Humboldt Schule is a German Curriculum / Bespoke Curriculum school in San Jose, Costa Rica. Founded in 1912. Annual tuition ranges from $10,288 to $10,294 USD.
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Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Scholarships Available
Scholarships may be awarded through the PASO program based on socio-economic assessments; additional funds may cover uniforms, meals, or transport for qualifying students.
Key facts
About
Humboldt Schule is a private, bilingual, bicultural school in Pavas, San José, Costa Rica, founded in 1912 and operated by the German-Costa Rican Cultural Institution. It serves students aged 3 to 18 in a trilingual German-Spanish-English environment, offering both the German Abitur and the Costa Rican Bachillerato. The campus features modern science labs, arts spaces, an auditorium, a football pitch, gymnasium, and a half-Olympic swimming pool.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Trilingual education in German, Spanish, and English. Dual diploma offering both the German Abitur (recognized by universities worldwide) and the Costa Rican Bachillerato. Grade 10 Germany exchange trip. PASO program for gifted Costa Rican students. Founded in 1912 with over a century of bicultural education.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | CRC 10,294 |
| Abitur (Grade 12) | CRC 10,288 |
| Grundschule (Grades 1-6) | CRC 10,294 |
| Sekundarstufe (Grades 7-11) | CRC 10,294 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: CRC 5,247,000 - 5,250,000. Application fee: $1,000.
Admissions Process
- 1Three enrollment paths: (1) Preschool entry via online portal, applications due no later than April; approved in May. (2) PASO program for gifted Costa Rican students entering Grade 5 after a 'Cursillo' German course in Grade 4, with top 30 admitted. (3) Regular primary/secondary entry by submitting an entrance application form with birth certificate, transcripts, proof of no outstanding fees, and income certificate. After admission, parents pay enrollment and admission fees and sign an annual education contract.
Admissions Details
School Day
7:30 to 15:30 during term; 8:00 to 15:00 during holidays.
Student Life
Mandatory for Grades 1–10: white polo with Humboldt crest, black cotton pants, black belt, black shoes and socks, official black hoodie. PE uniform: white sports shirt and black sports pants. Grade 11 students design their own uniform color with administration. Grade 12 (Abitur) students are not required to wear a uniform. Kindergarten students wear PE uniform only for PE.
The school operates a canteen for students and staff, located beside the pool, with seating, microwaves for heating meals, and recycling-based waste bins. The menu is planned by a nutritionist and changes monthly, offering fruits, natural juices, dairy products, and a daily dish of the day. Open Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 15:00.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
School psychologists support teachers, parents, and students with preventive work. Psychologists visit each class at least once per year with talks and activities. Support addresses cross-cultural challenges arising from the Spanish-German environment. Parental education is provided through conferences and events.
Student Demographics
School Background
Operated by the German-Costa Rican Cultural Institution (ICGC), an association governed by a Board of Directors of seven members elected by the General Assembly.