Thank you so much for your post....i am moving to Costa Rica for one year in June 2013 as well. I have two children who will be 15 &12. I am planning on moving to Cartago....and i am also trying to find information on the schools. I have connections in Cartago...and if i get any information i iwill let you know. But i am hoping someone from this forum will post info too.

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We don't have any agents in Cartago, therefore I don't have any info on schools there. This website though, carries info on schools on the east-side of San Jose: http://american-european.net/page-costa-rica-schools-207.html

I find Cartago has "Colegio Saint Edwards" www.saintedwardsschoolcr.com saintedwardsschoolcr.com@gmail.com phone 2591-0912 and "Colegio Bilingue Sangrado Corazon de Jesus" escuelasagrado@yahoo.es and phone 2551-0832 . I hope this helps.

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Hi! We just moved to Guanacaste from the US with our four boys. They are 17, 15, 10 and 6. Because we have a junior and senior this year, we are sending them to the Country Day School where they will get a US diploma. It is an American International school. There is also a wonderful school here called La Paz. It is a bit cheaper and MANY expats and Ticos send there children here. They are in the process of obtaining accreditation for the US diploma, however it will take two years. Not good for us, but may work for you. :D We decided to suck it up for two years for the older boys and axe our budget in other places. Country Day is a wonderful school and we felt it was VERY similar to where they had been attending in the states. Good luck!!

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Word Traveler..For Gods sake do not move to CR with kids..schooling was a nightmare for so many reasons..I worked at a elite private all english school n was do dissaponted..Cr has changed so much it is unrecognizable by even tiocs that live in the States n go back home to visit n many decide they r not returning to retire..San Jose is full of crime..more of it becoming violent..and there r more n more slums even in the rural areas..if u look at stats u will b horrified..30% of the pop. is drug addicted..i have been going to CR n have dual citizenship there n a home..i go evry yr n have lived there on 4 occassions..my spanish is perfect..i have family there since my mom is tica..i am a US citizen, open minded, humble down to earth practicing catholic n trust me i am heartbroken about how much Cr has changed for the worse..globalization hit hard, people r envious of u since ur from the states n have more money than them, speak englishm can travel, etc..i am hispanic n was always accepted as a tourist not to stay..i felt isolated n lonely n my sister who also tried to live there in 2004 felt the same..no matter how hard life can b in the US especially now u can never compare a US education..worst case scenario put them in a small private school if the are is that bad in the US..my daughter loved to visit CR n since my parents wereplanning on retiring there n i have a home i gave it a shot..the private school i put my 2 kids in only accepte dher on a temp. basis due to sooo much bureaucrcay n paperowork i was missing..i did so much bfore leaving here with translations n consulate, etc..money..money n red tape so she was being placed 1yr behind n conditionally..meanwhile the kids were snotty n cold towards her until they found out she could help them with their english homework..very interested but not genuine..u r on ur own there trust me..after 540pm the whole country goes dark..i lived in a beautiful area of heredia n still u felt unsafe in general..watching ur back..walking fast..being on high alert at all times..ur kids will hate it..oine thing is to visit another to actually live there..my mom n i n many ticos feel sorry for gringos n canadians that risk their lived there n became enchanbted n lured in by the old crica whuch bfore 1995 really was a paradis eon earth..my first love..if u absolutely must live there for an "experience" go ahead but dont buy a home there..live n heredia or cartago(this is far from airport n colder than heredia but safer than alajuela or san jose) n the only 2 schools that i truly feel r the best for us or canadian natives n that ur kids will feel at home, cared for , respected n b with similiar kids not the snobby CR rich brats are American International School in Cariara Hereida.Bosque d DOn~a Rosa and Country Dau n Escazu..the rest is makeup..i can tell u the good the bad..the real things..even my family over there have begun to hate their country n tell me that they know when they leave in the morning but dont know if theyre coming back..cary..i see the news daily on tv here through satellite..not pretty..it has become very consumer oriented, class divisions are more prominent..the middle class is sinking into the lower income group..many gringos that retire there are ok because no kids, less expenses, stay mostly indoors or live with other retirees in safer rural areas..away from suburbs but that can b worse too as home invasions r on the rise..banks, shops , restaurants, bars, stores, get assaulted n al the time n many vendors n taxi drives get killed all the time for a cel phone, some change, a car..just the other day a school bus from a private school got assaulted..very pathetic..to me the high crime, transportation issues, little social life, n very expensive in general to even eat highly influenced my decision to come back especially because of my kids future n their schooling..my daughter is excelling in public high school n Miami in a honors program n has just been accepted to Univ of Cambridge prep program at her hschool..my son had to do tutoring for reading but passed 1st grade at a A school..no matter how poor u r here u still have more access, more resources n a better lot here..i prayed with all my heart to GOD to take out Cr out of my heart n mind n only to go a s tourist n he did that because ur CR pura vida dream will become a nightmare..unless u r a beach bum hippie surfer, pot head, a fugitive, a pimp, a sportsbook junkie, a loser or an extremely humble n simplistic person u will not enjoy life in CR..it is a beautiful and a must see country..i will always miss the rain, the mountain views, the awesome n cool weather, n walking to places..but i can do that when i visit..do not have ur kids endure hardship n unnecessary issues by living there..i regret what i did n wasted time..workers are lazy full of excuses..also there r no real men there..women are complicated..more than me, envious n interested n how u can hire them or what u can give to them..i felt safer in cuba. I told myself that even if i had to work at a factory (i have a college degree n a wealth of job experience) n live in a studio i would rather that than live n fear, being envied, not feeling welcomed, isolated, my kids falling behind in school, catching 3 buses to get to places..CR is a disaster n i think it will only get worse with all the free trade agreements, Mexico drug lords n bad immigration there..more slums, more corruption, even rice n beans n coffee have become a luxury..this is why people r mad, aggressive drivers, looking out to see who they can scam, etc...sorry not for me..when i go now n have fun n enjoy the country i am delighted to know that after one or two months i have my ticket back to the States..i am a hard core Latina but have never been so grateful to GOD that my tica Mom chose to immigrate to the US at 19 through a diplomatic visa..i will remain a tourist 4ever..God Bless u n ur kids if u go..trust no one...in ur case if u r not Hispanic then just expats hopefully theyr r normal.

