If you’re thinking about relocating to Sámara with kids, then you’re likely also researching the options for private schools in Sámara: What schools are available in the area? What kind of extracurricular activities are available? Will these schools adequately prepare your children for the future, including the possibility of attending university back “home”?
When moving with children, schooling is always a top priority for many families. The truth is that private schools in Sámara, Costa Rica are still limited: there’s only one private school that covers preschool through 12th grade, plus a handful of private elementary schools. That said, there are also a few public magnet/charter high schools – and plenty of public elementary schools, which we haven’t covered here, as they are free and open to all – that may fit the bill for teens who have already acclimated to Costa Rican schooling.
Tip: Looking into other areas on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast? Be sure to check out our overview of private schools in Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, and Nosara.
As you continue your search, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Location: It’s important to consider the distance from your home, as this will influence your family’s daily commute. While some schools offer bus transportation, not all do.
- Grades/Levels: Only a couple of schools in Sámara offer education through high school, including grade 12. (Note that the Costa Rican high school system typically ends at grade 11.)
- School Year: This decision can affect your family’s routine significantly. Most private schools follow either the Costa Rican academic calendar (February to December) or the U.S. calendar (September to June). A few alternative schools may offer flexible schedules. Choose the option that fits best with your lifestyle.
- Accreditation: If you anticipate returning to your home country or sending your children to study abroad, choosing a school with international accreditation is crucial. It will help ease the transition and ensure they meet entrance requirements for foreign universities. If you’re staying in Costa Rica long-term, consider a school accredited by the Ministry of Education (MEP) to prepare your children for higher education within the country.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): The globally recognized IB diploma can open doors to universities worldwide and is a great option if you want your children to have strong academic credentials.
- Tuition: Private education comes with a cost. Luckily, some international schools in Costa Rica have more affordable tuition rates than others, although only a few in Sámara publicly list their fees.
With these factors in mind, here’s a look at some of the current public and private schools in Sámara, Costa Rica, listed alphabetically:
Preschool through High School
As of publication, there is only one Sámara private school that offers preschool through high school education.
Mareas Academy (Sámara)
Location: Cantarrana, from the 1st crossing between Buena Vista and Nosara, 150 meters North
Grades/Levels: Preschool-12th Grade
School Year: November-August
Accreditation: The Ogburn School (USA)
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: $4,360 to $7,335 per year, plus fees
Mareas Academy is an international, bilingual private school located in downtown Samara. The school embraces a child-centered approach, focusing on individual learning styles and incorporating the theory of multiple intelligences, to ensure that every child can thrive.
At Mareas, the atmosphere is more than just educational – it’s family. Students benefit from small, interactive classes led by licensed, passionate teachers who tailor lessons to each child’s specific needs. This approach fosters a close-knit, collaborative community where everyone – students, teachers, and staff – works together to nurture important and common values, including respect, kindness, and a sense of belonging.
Learning at Mareas goes beyond the classroom. The school encourages students to explore the world around them through hands-on projects, field trips, and interactive lessons designed to spark creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity. They’re committed to developing lifelong learners who take responsibility for their education and futures. Through a discovery-based learning approach, students not only build knowledge but also grow into self-aware individuals who support and encourage one another.
Preschool & Elementary Schools
The Playa Sámara area also offers a handful of private preschool and elementary/primary school options
Casa de las Estrellas (Playa Garza)
Location: Playa Garza (~45 minutes from downtown Samara)
Grades/Levels: Preschool-6th
School Year: U.S. (September-June)
Accreditation: Inquire
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: Contact
Casa de las Estrellas is a Waldorf-inspired, nonprofit, teacher-led school that offers a developmentally appropriate, experiential curriculum that integrates the arts into academic work, balancing cognitive and emotional intelligence with physical activity. This holistic approach helps students absorb information in a meaningful way, inspiring lifelong learners and confident leaders.
The foundation of the Waldorf method is the belief that education is an art and must connect with the child’s experience. To educate the whole child, the school addresses their heart, will, and mind, fostering a deep and enriching learning environment.
Casa de las Estrellas designs its curriculum to meet the needs of children at every stage of their development. Through arts, movement, academics, and a strong connection with nature, students experience subjects in ways that ignite their imagination and sense of wonder. Beyond core academics, students develop language skills, artistic sensitivity, and practical abilities in areas such as crafts, visual arts, music, movement, and biodynamic agriculture– creating a foundation for their physical, spiritual, and intellectual growth.
Escuela ad astra (Sámara)
Location: Buenavista beach, a couple of minutes outside of Sámara downtown
Grades/Levels: 1st-6th
School Year: U.S. (September-June)
Accreditation: Inquire
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: Contact
Escuela Ad Astra is a private elementary school surrounded by the sounds of nature rather than city noise, where children enjoy an immersive, playful learning experience while quickly adapting to the Spanish language. The school’s educational philosophy blends small class sizes with immersive language learning, creating an engaging and effective environment.
Drawing inspiration from Waldorf education, Escuela Ad Astra emphasizes learning through play and active participation in mixed-age classes. This approach is rooted in the latest scientific research and real-world experience, which shows that individualized instruction and skilled teachers lead to the most effective learning outcomes. The curriculum, inspired by Switzerland’s successful education system, is tailored to the needs of Costa Rica, with a focus on both Spanish and English language development.
In addition to immersive language learning, the school promotes cognitive, emotional, and physical growth through a well-rounded curriculum. While Spanish is the primary language of instruction, English is emphasized in subjects like math, science, and language arts. Students are also offered French and German. The school’s flexible approach tailors learning to each child’s unique level, without traditional grading systems, ensuring a nurturing environment that fosters critical thinking, communication, and a lifelong love of learning.
