Yorkín School (ADEC)

Founded in 1982, ADEC is a non-profit association that promotes a person-centered pedagogy rooted in a Christian vision of life and the spirit of Opus Dei. The educational model emphasizes the family as the primary pillar of education, fostering a partnership between parents and teachers to develop students' character, responsibility, and social commitment.

The academic offering includes Olmos Preschool (ages 3 months to 5 years), as well as separate primary and secondary schools for girls (Iribó School) and boys (Yorkín School) covering grades 1 through 11. The curriculum is characterized by a 100% bilingual International Baccalaureate program, a focus on STEAM subjects, and an emphasis on character education and academic innovation.

The schools consistently achieve high academic rankings, with Yorkín School holding the number one position in UCR and TEC admission tests for five consecutive years, and Iribó School consistently placing in the top 10. Students benefit from a 100% bilingual International Baccalaureate program and Cambridge English certifications (CAE). Additionally, 60% of female graduates pursue careers in STEAM fields.

The school emphasizes personalized education, providing over 5,500 individual student advisories and more than 2,000 parent consultations in 2024. This approach focuses on accompanying each student according to their individual interests, learning rhythms, and talents to foster integral development.

The admissions process begins with an information request followed by a personal interview to ensure alignment between the family and the school's educational project. For primary and secondary applicants, the process includes admission testing to evaluate academic and emotional readiness. Prospective students may also participate in a 'Special Guest' day, where they experience a full day of classes alongside current students.

ADEC operates through six distinct institutions across several locations, including Curridabat, Escalante, Uruca, and Cartago. The facilities support a range of academic and developmental activities tailored to the specific needs of preschool, primary, and secondary students.

The school offers various extracurricular activities, including 'Kids Camps' and specialized clubs available at multiple locations. Students have achieved success in national competitions, notably securing first place in the national robotics festival.