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Almost forgot...do not under any circimstances put ur kids in public school..first off they wont accept them unless they have residency n there is no english there only one very mediocre class..most r dirty, horrible infrastructure, no soap,sometimes no water,,u have to pay for lunch, buses,,no after care (not in private schools either..i had to hire a lady to accept them at her house until i got home..most ticos see u as a walking ATM..trust me..even me i have a cedula,,speak tico spanish n have family n own my own home there)the quality at public schools bfore 1985 was the best,..now now it is horrible, boring, teachers r disgruntled,, want to do the minimum, strrikes r often, tons of bureaucracy..if u cant afford CDS OR AIS than most catholic schools r great n good kids n teacher but they r bilingual not all english

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Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Valentina Duran on behalf of all the Costa Ricans and people that really appreciate what we represent I am respectfully asking you to Never come back to our country your monstrous comments have insulted hundreds of thousands of hard working, highly educated people. It's not fair to come to an international forum and express such biased and ridiculous claims like saying that 30% of our population is drug addicted.
Costa Rica is as we all know a developing country, there are many improvements to be made however it is also clear that most of us are very proud to be Costa Rican, in my career as an attorney focused in providing advice to foreigners I have always seen the tendency that the people with the highest education and with the richest cultural and worldly education have always agreed that compared to the rest of the world Costa Rica is one of the best relocation destinations in the world.
It's a shame that you have Costa Rican blood as your comments are monstrous and I repeat deeply insult us as nation. I am not going to defend my country pointing out its good things because it wouldn't be worth it with a person like you nor am I going to attack other nations comparing them to Costa Rica.
I want to refer to the words of Balthasa Gracian in his book The Art of Worldly Wisdom:
"Avoid the Faults of your Nation"
Water shares the good or bad qualities of the strata through which it flows, and man those of
the climate in which he is born. Some owe more than others to their native land, because
there is a more favourable sky in the zenith. There is not a nation even among the most
civilised that has not some fault peculiar to itself which other nations blame by way of boast or
as a warning. ’Tis a triumph of cleverness to correct in oneself such national failings, or even
to hide them: you get great credit for being unique among yourfellows, and as it is less
expected of you it is esteemed the more. There are also family failings as well as faults of
position, of office or of age. If these all meet in one person and are not carefully guarded
against, they make an intolerable monster.

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Valentina Duran on behalf of all the Costa Ricans and people that really appreciate what we represent I am respectfully asking you to Never come back to our country your monstrous comments have insulted hundreds of thousands of hard working, highly educated people. It's not fair to come to an international forum and express such biased and ridiculous claims like saying that 30% of our population is drug addicted.
Costa Rica is as we all know a developing country, there are many improvements to be made however it is also clear that most of us are very proud to be Costa Rican, in my career as an attorney focused in providing advice to foreigners I have always seen the tendency that the people with the highest education and with the richest cultural and worldly education have always agreed that compared to the rest of the world Costa Rica is one of the best relocation destinations in the world.
It's a shame that you have Costa Rican blood as your comments are monstrous and I repeat deeply insult us as nation. I am not going to defend my country pointing out its good things because it wouldn't be worth it with a person like you nor am I going to attack other nations comparing them to Costa Rica.
I want to refer to the words of Balthasa Gracian in his book The Art of Worldly Wisdom:
"Avoid the Faults of your Nation"
Water shares the good or bad qualities of the strata through which it flows, and man those of
the climate in which he is born. Some owe more than others to their native land, because
there is a more favourable sky in the zenith. There is not a nation even among the most
civilised that has not some fault peculiar to itself which other nations blame by way of boast or
as a warning. ’Tis a triumph of cleverness to correct in oneself such national failings, or even
to hide them: you get great credit for being unique among yourfellows, and as it is less
expected of you it is esteemed the more. There are also family failings as well as faults of
position, of office or of age. If these all meet in one person and are not carefully guarded
against, they make an intolerable monster.

Post a Reply

30abuse

Valentina Duran on behalf of all the Costa Ricans and people that really appreciate what we represent I am respectfully asking you to Never come back to our country your monstrous comments have insulted hundreds of thousands of hard working, highly educated people. It's not fair to come to an international forum and express such biased and ridiculous claims like saying that 30% of our population is drug addicted.
Costa Rica is as we all know a developing country, there are many improvements to be made however it is also clear that most of us are very proud to be Costa Rican, in my career as an attorney focused in providing advice to foreigners I have always seen the tendency that the people with the highest education and with the richest cultural and worldly education have always agreed that compared to the rest of the world Costa Rica is one of the best relocation destinations in the world.
It's a shame that you have Costa Rican blood as your comments are monstrous and I repeat deeply insult us as nation. I am not going to defend my country pointing out its good things because it wouldn't be worth it with a person like you nor am I going to attack other nations comparing them to Costa Rica.
I want to refer to the words of Balthasa Gracian in his book The Art of Worldly Wisdom:
"Avoid the Faults of your Nation"
Water shares the good or bad qualities of the strata through which it flows, and man those of
the climate in which he is born. Some owe more than others to their native land, because
there is a more favourable sky in the zenith. There is not a nation even among the most
civilised that has not some fault peculiar to itself which other nations blame by way of boast or
as a warning. ’Tis a triumph of cleverness to correct in oneself such national failings, or even
to hide them: you get great credit for being unique among yourfellows, and as it is less
expected of you it is esteemed the more. There are also family failings as well as faults of
position, of office or of age. If these all meet in one person and are not carefully guarded
against, they make an intolerable monster.

