I am planning a move to Costa Rica June 2013.
I am a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there - and not sure exactly what town to settle down in.
I heard there are 38 micro-climates in C.R., and have no idea where one begins or ends - not sure if there
is any type of 'weather map' that specifies where these micro climates are ?
I am moving there with my 3 kids (I am a single mom). Two of my 3 kids will be going to school - but I have
no idea which school would be a good idea. I cannot afford these pricey private schools, and know some of you have put your kids right in the public schools. Was that difficult for them to make the transition ? Did your kids already speak Spanish ? My children and I do not know Spanish yet (but will be trying to learn as much as we can before then). I am concerned if they are completely 'lost'
in class not knowing what is being said, etc.
Are there any schools that would be recommended that do NOT have the high price tag (if there are any private/catholic schools) ?
My kids current ages are 10, 14, 17. My 17 year old will be going off to college, my 10 year old will be 11 by the time we leave and will have completed 5th grade here in the U.S.(so would be going into 6th grade). My 14 year
old will be finishing her 10th grade by the time we leave, and almost be 15 years old (so she would be going into 11th grade).
I read something on this site:
http://www.therealcostarica.com/health_education_costa_rica/public_schools_costa_rica.html
"The public school system in Costa Rica often ends at the 9th grade. Schools that offer courses beyond the 9th grade are required to offer the Bachillerato de Educación de Diversificada or National Baccalaureate. These National Baccalaureate school end at 11th grade. Their calendar year is from February through November.
With the National Baccalaureate degree program, the student will take MEP (Ministerio de Educación Publico) tests in the 6th, 9th and 11th grade. This degree allows entrance into University in Costa Rica, but with this diploma alone, it is very difficult if not impossible to enter a University in the United States.
For this reason, most expatriates who move to Costa Rica with school aged children will send them to either a Catholic Schools or to a wide variety of Private Schools. Most opt for the private schools.
The main function of the public schools is to provide basic literacy not preparation for university here nor college or university elsewhere.. Those students who do have their eye set to higher education will always elect to continue though 11th grade which makes them eligible for admission to most colleges and universities in this country but not in the USA."
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I am a bit confused by this....Is that true that there is no schooling after 9th grade ? I need to know what type of schooling my kids would need to make them eligible to attend college/university in the U.S.A.??
I think based on that information above, they would need to go to a school that would offer the International Baccalaureate, but is that only offered at private schools ?
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On this site:
http://www.therealcostarica.com/health_education_costa_rica/private_schools_costa_rica.html
"There are many choices in the Central Valley, which is rich in educational options, offering anything from mainstream public schools to your American based private institutions.
Living outside the Central Valley or surrounding area will decrease your choices for schools. Most are located in the Central Valley. Public schools are available in most areas but generally offer instruction only to the 9th grade as required by law for children ages 6-14. Some of the larger communities will offer private Montessori or Catholic schools, which offer instruction to the 11th grade and the National Baccalaureate.
Primary education lasts 6 years while high school might be 5 or 6 years depending on the school of your choice and which degree/degrees are offered. There are three types of diplomas offered in Costa Rica and this will vary with each school.
The Costa Rican Bachillerato Diploma accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education. (MEP) This is the National Baccalaureate/Diploma of Costa Rica.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma, accredited by the IBO in Geneva, Switzerland.
USA High School Diploma, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Schools in Costa Rica that go beyond the 9th grade are required to offer the Bachillerato de Educación de Diversificada or National Baccalaureate. With this degree the student will take MEP (Ministerio de Educación Publico) testing in the 6th, 9th and 11th grade. This degree allows entrance into University in Costa Rica. With this diploma alone, it is very difficult if not impossible to enter a University in the United States.
The second type offered is the IB or International Baccalaureate.
To earn the IB diploma, students must complete and test in six IB subjects; write an extended 4000 word essay of independent research guided by a faculty mentor, complete 150 hours of (CAS) creative, action, and service activities; and participate in a critical thinking course called Theory of Knowledge. The program begins in the 11th grade and is completed in the 12th grade. Entrance into University in the USA, Europe or Latin America is tenable with this degree accredited by the IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) in Geneva Switzerland.
The third type of degree is the United States Diploma, which will allow entrance into University in the United States or Europe and other parts of the world. You cannot however enter University in Costa Rica with this diploma alone. The United States Diploma is available at all of the American Schools in Costa Rica."
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What towns are considered the outer perimeter of the Central Valley ?(I am trying to look on a map and figure out how far this extends).
Are you aware of any schools that would offer the International Baccalaureate (or the U.S. Diploma)
that you would recommend ?
Thank you VERY much for any light you can shed on this topic.....
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