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Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
Pan-American School is a private international day school in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, Costa Rica, serving students aged 1 to 18. It offers the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) alongside an American Curriculum and a Bespoke Curriculum, delivering a bilingual English-Spanish education within an inclusive, non-selective program. The school is the first IB Continuum in Costa Rica and is accredited by NEASC-CIE in the United States. The curriculum emphasizes skill development and a broad range of arts, design, and physical education, with social-emotional support and a focus on service and global sustainability. Languages taught are English and Spanish. The campus spans 35,000 m² in natural setting, with five classrooms, academic facilities, sports fields, and recreational spaces. It has 24-hour supervised entrances, Carbon Neutral certification via solar energy and recycling, and spaces rentable when not in session. Extracurriculars include Model United Nations (PASMUN), attracting over 300 participants from eight countries.
300 metros sur de Restaurante el Rodeo, Unnamed Road, Heredia, San Antonio, Costa Rica
Gallery
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Vibes and Culture
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The Essentials
Pan-American School has 479 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, Spanish.
Location
Pan-American School is located in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, Costa Rica. The campus spans more than 35,000 m² and consists of five classroom buildings designed in harmony with nature. It is strategically situated near major highways and residential areas, with three 24-hour supervised entrances/exits and sports fields and recreational areas. It offers a bilingual English-Spanish education and is the first private school in Costa Rica certified as Carbon Neutral thanks to solar energy and recycling.
Stages
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP).
Type
Private international day school.
Country affiliation
Costa Rica; NEASC-CIE accreditation from the United States.
Diving Deeper
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Fees
Fee schedule (Academic year 2025–2026)
- Monthly tuition by grade (Costa Rican colones, ₡): - Little Jaguars / Early Learning Center - Paws (18 months – 3 years): ₡300,000 per month. - Cubs: ₡430,967 per month. - Pathfinders: ₡448,083 per month. - Explorers: ₡467,333 per month. - Trailblazers: ₡586,242 per month. - Primary Years Programme - First Grade: ₡686,076 per month. - Second Grade: ₡678,126 per month. - Third Grade: ₡678,126 per month. - Fourth Grade: ₡678,126 per month. - Fifth Grade: ₡707,776 per month. - Middle Years Programme - Sixth Grade: ₡715,608 per month. - Seventh Grade: ₡780,458 per month. - Eighth Grade: ₡780,458 per month. - Ninth Grade: ₡823,308 per month. - Diploma Programme - Tenth Grade: ₡823,308 per month. - Eleventh Grade: ₡877,608 per month. - Twelfth Grade: ₡883,208 per month.
Annual and per-term equivalents (billing options explained below)
- The school permits billing in either 10 or 12 monthly payments; annual and term equivalents shown below are calculated from the monthly amounts above. Use the 10-payment or 12-payment total that matches the family's chosen billing plan.
- Example conversions (all figures in ₡): - Paws: monthly ₡300,000 → annual (10-pay) ₡3,000,000; annual (12-pay) ₡3,600,000; per half-year term (half of annual): ₡1,500,000 (10-pay basis) / ₡1,800,000 (12-pay basis). - First Grade: monthly ₡686,076 → annual (10-pay) ₡6,860,760; annual (12-pay) ₡8,232,912; per half-year term: ₡3,430,380 (10-pay) / ₡4,116,456 (12-pay). - Twelfth Grade: monthly ₡883,208 → annual (10-pay) ₡8,832,080; annual (12-pay) ₡10,598,496; per half-year term: ₡4,416,040 (10-pay) / ₡5,299,248 (12-pay).
- (All other grade-level annual and half-year equivalents are calculated the same way from the monthly figures given above.)
Application / registration fees
- A Renewal of Registration fee for the following school year is billed a few months before the end of the current school year; families who do not pay the Renewal of Registration fee by the due date cannot be guaranteed a place. Proration of the Renewal of Registration fee is possible where offered. Billing and registration items are managed by the Accounts Office.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Families may choose to have the total cost of the school year billed in either 10 or 12 monthly payments. Bills are due by the 15th of the following month. The monthly bill includes tuition and fees for direct educational costs. Payment methods accepted include bank transfer, check, and Credomatic credit cards. For billing queries contact the Accounts Office.