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00abuse

Well said Augusto---as soon as I read the comment about 30% drug addicted I knew not to put any more thought into it. To me the sad thing is I do believe some folks are so miserable that this is really the self talk and thoughts they have. In reality as you can read between the lines some folks are just going to be miserable and sad wherever they are so able all we can do is pray for them and not get into an argument--you could never make headway with the truth.I also wonder if sometimes folks want to protect Costa Rica from outsiders and say this sort of stuff to dissuade them??

Gill Phelan
www.gvecr.com

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Thanks for your support Gill and I agree with you 100%, I am extremely proud to be a Costa Rican and to have hundreds of expat friends that share with my family the good things that my country has to offer and that understand absolutely all nations have issues to work on.

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I am not a resident. I have been to Costa Rica three times and never had a problem or felt any of the things she is talking about. I will be moving there in March or April for good. I have been to the dentist there and found her to be exceptional. She was more caring and professional then I found in the states. The name of the dentist is Premier Dental in Jaco. Dr. Nunez. Everyone that I had dealings with were very helpful and honest. I know there may be some bad areas like anywhere but I traveled from Tamarindo to Panama and never had a moments worry.
Lucky1950.

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You were not the only one happy with a dentist in Jaco Johnny. Ardon Schambers from Grand Rapids, Michigan was also happy with a different dentist in Jaco Beach: http://american-european.net/article-costa-rica-dental-services-are-surprisingly-good-162.html

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Many public schools will not accept your children, if they do not speak Spanish. And most of them, would not be acceptable to you, anyway.
You should chose the schools prior to deciding where where you want to live.
You are required to apply for residency. And with this comes a financial commitment. Do you understand that you cannot legally work here?
It is not cheap to live, anymore.

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Not cheap to live you say. As a resident, we pay $29 per month for access to free health insurance, our property tax is less than $400 per year, our home owners insurance is $399 and my recent root canal & crown was $300 total. Sure food has gone up but how you can say it's not cheap to live, you are focusing on the small stuff. Our maid is $2.50 per hour and I just got my hair cut for $4.00.
Steve Linder
Pacific Lots of Costa Rica
www.PacificLots.com
305-295-0137 direct
877-481-0300 US only toll free
Read our blog: www.PacificLots.com/Costa-Rica-Blog/
Photos of our Developments http://picasaweb.google.com/pacificlots

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10abuse

It is cheap to live in CR if you don't like to socialize n go out..if u don't have to pay tuition n school bus providers, if u don't have to pay 3 buses to get to work, if u don't like to eat just rice n beans everyday..even owinng ur own home (no mortgage or rent) n with 1000 usd is not enough that is why the pensionado rate to qualify went up which is sad n discourages people to retire there..canadian n europeans r retiring in safe cuba where u can walk aroung at 2am in Havana n be fine...God forbid u do the same in most of the Latin American cities, i t hink pretty much only Chile can say that it is pretty safe n general..the rest of the region has only gotten worse..living n S. Fl. i meet n interact with people from the Caribbean n LAmerican hear all the crime stories as well as how expensive life has become..GLOBALIZATION at work..CR is cheap compared to US for yes most medical exams (although they have gone uo n r not that accessible for nost ticos) some meds, taxis if short distance, bananas, utilities (again increasing way too much for most ticos) some bus fares, n nothing more..my property taxes although low compared to the US went up 200%..i was shocked when i went to pay them..almost fainted...very unexpected, private schools will suck u dry, as well as sales n service taxes being sometimes more than what u consumed..i spoke to ticos all the time n have friends n family n i would hear everything..how some people are eating only once a day..how McDonalds was a place they had neve been..the beggars with children asking for money in SJose..this is everywhere in LAmerica but in CR u would seldom see this bfore 1995..reality hits hard especially when u have invested much time n money on this piece of land..and do not recognize it anymore.,,and it is changing faster n faster..who knows where it will end up..i am positive things will only get worse from what i see happening in the political arena nowadays..outright cynicism n people like AUGUSTO have become zombies that cover up the horrible state of the nation n keep on with the bs of Pura Vida..i hope things always go well n their bubble..there isn;t much to do anyway outside of it.

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00abuse

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your stating the prices of things - according to 'Kohl,' it is not cheap - yet to me according to the prices you listed, it is pretty clear its inexpensive ! Based on the American cost/standard of living, C.R. is extremely reasonable, thus why many Americans have made the big move to C.R.....Its not 'dirt cheap' as in some S. American countries/other central american countries - but based on the U.S. prices it is.....May I ask Kohl, why does the sound of your message sound a bit hostile ? You say I cannot legally work there ? I find it funny how there are many americans employed in C.R.(many as english teachers in schools), are you telling me they are all illegally working ?

As far as schools - you said, 'most public schools would not be acceptable to you anyways...' How do you know what I think is acceptable or not ???

