education Department and coordinating clubs, teams, and the swimming program.
Alexander MezaDirector de InstalacionesAlexander Meza is the Director of Facilities, bringing experience in planning, operations, and team leadership from both corporate and educational environments. Since joining International St. Jude School in 2024, he has focused on preventive maintenance, compliance, safety audits, and resource optimization.
- Angie MendezDirectora de Admisiones
Angie Méndez Agüero leads the Admissions Department, bringing extensive experience in educational marketing, customer experience, and recruitment strategy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and has over seven years of experience in admissions and administrative management, including a previous role as Admissions Coordinator at Colegio Salesiano Don Bosco.