Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Tamarindo

Tamarindo, is a vibrant beach town known for its stunning coastline and laid-back lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. While Tamarindo is not a large city, it does offer a selection of international and bilingual schools catering to the expatriate community. Among the most popular are La Paz Community School and Educarte, both of which are known for their high-quality education and multicultural environments. Here are some of the international and bilingual schools within a short drive from Tamarindo that are suitable for expat children.

La Paz Community School

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Playa Flamingo
Website: www.lapazschool.org

La Paz Community School is a well-regarded institution that offers a bilingual, environmentally focused education. Following a U.S. accredited curriculum, it integrates both International Baccalaureate (IB) and local Costa Rican Ministry of Education standards. The school boasts a diverse student body, with a strong emphasis on community service and sustainability. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and sports fields, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Educarte

Grades: Preschool through Grade 11
Location(s): Villareal
Website: www.educartecostarica.com

Educarte is a bilingual school that aims to foster a multicultural and multilingual environment. The curriculum is based on the Costa Rican Ministry of Education's requirements, supplemented with international teaching methods. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including music, dance, and sports. Educarte is known for its small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and a supportive learning atmosphere.

CRIA (Costa Rica International Academy)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Brasilito
Website: www.criacademy.com

CRIA is an international school that serves a diverse community of local and expatriate families. The school offers an American-style education with Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. CRIA's campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, computer labs, and sports complexes. The school also provides a range of extracurricular activities, from robotics to Model United Nations, catering to a wide array of interests.

Journey School of Costa Rica

Grades: Preschool through Grade 6
Location(s): Huacas

Journey School of Costa Rica is a bilingual school that emphasizes experiential learning and outdoor education. With a curriculum that blends Costa Rican educational standards with international teaching practices, Journey School focuses on creating a nurturing environment where children can explore and learn about the world around them. The school's unique approach includes project-based learning and regular field trips to local ecosystems.

Tide Academy

Grades: Grade 7 through Grade 12
Location(s): Tamarindo
Website: www.tideacademy.com

Tide Academy is a boutique school that offers a flexible learning environment for middle and high school students. With a focus on individualized education, Tide Academy provides a blend of classroom instruction and online courses, allowing students to progress at their own pace. The school is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to fostering independence and critical thinking skills in its students.

Marbella Montessori

Grades: Preschool through Grade 6
Location(s): Santa Cruz
Website: www.marbellamontessori.com

Marbella Montessori offers a Montessori education with bilingual instruction in English and Spanish. The school follows the Montessori philosophy of self-directed learning, with a focus on developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. The school's serene setting and natural surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for its hands-on, nature-based learning approach.