Samara Pacific School (Sámara)
Location: Sámara, Buena Vista, from the old Bar Las Vegas, 1 km towards Esterones, building on the left
Grades/Levels: Preschool-6th Grade
School Year: Costa Rican (February-November)
Accreditation: MEP
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: ¢90,000-¢120,000/month (about $170-$230/month) + fees
Sámara Pacific School offers an exceptional bilingual elementary education, blending arts, music, and environmental studies with a strong academic foundation. As a private nonprofit school, Sámara Pacific provides an accessible and well-rounded education to local families. The curriculum is designed with a 50/50 split between Spanish and English, starting in preschool, and features native English-speaking teachers to enhance language skills. The school is also fully accredited by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Education (MEP) for both preschool and elementary levels.
Sámara Pacific School takes pride in its emphasis on environmental education, encouraging students to participate in beach clean-ups, tree planting, and other environmental activities. The school integrates conservation and ecology across all subjects, inspiring students to be responsible global citizens. In addition to academics, the school celebrates Costa Rican culture, national traditions, and incorporates music, art, dance, and soccer into daily life. Students engage in various artistic and athletic events, such as regional art contests and soccer tournaments on their newly built field.
Community engagement is a key value at Sámara Pacific, with affordable tuition for local families and workshops for parents and teachers. The school’s philosophy centers on making learning fun and creative to ensure children retain knowledge while fostering curiosity, strong morals, and a sense of responsibility.
Magnet/Charter Public High Schools
As there’s only one private high school in the area, we thought we’d highlight three additional options available to local middle-schoolers and high-schoolers. Please note that these magnet/charter schools are public high schools – colegio begins in 7th grade in Costa Rica – and are located the more populous areas of Hojancha and Nicoya (about 45 minutes from downtown). Each school focuses on a specific type of education.
Being realistic, these schools are only a good option for teens who are fully bilingual and, preferably, already have some experience in the Costa Rican school system (public or private), as they are public high schools with strict academic guidelines based on national expectations and standards. As they are magnet/charter schools, Spanish-language tests are required and only select students are chosen for admission.
Colegio Humanístico Costarricense (Nicoya, Public)
Location: Nicoya (~45 minutes from downtown Samara)
Grades/Levels: 10th & 11th
School Year: Costa Rican (February-November)
Accreditation: MEP
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: None (Public Magnet/Charter High School)
The Colegio Humanístico Costarricense (Nicoya Campus) offers students a well-rounded education through a broad, challenging curriculum that goes beyond academics. Its goal is to help students develop skills that might not always be achieved in specific academic areas, via curricular and extracurricular activities that ensure students’ holistic development.
A core principle of humanism is fostering personal development. As such, the school encourages students to develop as free-thinking, creative individuals who are responsible for their actions and committed to society’s betterment. Through this, students are equipped to reflect, face challenges, and provide solutions to the problems they encounter.
The National System of Humanistic Schools in Costa Rica (there are several) focuses on nurturing individual and group talents through a curriculum that promotes an environment of equality and excellence for all students. By reflecting on learning strategies, teaching methods, and critical thinking skills, the system aims to provide equal opportunities to all students, helping them reach their full potential. This approach includes promoting values, facilitating collaborative learning models, and encouraging student participation in finding solutions to societal challenges.
This initiative, started 20 years ago, embodies the essence of transformative education, providing spaces for students to express themselves through writing, research, and rigorous academic discipline. The school’s highly qualified teachers are committed to shaping a new generation of knowledge-hungry students.
Colegio Técnico Profesional de Hojancha (Hojancha, Public)
Location: Hojancha (~45 minutes from downtown Samara)
Grades/Levels: 7th-12th
School Year: Costa Rican (February-November)
Accreditation: MEP
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: None (Public Magnet/Charter High School)
One of Costa Rica’s technical high schools, CTP Hojancha offers a unique program allowing students graduate with a two-year technical degree and internship experience; this is a public educational institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive, high-quality education that prepares students for both the job market and higher education.
Originally established as the Instituto de Capacitación Técnica, the school once worked to prepare students to launch their own businesses. Over time, they expanded to include higher levels of education. Now with a strong focus on both technical and academic fields, the school equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic world. Its diverse learning programs aim to create well-rounded individuals ready to face future challenges with confidence.
At CTP Hojancha, students can explore a wide range of technical specialties, including business administration, agribusiness, environmental tourism, accounting, and software development. These programs provide practical skills for various industries, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce or continue their academic journeys. Through its unique blend of technical and academic training, CTP Hojancha empowers students to shape their own successful futures.
Colegio Técnico Profesional de Nicoya (Nicoya, Public)
Location: Nicoya (~45 minutes from downtown Samara)
Grades/Levels: 7th-12th
School Year: Costa Rican (February-November)
Accreditation: MEP
International Baccalaureate (IB): No
Tuition: None (Public Magnet/Charter High School)
Like CTP Hojancha, CTP Nicoya is a public educational center that offers a comprehensive, high-quality education in both technical and academic fields. Its mission is to prepare students for a successful future, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in either the job market or higher education. The school provides diverse learning opportunities to ensure students can navigate their future careers with confidence.
To enhance hands-on learning, the school offers a variety of exploratory workshops such as artistic drawing, culinary skills, natural fiber crafting, and entrepreneurship for younger students (7th to 9th grade). For older students, technical specialties (and their associated internships) are offered in network configuration, business administration, fashion design, and accounting. The school’s well-rounded approach prepares students to excel in various industries and entrepreneurial ventures.
Questions about Schools in Samara, Costa Rica?
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