Sure I get the language barrier might be a real problem initally - that's why I was asking on this forum for other suggestions to private schools that cost an arm and a leg.... The first Tica who replied above, mentioned that the Catholic schools were good - does anyone know of any they would recommend ? If public schools are not 'acceptable,' private schools at $ 12,000 and up per kid are out of reach $$, then I want to explore this Catholic school option (we are not Catholic, but Christian - speaking of that, are there any Christian churches in the Central Valley)?

I also would like to know if the Tica woman who wrote the long post above - if any of you who have read it find that there are any valid legitimate points there that you agree with ? I know the drug addiction figure sounded quite high at 30% -- but in comparison to the U.S.A., that figure is low, as the USA supposedly has the highest percentage in the world regarding illegal drug use:

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500368_162-4222322.html

That is not taking into account the prescription drug abuse that the U.S.A. also rates highest in:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6101a3.htm

The reality is this - there is NO PERFECT place on the planet. I have lived from one end of the globe to the other, and I can tell you that there is not one place without problems. What one person sees as paradise, another person sees as hell. Our perspective and our expectations are different. I see white, you see black, one person can see a movie and think its great and another will say it was the worst they have ever seen.... The bottom line is, those who seek a forum like this, are trying to find out one thing and that is truth. Facts and Truth about places they want to move to - we want information from those who have lived there, or are currently living there now. We don't want the biased views from the Tourism bureau, or a realtor who only wants to sell you a house, or from any other biased source. We do not want the 'polished version' or any fabrication of the truth. Just the facts. It is very hard to make an objective decision on a place, when you feel that there are such conflicting views on the same issue. I appreciate people stating their own personal views - that's what we can do in the USA, we have the freedom to speak our mind freely, and I appreciate those that do so, without feeling like their is some type of censorship going on, even subliminally..... I would hope that people on this site DO speak only truth, their truth, their experiences, nothing other than that, not to benefit their own personal interest in any way.

So as I was saying before, certain 'annoyances' to one person can be seen as minor/petty grievances to one and overlooked, where for another it is a deal breaker and they make the decision to no longer live in a particular place based on those 'annoyances.' Everyone's threshold is different. When we speak of little things like the weather, the cost of living, residency issues, etc. these factors are pretty readily available out there to research for the most part - and are not 'hidden' so to speak...

I think the 'other things' that one would ONLY know when you LIVE in a place for a while, are the things that people REALLY want to know. It's one thing to go on a vacation somewhere and love a place, only to find after moving and living there that you hate it.

Things like: Crime - how much of it is happening, where and to whom ? How big of a problem is it ? Is it mainly between locals or more targeted towards foreigners ?

What do the locals TRULY feel about foreigners moving into their country - in this case, Americans - is there some resentment ? hostility ? any chance of some type of retaliation based on these things to the newcomer ?

What about home invasions - have many foreigners been the target of this, or theft as they are seen as the 'rich American?' or is this a non issue ? What about any kidnappings for ransom (stealing kids), does it happen ?

What is the general safety of CR ? What places would you avoid day and night ? Other places you always feel safe in ? Is it the same for adults and kids ? Are children quite readily accepted by the local kids or are they always 'the outsider?'

What about what the Tica woman mentioned about transportation issues ? Is there any validity there ? 3 buses to get to places ? What about the condition of the roads/highways ?

What about what she said about there being very little social life ? That there are no real men there ? That the women are complicated and envious of the rich american women and want something from you (things, a job) ? What about what she said that, 'You will feel isolated in CR, as you are on the outside... 5:40 PM the country goes dark ?'

There is no night life, no dancing, no clubs, no movies, no nothing after 5:40 PM in C.R. ???

Comment on what she said that, 'Workers are lazy, local kids want to use americans to help them with things (not for their friendship)? ...Kids education declines in CR... There are more slums and corruption and aggressive drivers who can scam you.The class divisions prominent..." Is there any truth in this or not ?

What about what she said, that it is 'expensive to eat' is that true ?

What are the costs comparatively to the U.S., from grocery shopping to restaurants, gas/petrol to utilities, rent (3 bedroom house), doctors/dentists ?

So what category do you fall under ?
'...unless u r a beach bum hippie surfer, pot head, a fugitive, a pimp, a sportsbook junkie, a loser or an extremely humble n simplistic person u will not enjoy life in CR"
I am guessing you all are the last thing on that list ? :)

I read on therealcostarica.com site that Ticos/Ticas have a problem with saying 'No' that they will say 'maybe' or even 'yes' when they mean 'No! ' They do this because they don't want to appear rude or confrontational, etc. Have you found this to be true, and if so, how much of an issue or problem have you found it to be ? I know in the states when dealing with someone, you want a straight up front answer - and its expected and received. I would like to know your thoughts on this issue, and do you feel that someone is 'lying' to you when they do this, therefore severing some type of bond of connection/trust and friendship, because you cannot count on their word ?

These things that I have mentioned - that the Tica women brought out as her experiences - I would like to know Your experiences and thoughts on those things I mentioned - as those personal things cannot be found on a visit to C.R., but only with time spent living there. I know some of you took great offense to what she stated, but instead of slamming on her opinion - which is coming from her perspective and experience, I would like to have you answer those things above, and tell me truthfully what you have experienced....

I look forward to reading your thoughts, advice, recommendations and personal accounts on your lives in Costa Rica....

Muchas Gracias....

Pura Paz Pura Vida !


*****************************
cut & copied:

'Kohl'
Many public schools will not accept your children, if they do not speak Spanish. And most of them, would not be acceptable to you, anyway.
You should chose the schools prior to deciding where where you want to live.
You are required to apply for residency. And with this comes a financial commitment. Do you understand that you cannot legally work here?
It is not cheap to live, anymore.