Boarding
- Pan‑American School operates as a day school; boarding services are not provided.
Other costs and recurring extras
- Books and supplies: the purchase and rental of books are included in the monthly fee for all student levels; PlayKids through Preparatory receive supplies and materials included in the monthly supplies fee, while families of students in Grade 1 and above are responsible for purchasing specified materials as directed.
- Co‑curricular activities and sports: each student may register for one after‑school co‑curricular class and one sports co‑curricular (soccer, basketball or volleyball) at no extra charge; additional co‑curricular classes are charged separately.
- Uniforms: a school uniform is required; uniform purchase costs are separate from the monthly tuition charge and are arranged through the school's designated uniform supplier.
- Transportation: school transport (bus) is provided by external providers and is charged separately under the school's Transportation Regulations.
Refunds and withdrawals
- The school's billing information describes the billing cycle and renewal billing; tuition refund schedules are not detailed in the standard billing overview. Families should direct refund or withdrawal questions to the Accounts Office for the official procedure and any applicable conditions. Contact details for billing are provided by the school.
Fee payment options and contact for accounts
- Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, check, Credomatic credit cards. The Accounts Office handles billing questions and registration billing matters; contact the Accounts Office for payment instructions and account details.
Academics
Pan-American School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.
Curriculum
Pan-American School is the first IB Continuum School in Costa Rica, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). It provides a balanced, bilingual English-Spanish education within an inclusive, non-selective program. The curriculum emphasizes skill development and includes a broad range of arts, design, and physical education programs. It features extensive social-emotional support for students. It places a special focus on service and global sustainability. Languages taught are English and Spanish.
Student Teacher Ratio
Student-teacher ratio is 6:1. Average class size is 18.
Exam Results
IB Diploma Programme highest score: 44/45 (2021). The school offers the widest range of DP courses in Costa Rica.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates earn IB Diploma Programme, US High School Diploma, and the Costa Rica Ministry of Education National Diploma. The DP program offers the widest range of DP courses in Costa Rica. Personalized, focalized attention and an extensive student support team help students prepare for higher education. There is a focus on service and global sustainability as part of the education.
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
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Facilities
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Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions
Admissions
1. Contact the admissions team to schedule a campus tour or a virtual information call. Submit the admissions inquiry to receive a link to schedule the call or tour. The inquiry form asks which grade levels you are interested in, from Paws Cubs (18 months - 3 years) to Grade 12. This initial step helps families understand PAS and decide if PAS is the right fit for their child. 2. Submit documents and set up an admissions test, and arrange a student visit to campus. Submit the required documents and schedule an admissions test; a student visit to campus can also be arranged. This step provides the admissions team with information needed to evaluate candidacy and offers a firsthand view of PAS facilities. The goal is to complete the screening process so enrollment can proceed. 3. Finalize enrollment. Complete the enrollment process according to the instructions provided by admissions. Submit any remaining forms and fees as required. The admissions team will confirm your child's enrollment status and next steps. 4. Start your new adventure in learning. After enrollment, students begin learning at PAS and joining the PAS community from day one. Families are encouraged to engage with the school community and support their child's growth. The PAS environment focuses on personalized learning and a connected community.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
What curriculum does Pan-American School follow?
Pan-American School is the first IB Continuum School in Costa Rica, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
What age range does Pan-American School serve?
The school serves students from age 1 to 18.
Is the school co-educational?
The school is described as co-educational.
How many students attend Pan-American School?
The school has approximately 479 students.
Where is Pan-American School located?
Pan-American School is located in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, Costa Rica. The campus spans more than 35,000 m² and consists of five classroom buildings designed in harmony with nature.
When was Pan-American School established?
The school was established in 1971.
Who leads Pan-American School?
The school is led by Alan Wrafter.
Does the school provide learning support for students with special educational needs?
The Learning Support Department provides support to students from preschool through fifth grade. In Primary School, the team includes psycho-pedagogists and a psychologist.
What languages are used for instruction?
Languages taught are English and Spanish.
How do I apply to Pan-American School?
1. Contact the admissions team to schedule a campus tour or a virtual information call. Submit the admissions inquiry to receive a link to schedule the call or tour.
What accreditations does Pan-American School hold?
IB World School accreditation since 2015; NEASC-CIE accreditation in the United States since 2006
