Berkeley Academy is a American Curriculum / Advanced Placement (AP) / Bespoke Curriculum school in Santa Ana, Costa Rica. Founded in 2013. Annual tuition ranges from $6,325 to $9,075 USD.
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Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
John Swing Scholarship: open to students residing in Costa Rica who are in Grade 8 or 9 in good standing. Requires three letters of recommendation, a 500-word personal essay, and a one-minute video. Selected finalists attend a one-day evaluation at Berkeley Academy. Applications submitted to [email protected] by March 4, 2025.
Academic Performance
Key facts
About
Berkeley Academy is a private K–12 international school in Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica, founded in 2013 and serving approximately 350 students aged 3 to 18. It offers a dual diploma program combining the U.S. High School curriculum (aligned with UC/CSU A-G Requirements) and the Costa Rican National Baccalaureate, with instruction in English and Spanish and more than 25 AP courses. The school emphasises bilingualism, STEM, and service learning, and requires all Grade 12 students to complete a Senior Thesis and a Global Service program.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Dual diploma program awarding both a U.S. High School diploma (based on UC/CSU A-G Requirements) and the Costa Rican National Baccalaureate. Offers more than 25 AP courses and 20 Honors courses. Emphasises bilingualism and multicultural perspectives. Requires a Senior Thesis in Grade 12 and a Global Service program with internships. Forthcoming state-of-the-art campus will include a semi-Olympic pool, regulation soccer pitch, amphitheater, and multiple research laboratories.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Pre-K and Kindergarten | USD 6,325 |
| Grades 1-5 (Elementary) | USD 7,975 |
| Grades 6-12 (Middle and High School) | USD 9,075 |
Original currency: CRC 1,400 - 10,250. Application fee: $500.
Admissions Process
- 1Rolling admissions with preferred application window April to July for August entry. Three steps: 1) Application — submit official request with transcripts, conduct records, and at least one letter of recommendation (for middle school and above); notification within 7 working days. 2) Interview — admissions officers assess conduct, English language level, and age-appropriate knowledge. 3) Entrance Examination — covers Public Speaking, English, Math, Reading Comprehension, and Essay Writing; a score of 85% or higher in all areas is preferred.
Admissions Details
School Day
School days run 7:45am–2:45pm, Monday through Friday; North American academic calendar with two semesters and four quarters.
Student Life
Uniforms are required. Polo shirts with grey pants, black or brown belt, black socks, and black dress shoes are worn on Mondays, Wednesdays, and alternating Fridays. PE uniforms (grey PRIDE shirt and black shorts/lycra) are worn on PE days (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Polo shirts must be tucked in; Fridays alternate between social etiquette dress and free dress.
Lunch is part of the regular schedule. Lower Elementary lunch is from 11:00 to 11:45; Upper Elementary lunch is from 11:30 to 12:30. Students may purchase lunch/snacks on campus or bring their own.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
The program includes a diverse set of clubs, service opportunities, and counseling supports as part of its college-prep and student-life offerings to support well-being through academics and community involvement.
The school operates under Costa Rican law and Academy policy with non-discrimination and harassment policies in place; campus safety and safeguarding are aligned with standard private-school practices in Costa Rica.
Student Demographics
School Background
Privately owned and governed by a Board of Directors. Co-founded by Peter J. Swing (President) and Yorlenny Aguilar (Vice President); Head of School Beth Martin; Deputy Head of School Ximena Castillo.