*****
'lovecostarica'
Not cheap to live you say. As a resident, we pay $29 per month for access to free health insurance, our property tax is less than $400 per year, our home owners insurance is $399 and my recent root canal & crown was $300 total. Sure food has gone up but how you can say it's not cheap to live, you are focusing on the small stuff. Our maid is $2.50 per hour and I just got my hair cut for $4.00.
Steve Linder
Pacific Lots of Costa Rica
www.PacificLots.com
305-295-0137 direct
877-481-0300 US only toll free
Read our blog: www.PacificLots.com/Costa-Rica-Blog/
Photos of our Developments http://picasaweb.google.com/pacificlots

Post a Reply

00abuse

'.. telling me they are all illegally working ? Yes, in the language schools most of are!!! They also only work a few hours a week, if lucky
You simply cannot support a home and family on what they earn. Most of them 'room' together as it is all they can afford.
In the private schools the schools employing REAL teachers must apply for your work visa., NOT YOU.
Yes, taxes are low, medical costs are low, BUT only available to you if you are a legal resident.
We have lived here for over 10 years, been robbed 4 times and had our dogs poisoned during a robbery. I am not hostile but hate to see people being told that this is paradise, and while it is for some it can be hell for others. If you are the only support for your family, you need at LEAST $2000K a month to pay for their education, rent, food etc This is not including running a car,.
When I mean unacceptable schools I mean where students have to supply their own soap and toilet paper!! Where the teachers if the decide not to turn up that day, the students are sent home.Believe me, I have seen them.
Steve is a developer hoping to sell property. I have nothing to sell only free advice to give.

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00abuse

Meant to add websites for online English language 'newspapers' which offer different perspectives. www.incostarica.com
www.ticitimes.com
www.amcostarica.com

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00abuse

Should have wrote www.insidecostarica.com sorry.

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Well said Kohl..damn right..i was offered a job at Intensa n when i found out how much they paid it was really apthetic and not acceptable for me as i moved to CR with 2 school age kids..they do hire wothout cedula..i have a cedula n worked for a elite upper class all english school..the pay was a little better but i had the worst time there..that is another topic. Public schools lack proper infrastructure, there are strikes all the time, teachers are disconnected n angry because there is so much bureaucracy to deal with..public schools start way earlier than private ones at 7am like Kohl says n they go one day morning the next afternoon, which is a pain if u work n dont have a maid to receive them at home..the system was created centuries ago when moms dod not work n people walked everywhere n they havent changed it yet mostly because of space issues..they don't have enough for kids to go full time everyday. I went to 3 activities at these schools n saw the deplorable conditions..similar to Cuba..teachers don't care if toilets r not flushing, no soap, theft is rampant and so on..A waiter at Punta Leona told me (this is in the Pacific beach area..safer than SJose) that his daughters school supllies n some money were all taken from her cubbie..so sad. Kohl..u r right on the money with the 2000 usd minimum..that is exactly where many ticos agree on..since 2009 til now if u do not have that minimum n u have kids u will not b happy to say the least..300 for tiution is about right.i had 2 kids so had to choose a school i didnt like that much but i could afford (somewhat) 2 tuitions,, they had a pool, very clean n was close to home but American International School which for me is the best i think is like 700 a month..plus lunch n bus service, no after care..life is very complicated, expensive, n in general not safe...u have to be alert, cautious,,live in suspense like my DAD says..5 of my cousins have been assaulted, one uncle murdered(political uncle, when he sold a car..they think it was the buyers.they threw his body in the river)another blood uncle has been robbed 4 times , he is a taxi driver..last time they punctured one of his lungs, another uncle (political) was attacked coming home late in his garage at gun point, lots of friends have stories n the news if full of them..so no it WAS once paradise..i have been going to CR since i was 6 (38 now) n felt truly blessed every minute i was there..it is beautiful, can b fun, lots to do n see but b a tourist not a resident..even ticos that live in the US n Canada n Europe dont want to go back..they just visit family, r careful where n how they go, dress like a hobo, walk fast, make no friends, etc to return alive n well back home.I am deeply sorry KOHL for ur loss of the dogs..i know all about that too..i had two dogs n even though i have lots of security i had them sleep in the laundry area n had lights n would not sleep until 2am i had to really watch them a lot n thank GOD was able to bring them back home to Florida with me..they r ticas..ja..ja.ja..people nowdays there are not animal friendly n barking bothers them, robbers kill them, very scary n sad indeed..n even kids r not welcomed or desired anymore in modern day CR..sociologists can have a field day there right now.

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So the moral of the story is that young people with kids should not come to Costa Rica to live, if you are so unhappy and scared, please go back to the US. For us pensionados not living in San Jose, we love it here.
Again please leave if you are so unhappy.

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World Traveler,

Costa Rica's immigration policy, much like that of the US, is to open their borders to people who are not trying to come looking for work and a new career in a cheaper place. They allow retirees, in fact encourage them, with the requirement that they have at least $1000 per month income from a source outside of Costa
Rica. They allow investers under the "inversionista" status, who both provide investments in tourism or other areas that provide jobs for Costa Ricans. They allow renters under the "rentista" program with the requirement that they come with an income of $2500 per month from a source outside of Costa Rica (a verifiable source like a stock portfolio). The picture you should be noticing is that they don't want young families specifically coming looking for work. If you read the initial post, it is apparent that this person expected to work, not just bring their kids there. Costa Rica is taking the steps to keep these types of people out, to protect their jobs for their own and to keep their social security system free from the burdens of people who merely add expense. So I bring my kids and put them into school, public schools are free, what is the gain to Costa Rica. They now have to pay for kids enrolled of parents who never contributed a dime to the tax roles. They are solely a burden on a country that doesn't want to support folks from other nations that aren't self sufficient or a drain on the public systems. Both the parents and the kids will need healthcare, again something provided for free but intended for people who have earned the right. Don't you see that part of the reason that the US is in such a financial tailspin is from the same thing that Costa Rica is trying to avoid. I replied with the previous post to state the obvious. Costa Rica also doesn't want a bunch of sick people to move there in need of healthcare. This makes perfect sense. I am not against young people moving there under the right circumstances, those that can contribute, not burden, to a vibrant economy that is clearly making some more appropriate decisions than have been made in the US.

