Internationally Accredited Learning in the Heart of Nosara
At Del Mar Academy, we welcome students from pre-K through Grade 12 into a bilingual learning environment that combines academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and global awareness. Guided by our vision to be a model of 21st century education, we provide students with the skills, creativity, and resilience to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Our programs are fully accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP). We are also an authorized IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12 and in candidacy for the IB Middle Years Programme. These internationally recognized programs challenge students to think critically, make real-world connections, and prepare for success at leading universities worldwide.
Mission and Core Values
Our mission is to provide our community of local and international students an academically excellent bilingual education that fosters a love of life and learning, caring for the environment and the community, global consciousness, and belief in each student’s power to make positive changes, and to share our knowledge and experience with others.
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Our challenging, multidisciplinary curriculum is tailored to the individual needs, strengths, and interests of the children and our methodology is based on the best practices of enrichment teaching and learning. Creative problem-solving, decision making, and logical reasoning are infused into the program.
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As active learners, our students are encouraged to develop their individual skills, strengths and talents and pursue investigations independently. Students develop a sense of empowerment through opportunities to become decision makers, creative producers and active researchers.
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Our school offers a warm environment shaped by the values of respect, compromise, integrity, cooperation, tolerance and love. Our teacher to student ratio is optimal for effective individualized and small group instruction.
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Del Mar Academy is dedicated to the development of the child as an active joyous learner, a collaborator, a citizen of his/her community and the world community.
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Ethnic, racial, religious, and lifestyle differences among students and their families enrich the diversity of our school. Cultural diversity is valued and a rich variety of cultural perspectives and experiences are explored through the curriculum. Individual differences are celebrated at Del Mar Academy as a source of learning and joy.
Our People
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We are proud of our exceptional international faculty, representing diverse backgrounds and countries such as Costa Rica, Canada, Chile, Colombia, England, France, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. The majority of our teachers hold advanced degrees in education or related fields, and all are fully certified professionals. Above all, our faculty is dedicated to fostering a supportive, nurturing environment where learning and growth are at the heart of everything we do.
For a full list of our current faculty, visit the Teachers and Administration page.
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We are proud to have a vibrant community of 280 students representing more than 25 countries and speaking many different languages. Our student body is truly diverse, with a distinctly international character: approximately 50% come from North America, 25% from Europe and the Middle East, and 25% from Costa Rica. Nearly three-quarters of our students are long-term or permanent residents, and 45% currently benefit from scholarships or financial aid.
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Del Mar Academy’s Board of Trustees includes the school’s original founders, who have guided its mission and growth since 2007. The trustees represent a blend of Costa Ricans and long-term international residents, bringing expertise in finance, law, government, non-profits, technology, fundraising, construction, and education.
For more information on our board, visit the Board of Trustees page.
Awards and Accreditation
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IB World School
Authorized IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme to students in grades 11 and 12 and in candidacy for Middle Years Programme. IB World Schools share a common philosophy and commitment to high quality international education.
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Ministry of Public Education
Accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP), meeting rigorous academic, health, administrative, and building standards. Accreditation requires full compliance with the national curriculum and a fully certified teaching staff.
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Ecological Blue Flag 5 Stars
Awarded 5 stars, which is the highest distinction. The Ecological Blue Flag is awarded to schools that meet strict criteria with regard to everything from water quality to environmental education and are highly respected and recognized.
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Green Latin American Awards
Our Guardians of Nature initiative was ranked in the top 8 projects for Human Development, and 30th best overall of Latin American projects for the Green Awards, which spotlight initiatives excelling in biodiversity, waste management, energy, and social inclusion.
Built on a Non-Profit Foundation
The DMA Foundation is the umbrella of Del Mar Academy and our Guardians of Nature initiative. The goal of the DMA Foundation is to better the world through education, specifically through sustainable development goals.
Our Guardians of Nature initiative visualizes a world in which children identify themselves as guardians of our natural resources, catalyzing an intergenerational change that helps solve the environmental problems of communities around the planet. We help bring environmental education and actionable projects into Costa Rica’s public school system and communities by focusing on student projects, teacher training and curriculum and green campuses, as well as collaborating with the government, private sector, and civil society on building impactful environmental initiatives together.
Our Campus: 11 Acres in Rural Costa Rica
Our 11 acre campus located in the coastal surf town of Nosara, Costa Rica, features comfortable indoor classrooms for our students and teachers, as well expansive outdoor spaces for students to study, explore and move. We are fortunate to be located on an expansive campus among large cenízaro trees and abundant native plants - with a science lab, art studio, covered basketball court and event space, two soccer fields, pollinating gardens, composting facilities, a climbing wall and full-size pool.
