Relocating with children adds an important question to the moving checklist: where will they go to school? The good news is that Costa Rica has a strong selection of international and bilingual schools — especially around the Central Valley — that make a smooth transition possible for expat families. Here is what you need to know for 2026.
The Costa Rican Education Landscape
Costa Rica prizes education — it famously spends a large share of its budget on schooling and has high literacy. Families have three broad options:
1. Public schools — free and taught in Spanish. Great for cultural immersion and language acquisition, especially for younger children, though facilities and resources vary. 2. Private bilingual schools — Spanish and English instruction, smaller classes, more resources. The most popular middle path for expat families. 3. International schools — full English-language (or US/British/IB) curricula, often with internationally recognized diplomas. The closest fit to schooling "back home."
International & Bilingual Schools to Know
Most international schools cluster in and around the Central Valley (Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia, San José) — one more reason families gravitate there. Well-known options include schools offering American, British, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, such as Country Day School, Lincoln School, the European School, Marian Baker, and the British School of Costa Rica, among others. Guanacaste also has growing options like international schools near the beach communities to serve its expanding expat population.
Each school has its own curriculum, language balance, and culture — visiting in person is the best way to judge fit.
What Does It Cost?
International school tuition is a significant but manageable expense — far below comparable US or UK private schools:
| School type | Approximate annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Public | Free (small fees) |
| Private bilingual | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Top international | $10,000–$20,000+ |
Budget also for enrollment fees, uniforms, transport, and materials. Even at the top end, families often find the value strong relative to private education back home.
The School Calendar Is Different
Here is a key adjustment: many Costa Rican schools follow a February-to-November/December academic year aligned with the country's seasons, with summer break over December–January. However, a number of international schools run on a North American August-to-June calendar. Confirm each school's calendar early, as it affects your move timing and any mid-year transfers.
Helping Kids Adjust
- Language: Younger children typically absorb Spanish remarkably fast; bilingual schools ease the transition for older kids.
- Community: International schools come with built-in expat-family networks — instant social connections for kids and parents alike.
- Activities: Surfing, soccer, nature, and the outdoors are woven into childhood here, which most kids love.
Read our relocating with children guide for the family residency process.
Residency for the Whole Family
Your children can be included as dependents on your residency application (typically minors, or students up to a higher age limit). As legal residents, the whole family gains CAJA healthcare access and a stable base while the kids attend school. Our team handles the dependent paperwork — apostilled birth certificates, and marriage certificate if applicable — alongside the main application.
Move Your Family With Confidence
Legal Residency Costa Rica has guided many families through relocation, coordinating residency for parents and children together so school enrollment and healthcare fall into place.
Request Your Free Consultation | Relocating With Children | Review Residency Services
Call us: +506-8385-5008 | Email: legalresidencycostarica@outlook.com | Office: Santa Ana, Costa Rica
Give your children a bilingual, nature-rich childhood. Contact us to plan your family's move.