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In answer to some of your questions:
It get dark, as in night time, by 6pm
There are clubs, but most of them are strip clubs
Multiple buses are used to get most places.

Yes, if you come here, you need to bring funds to support your family. It may not be cheap living here, but it is still less expensive to living ;elsewhere. But, once school fees are added to the mix, this changes.

So, can you provide for them? Put them in school? You mention a child going to college, so is this expected to be in CR or do you have to support him in the USA?
How will a low tax base affect you? Unless you are going to purchase a home, it won't. Do you require hot water? If so, expect to pay more for a house.. A/C? Cost you high power bills.
Want to eat the same as you are doing in the USA? Expect to pay for a high grocery bill as all these foods are imported.
I love living here, but there is no way we could afford to raise a family here, providing them with a good education and that is or should be your main concern..

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Well I sure think what I wrote yesterday was truthful and I also mentioned it may be better to address one issue at a time.

I also don't see hostility towards those seeking facts--any perceived hostility I have seen has been towards negative and rude and just plain false comments.


Also--some posts I am just not going to waste my time responding to. As I mentioned it is guys like Steve and myself and many others who make this forum possible so go ahead and use what we are paying for but please don't expect us to waste our time defending scurrilous remarks--I have better things to do with my time.

So--as I mentioned yesterday I will follow through on addressing important issues point by point.
You know what?? If I don't have a lot of personal experience with subject I am not going to try and make up answers unless I have something valuable to add.

Here is my limited take on the school subject--just like the experience I had with my children it all depends on the home and family and children on what they get out of school.

All my Costa Rican family is doing great and has degrees.

I would also say the Costa Rican school system may be ok--how about Franklin Chang--the literal rocket scientist whose is tied for the record of the most Space Shuttle Missions--who is in the Astronaut hall of fame and who has a company here now, Ad Astra Rocket Company. Good example there of getting the most from the system.

In my life I have not listened to other peoples experience and assume that theirs will be mine. If I want something I go for it--if it has not been done before so what? Does that mean I can't do it? To listen to negativity on this forum and take that to heart and form a game plan with it would be something I would never do.

Moving here and raising kids is not rocket science! I know first hand what the schools in the rural areas can be like and so what? Instead of being a sheep and saying you don't like the influence it may have ---do something about it! Help the school--raise funds--buy some desks and books! If you let some rules and bumps and other peoples opinions guide your life than I guess you can expect to get out what you put in. There are always ways to meet goals so I guess it depends how much you want it.

I put my money where my mouth is and help the Roblealto Association--they surely make a difference in children's and families lives.

www.roblealto.org/

Gill Phelan
www.gvecr.com
gillphelan@gvecr.com

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Before making any move or investing time investigating about schools, houses, living, etc any person interested in relocating to Costa Rica should first know for a fact that they will obtain a residency. The only 3 types of residencies that are straightforward are:
Pensionado: in which you have to demonstrate that you receive a Pension of at least $1000,00 a month, Rentista: in which you have to demonstrate that you receive at least $2500.00 a month or that you have US$60K to open a CD in a local bank or as an Investor which implies that you have to invest US$200K in CR. If you don't qualify under any of those three regimes your Residency will not be easy to obtain as you will have to try other regimes which are not guaranteed as Work Permits or Self Employed.
This fact is always my concern when I discover people trying to relocate to CR but don't have this issue clear. The best advice about schools will come from local families which have had many generations of children that have attended private versus public schools and you will find that it's clear that the ones who attend private schools clearly have a better education. Not everyone can afford paying for private schools, luckily everything changes once the student reaches college as at that point Public Universities are way superior to Private ones.
I also feel very bad about the stuff that can be found in the Internet in places like the "RealCostaRica" saying that Costa Rican public education goes only until 9th grade!!!!

My advice, read a lot and then hire an expert in the field to select such person focus on their education be carefull with receiving advice from people that have lived a couple of years in CR!

Life can be great here and everyday my firm assists more and more younger families but it's necessary to have a clear immigration path first.
I had the opportunity to attend Costa Rica's most prestigious private school and then Costa Rica's most prestigious Law School after that when it all paid out I had the opportunity to obtain a Masters in Global Business Administration from the #1 international business school in the world located in Arizona, so as I can tell you that it's possible to live a quality life in Costa Rica, but for those of us to like to help expats we can't focus on rebuttals to such false allegations like 30% drug addiction and I love the United States so much that I'm not going to attack it with comparisons with CR, they are 2 worlds appart, but Costa Rica is making significant progress and there are hundreds of thousands of families who live comfortably and a quality life but the person relocating has to have a developed cross cultural mindset.

