Schools and Education

Belén offers many public schools to its inhabitants, and Costa Rica’s successful public school system is a source of pride for the country

Local Schools


Belén offers many public schools to its inhabitants, and Costa Rica’s successful public school system is a source of pride for the country.  Still, families with children living in Belén have a variety of private schools to choose from, including:

Lakeside International School http://www.lakesideschoolcr.com  

Located in Sardinal only 20 minutes outside of Belén, this leading international bilingual private school works with students from Pre-K to 12th grade to create a learning plan based on the student’s individual strengths and needs. The challenging academic program is complemented with extra-curricular activities in an atmosphere of cooperation.

Early Learning Center Educarte http://www.english.educartecostarica.com

Linked with the Saint Joseph’s school in San Jose, this bilingual school offers preschool and primary school up to 6th grade. For younger kids, this comprehensive educational center is a good introduction to the bilingual world, as well as a life of responsibility and academic achievement.

La Paz Community School http://www.lapazschool.org

Located in Flamingo only 30 minutes away, La Paz Community School is a private, non-profit school for students in Pre-K through 12th grade. The curriculum here is demanding, and students receive bilingual, experiential education where they learn the academics, as well as how to be contributing citizens in the global community. Costa Rica’s peaceful practices are upheld here through four peace practices that students are asked to uphold daily.

The Country Day School www.cdsgte.com

This school for grades Pre-K through 12 is located in the Brasilito/Conchal area only 25 minutes away from Belén. This private, non-sectarian school has an international population of about 150 students from around the world. Small class sizes allow for a rigorous academic program with complementary arts, sports, and experiential studies. Boarding for grades 8-12 is also available.

Guanacaste Waldorf School http://www.gws.ed.cr

A 40-minute commute from Belén, the bilingual Guanacaste Waldorf School offers education to children in Pre-K to 6th grade using the Waldorf method.  Students attend this center from 2.5 to 12 years of age and receive a comprehensive education, including academics and the arts. Activities such as taking care of the school farm, drawing, poetry, singing, and drama are all integrated into the daily curriculum, giving students a large educational foundation.