Washington School - San Jose is a American Curriculum / Advanced Placement (AP) school in San Jose, Costa Rica. Annual tuition ranges from $5,227 to $5,227 USD.
Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Key facts
About
Washington School – San Jose is a co-educational day school in Escazú, Costa Rica, serving students aged 3 to 18 with an American curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) courses alongside the Costa Rican national program, approved by the Ministry of Public Education. The school's core instructional philosophy is Thought-Based Learning (TBL), integrating project-based, solution-based, challenge-based, and creative arts-based approaches to develop critical thinking and digital fluency. Faculty affiliations include Harvard, UC Berkeley, and the University of Costa Rica, with extracurricular offerings including a Model United Nations program and international university connections.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Washington School emphasizes Thought-Based Learning (TBL) integrating Project-Based Learning (PBL), Solution-Based Learning (SBL), Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), and Creative Arts-Based Learning (ABL). The school is approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education and offers AP courses alongside the national program. Faculty include educators affiliated with Harvard, UC Berkeley, and the University of Costa Rica. The school runs a Model United Nations program (WCRMUN) and provides connections to international universities.
Fees & Financials
Original currency: CRC 2,665,872. Application fee: $475.
Admissions Process
- 1Preschool: interview with parent or legal representative, submission of completed documentation, signing of educational services contract, payment of tuition. 2) Primary: interview with parent or legal representative, diagnosis testing of student by appointment, submission of completed documentation, signing of contract, payment. 3) Secondary: interview with parent or legal representative, diagnosis testing of student by appointment, submission of completed documentation, signing of contract, payment.
School Day
Mon–Fri 7:20 am – 3:15 pm
Student Life
All students must attend daily in uniform, including a polo shirt with the school logo. The PE uniform is a grey shirt worn under the sweatshirt on designated PE days.
Preschool students must bring their lunch daily including protein, fruit/vegetable, bread or cereal, and milk. A microwave is available for heating lunches; breakfast is not provided. Dietary restrictions require a physician or licensed dietician's note. The school is a peanut-free facility.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
Washington School uses Thought-Based Learning (TBL) emphasizing collaboration, peer solidarity, supportive relationships, and healthy self-confidence. Assigned team roles build social skills for teamwork and leadership.
Student Demographics
School Background
Private educational institution approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The Educational Services Contract and General Regulations govern the relationship between the school, parents and students.