As a conclusion and based on my many years of experience with expats I'm going to say the following: Costa Rica was designed originally only for Costa Ricans (remember it was the most isolated of the Spanish colonies), so we developed a system that was not meant for foreigners, the system still doesn't fully adapt to expats, it's the expat who has to adapt to it and for that you need to be trained culturally, perhaps that's the beauty of it all, as it's not an artificial experience, the newcomer has to develop methods in which he or she can find the satisfaction that was expected. Despite the considerable gaps between US and CR culture I believe that there are considerable similarities both societies based on egalitarian principles which make our styles compatible.

https://sites.google.com/a/ekaconsultores.com/educacion/home

This is a site which offers ranking of CR private schools, if you can't afford the schools in the list there are also Second Tier private schools which are less expensive and still decent and I can tell you all this based on the experience of my family over the last 30 years.

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GBP Thanks for the link.

Clarifying my response to public schools: the difference is when you are bringing kids, especially teens, into a system where Spanish mostly spoken, and when the children have had no exposure at all to the language.
If children have been brought up here, with access to Spanish speaking family members and community, this makes a huge difference. Plus, then parents can help with schools subjects, but if you do not understand what your children are being taught, how can you help?
I volunteer and have helped raise funds for schools.

I have often read this forum but do not usually respond, but the OP must take responsibility of checking out what is available herself and see whether she feels CR will provide what her family needs, within her budget..

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Very important to clarify the monstrous allegation that 30% of us are drug addicted: When you are going to go in a forum and offend an entire country you should be properly informed.
So for your information there is an institution in Costa Rica called the IAFA (Institution for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction) which every year publishes census and statistics of drug addiction in Costa Rica you can visit http://www.iafa.go.cr/investigaciones/epidemiologica/
You will find the truth in the specific case of cocaine and crack consumption only 2.8% of Costa Ricans have used it, very inferior that any developed nation, so again we are not here to lie and to believe that Costa Rica is perfect because it's not but we cannot just let anyone offend us with false information.

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A question for 'sprtfilled'
Can you give the OP and the rest of us, a first hand view and tell us why you chose private schools over public ones for your children?

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How much more info do you need. Geeze, get over it and send your kid to a school and quit loading this website with the same questions. Get over it and move one.

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Bluewind - get over it ?? No maybe if this topic is so irritating and annoying to you, you shouldn't open it and find somewhere else to go. There are many people who ARE interested in education in CR, so the only person who needs to get over it is you....

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Augusto, I like your contribution very much. I am a Gringa, who has been here for about 7 months. My perspective on education is from that of an Educator. I came to work at a private school, that has a good reputation. The best thing in my opinion for others to hear and read is toward the end of your share. Costa Rica was designed by Costa Ricans for Costa Ricans, and it is we, the lucky visitors who must adapt and be flexible. I am sure there are very good schools here, both private and public and in part that is likely influenced by a strong Principal or Director and a solid, well versed faculty who care. My experience has only been with ONE school, so I can not judge others. However, I would say that you might not be able to judge the right school for your child by ITS cover, how it looks, if it has the most modern of everything, but rather, but visiting classrooms if possible when in session and sitting in them, listening. Whether you speak Spanish or not, we all can tell when a teacher feels confident and happy about his or her work. Imagine yourself, as your child sitting in that classroom. Would he or she or would you be interested, engaged motivated? If no, and even if yes. I would suggest that you should ASSUME that you will have to either do A LOT of handholding for your kids, helping them study, or hire a full time after school tutor, because regardless of any factor, your kids will be dealing with lots and lots of strange situations, new language (probably) new culture. Tico culture, I have found is vERY different. Things are not decided by the dominent male, but by consensus in many cases. Resentments of the presence of Gringos and foreigners who have come to live in Costa Rica does exist. How open and receptive were you when it was YOUR home country, and foreign visitors were moving in to your town, school or neighborhood.
I think Costa Rica is great. I love it, but I did not come here to be a Gringo in paradise, but to immerses myself into Tico culture and contribute something back as I can and AS I"M invited. I am an invited guest, and so should act like one. OK that's my two cents. D

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and I second that. Go get something else to do. People come on this forum for information, not to be shut up by uneducated people. If you see "schools in Costa Rica", just hit delete.

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I very much agree with the 'NewGringa' when she posts "...not be able to judge the right school for your child by ITS cover, how it looks, if it has the most modern of everything, but rather, but visiting classrooms if possible when in session and sitting in them, listening."

I usually tell anyone looking for schools, to take much more than just a cursory glance at the location and facilities'.

I also looked at the link posted by GBP and his 'Living expenses' list is more realistic.

Although you are NOT going to be able to feed a family of 4 on $300 per month.nor clothe them for $100 per month. Nor are school costs and rent included....so double his expense list as a 'guide line'

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Yes, unless you're a retiree who wants to spend his or her adulthood in a closed retirement community, the only to succeed in any country is to immerse yourself in the local culture, that requires a lot of effort and the right mindset. Cross cultural training is a good option, however only experience will really do it for you. I don't feel that Costa Ricans feel threatened by the foreigners, why would we? it's clear how much tourism in general means for our country. We have never had any conflict with the US and from my experience most Ticos look up to Gringos and many especially older an less educated look at them like superior but with admiration not with negative feelings. It's a privilege for us to have people from many countries and especially those which share similar egalitarian ideals.
From my experience in dealing with newcomers another tip is to understand that not ALL Costa Ricans are the same, there is lower income class, a middle class an upper middle class and high income class, each one has different ways of seeing the world, different goals, different ambitions. It's common for certain Americans to develop acquaintances especially with the lower income classes as they are generally more open to casual encounters and that develops relationships with people with different values and an even bigger gap, it's important to note those differences to avoid generalizations, as it's obvious CR is a developing country, I suggest to gradually immerse yourself in local culture, first mingle with people with higher education which can guide you better into bridging the gap and then once you understand how are culture works then you will ready to become a real Tico!!!

