Costa Rica Forum

skgborgo
Joined 2015
Posts: 22

8 years ago

Public Schooling in/near San Jose

8 years ago

Hello! My family and I are planning to do a part of our "gap year" in Costa Rica, specifically beginning our 6 month stay in January 2017.

My question is three-fold:
1) What are schooling options if I want to make sure my kids practice their Spanish. At the moment we don't want to send our kids (ages 9, 11) to an American school since the point of our residency is language immersion. My kids are bilingual, although their Spanish writing skills are weak since they been schooled here in the US.

2) Are Catholic/Christian schools VERY religious? We are not religious and wouldn't necessarily mind religious teaching as long as it is approached academically rather than dogma. (Yes, I am aware that CR is a Catholic country).

3) Will a public school allow us to enroll mid-year, beginning at the January mark?

Here is information I already understand:
a) we need to establish residency in order for the kids to enroll in school. My husband's line of work could possibly provide that opportunity. Otherwise, he can prove we can establish a $2500+($1500 for 3 more family members) per month income to apply for a "rentista " visa.
b) Central Valjey area seems to make the most sense for us at the moment. Pros and cons to San Jose, Heredia, Cartaga? The names of specific safe/middle class neighborhoods and schools would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you in advance for your help.

William Russell

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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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