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The European School

Founded 1989

Updated July 2026

540Students

Curriculum

Accreditations

The European School is an international institution in Costa Rica serving students from over forty countries, offering an integrated, literature-based curriculum accredited by the Ministry of Public Education and the International Baccalaureate Organization. It focuses on developing the whole student through a balanced, interdisciplinary approach that prepares graduates for university and beyond.

Teaching approach

The school adheres to the "small is beautiful" philosophy, prioritizing individualized attention to student strengths and needs. It emphasizes a liberal arts and humanities-based education that fosters empathy, critical thinking, and responsible global citizenship. The institution promotes an environment where students are encouraged to express themselves with precision and imagination in at least two languages while acting with conviction and responsibility.

Programmes

The school offers a comprehensive academic path starting from preschool, which emphasizes emotional sensitivity and play, through elementary and high school, where curricula are unified by central themes in literature, history, geography, and art. In grades 7-10, students focus on abstract thinking and the development of civilization, while grades 11-12 follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The IB curriculum includes studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts, alongside requirements for an extended essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown
Frequently asked questions(3)
What curriculum does The European School offer?
The European School offers IB Diploma.
What accreditations does The European School hold?
The European School holds accreditations including IB.
Where is The European School located?
The European School is an international school in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The school accommodates approximately 540 students and requires an application process for enrollment. Tuition is paid on a quarterly basis, with specific fee structures for preschool, primary, secondary, and IB levels. Fees are inclusive of textbooks, class materials, meals for primary and high school students, and most local or outdoor educational trips.

Calendar

The school operates on a balanced calendar that includes short vacation breaks every nine to ten weeks. The standard school day runs from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with Wednesdays designated as half-days. The academic year includes scheduled periods for examinations, sports days, and parent-teacher conferences.

Facilities

LibraryDining hall
  • Anne AronsonFounder/Director

    Miss Anne Aronson founded The European School in 1989 and continues to run it today.