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As far as expenses--as it has been said a million times--it all depends on the person. I can tell you for sure my Tico neighbors live on 400 a month so anything more than that is up to you and your lifestyle. I buy a HUGE amount of fruits for only $30 a week and clothes?? Lots of Ropa Americanas around--and I can tell you I shopped that way in the States too--bought all my work clothes for me and my children used. So--you can live like a Tico or spend thousands a month--or something in between it is up to you. Remember--if you want everything the same why are you coming to Costa Rica?
The last rental I helped with was a beautiful 5 acre property(house not so much!)--could raise cattle and a garden too. The renters paid $80 a month for the place!
Again up to you and your lifestyle for sure.

Gill Phelan
www.gvecr.com
gillphelan@gvecr.com

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GBP - Why on earth would you say, "Remember--if you want everything the same why are you coming to Costa Rica?"

WHERE AND WHEN HAVE I EVER STATED that I wanted to live like an american in Costa Rica ? NO WHERE !!!! I have lived all over the damn globe from Europe to S. East Asia, Oceania, and across the USA and then some. I NEVER LIVE like an American - I live like a local, and personally detest the Americans that move into a new country and expect America !!! They give the rest of us Americans a bad reputation. It annoys the hell out of me. If I expected 'america' in C.R. or Timbuktu, why in the world would I move anywhere else ? I'd stay in the U.S.A. !!!! I do not know where you assumed these scenarios, but obviously you are mistaken, and you have no clue about the type of life I live or the extreme adaptations I make to live in certain places - all without issue. So please do not insinuate these asinine things, thank you.

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Well believe it or not I deal with hundreds of emails every month and host many people on tours here, in addition there are thousands of people who are on the forum so answers that are given here and geared towards helping EVERYONE not just the person asking the question.
As you can tell many times people ask questions in a comparative way --you know, here it is like this what is it like there.
So I was very simply pointing out for EVERYONE who reads these posts that it is important to understand that there will be differences -
How about toning down the anger in these posts lately? We are sharing our time and ideas with people here and trying to help so chill out!
And please do remember it's not all about you.

Gill Phelan
www.gvecr.com
gillphelan@gvecr.com

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I agree that the tone has been rather negative lately, which is why I haven't checked the forum much lately. The forum should welcome questions of all kinds, since we are here to learn. For those of us who have not been to CR yet, we have MUCH to learn! It is an exciting journey for most of us, so I look forward to everyone answering my rather naive (& "stupid") questions! I cannot wait to come there, & hopefully I can serve as a useful resource to others who follow!

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Does anyone have opinions or knowledge of the International Christian School?

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What a forum! It was entertaining just to read some of the posts. There is not a paradise in this world. All countries have their pros and cons. Certainly, there are better and worse countries.

Worldtraveler7, there are several schools that offer IB. One of them being Lincoln School. I known alumni from that school who went to college or graduate schools in the US and have great jobs for big companies abroad.

If you want to offer your children a world education in Costa Rica, it will cost you money. In a different forum, you shared your concerns about attorneys fees for immigration status in Costa Rica. If you are concerned about $6000 for attorneys fees, then good education in Costa Rica is prohibitive for you. Costa Rica is a great country and it has a lot to offer. But just like in the US, good opportunities are there for those who can afford them. There are vey few exceptions.

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Hi! So I know you've already moved, but I wanted to let you know about a really cool school in Sardinal (Carrillo, Guanacaste). It's called Lakeside International, and it's private and bilingual. It's academically great and has a hydroponics garden out back! Additionally, students involved with Global Leadership Adventures tend to visit in June and July. It has up to date technology and turns out great kids, plus Guanacaste is a fantastic area. Best of luck y pura vida!

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Hi all,

I read this thread when choosing a school (and thus home) for our family. After my husband and I did full-day visits at three different schools in Costa Rica, we ended up sending our kids to the Monteverde Friends School up in the cloud forest. We have been very pleased with the community, the inclusive/thoughtful ethos of the school, and our kids' ever-expanding Spanish.

Finding the right school for our kids was our highest priority in settling on a location for our family in Central America. For those who are interested, I've written an article about our school search process:
https://warmerthancanada.com/planning/schools/
Feel free to leave a comment on the website if you have further questions about Monteverde or the Friends School, and good luck in your school search!
Katie

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This is a great alternative and not considered home schooling.
My sons, 9 and 13 both attend International Connections Academy successfully for a U.S. diploma. Web page http://www.internationalconnectionsacademy.com
+1.888.260.4159

Positive experience with challenging curriculum and well accredited faculty. I think you'll enjoy the connections. My best wishes on your journey!

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I moved to Guanacaste with my 4 children. age 9, 11, 13 and 15. None of them knew any Spanish and I put them in the public school system, the 2 oldest in Collegio (high school).

They all learned Spanish really fast as they had done previously. With no English at all, after a move to an English speaking area, I put them in the public school system.

They are now trilingual.

Children learn a language must faster than adults do.

After 2 years in the public school system, the 2 eldest were concerned about their ability to compete should they decide to work in the USA or another western country. The quality of the education didn't seem to be there.
Exams time, cheating was widespread and I mean widespread. Everyone was cheating. If you didn't, you'd end up at the bottom of the class.

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This question is for Steve4robertson. Did you inquire with the Ministerio de Educacion Publica (MEP) about whether International Connections Academy is considered "home schooling" in Costa Rica?

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