IB Diploma Programme: Preparing High School Students for Global Success

At Del Mar Academy, our 11th and 12th graders have the opportunity to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, one of the world’s most respected and challenging high school programs. Recognized by top universities worldwide, the IB Diploma Programme is designed to inspire curiosity, academic excellence, and personal growth.

Through their high school journey, students engage deeply with core academic disciplines, study two languages, and explore the unique Theory of Knowledge course, which challenges them to reflect on the very nature of learning. By flourishing intellectually, emotionally and physically, our students graduate ready to contribute thoughtfully and confidently to an interconnected and ever-changing world.

Group of young adults in graduation caps and gowns sitting together at a IB Diploma Programme graduation ceremony in Nosara Costa Rica

Challenging Students to Think, Create, and Serve

High school students at Del Mar Academy take a variety of courses that reflect both academic rigor and cultural depth. Current offerings include Language and Literature in English and Spanish, Environmental Systems and Societies, Biology, Mathematics Applications and Interpretations, and Visual Arts.

The IB Diploma Programme also includes three important elements that aim to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills - Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

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Students and Del Mar Academy Head of School listening outdoors to presentations of IB Diploma Programme in Nosara Costa Rica

Theory of Knowledge: Thinking About How We Know

Theory of Knowledge encourages students to explore how knowledge is created and understood across different subjects and perspectives. By questioning assumptions, analyzing evidence, and considering multiple viewpoints, students develop critical thinking skills that help them make informed decisions in school and in life. Theory of Knowledge fosters open-mindedness, reflection, and the ability to approach complex issues thoughtfully.

Group of high school students and teacher working on materials for bilingual IB Diploma Program in Nosara Costa Rica

Extended Essay: Independent Research and Writing

The Extended Essay gives students the opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth. Through independent research, analysis, and writing, they learn to organize their ideas, support their conclusions with evidence, and communicate clearly. This experience not only prepares students for college-level academic work but also strengthens their skills in problem-solving, self-management, and intellectual curiosity.

Two high school students in Costa Rica doing community service picking up trash in Nosara Costa Rica beaches

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) encourages students to engage in meaningful experiences beyond the classroom through creative projects, physical activity, and community service. By setting goals, reflecting on their efforts, and contributing to their community, students develop leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. CAS supports a balanced education and helps students connect their learning to real-world impact, fostering habits and skills that last a lifetime.

Opening the Door to Global Opportunities

Graduates of our program go on to pursue higher education at universities around the world. Equipped with strong academic preparation and international-mindedness, our students are ready to thrive - wherever their journey takes them. Here is where just some of our graduates have gone on to study.

  • A young man with curly brown hair smiling at the camera, wearing a dark green polo shirt with patches on the chest, standing outdoors in front of plants with reddish and green leaves.

    Troy - University of St. Thomas, U.S.

  • A young woman with long dark hair smiling at the camera, wearing a green polo shirt with the IB logo and an outdoor background with plants.

    Ayla - University of Colorado at Boulder, U.S.

  • A young woman with long dark hair smiling outdoors, wearing a green polo shirt with logos for IB and Del Mar Academy.

    Terra - Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands

  • A young woman with long light brown hair and earrings, wearing a green polo shirt with logos, standing outdoors in front of a garden with green and purple plants.

    Noa - Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands

  • Young man smiling outdoors, wearing a green polo shirt with logos, including 'Del Mar Academy' and an 'IB' emblem, background of green foliage.

    Jack - University of Massachusetts at Amherst, U.S.

  • A young man with wavy brown hair, wearing a green polo shirt with logos, standing outdoors in front of plants with reddish leaves.

    Felix - University of Oregon, U.S.

  • Young woman with pink-dyed hair wearing glasses and a green polo shirt with school logos, standing outdoors with blurred trees and foliage in the background.

    Leslie - Universidad Latina de Costa Rica

  • A young man with wavy dark hair and light skin, wearing a green polo shirt with logos, standing outdoors in front of purple and green leafy plants.

    Suni - Domus Academy Milano, Italy

  • A young man with light skin and light blue eyes, wearing a green polo shirt, standing outdoors in front of greenery with reddish leaves.

    Kai - Santa Barbara City College, U.S.

  • A young man with curly brown hair smiling outdoors with plants in the background, wearing a green polo shirt with logos.

    True - University of Victoria, Canada

The Adventure Continues Through Our Expeditions Program

Our IB students balance rigorous academic study with experiential learning outside the classroom. In addition to their coursework, they take part in expeditions and adventures that broaden their perspectives, including multi-day cultural and educational trips such as a trip to Mexico City.

Group of high school students posing in front of colorful Día de los Muertos decorations including skulls, skeletons, and marigold-like pom-poms on Mexico City trip during IB Diploma Program at Del Mar Academy
Group of high school students in casual clothing posing in front of a waterfall surrounded by lush green trees during a field trip with Del Mar Academy in Nosara Costa Rica
Group of people, including a person in traditional indigenous attire, posing for a photo inside a thatched-roof structure decorated with numerous traditional masks.
Group of young people with backpacks standing in an airport corridor, some smiling and others looking serious, carrying luggage and waiting to board a flight.
Group of young people posing for a photo on a street with cars and market stalls in the background, some wearing casual clothing and holding snacks or drinks.
Group of people posing in front of a stepped pyramid at Chichen Itza in Mexico, under a partly cloudy sky.
Group of people in life jackets and helmets standing and sitting by a river in a lush green forest, preparing for a tubing adventure.
A group of high school students in casual attire standing in front of a large ancient stone carving with intricate symbols and a face in the center, displayed indoors on a white wall.
Logo for the iB Diploma Program featuring a blue circular icon with a lowercase 'i' and 'b', and the words 'Diploma Programme' in white against a blue gradient background.

IB Diploma Programme and MEP Accreditation

The IB Diploma Programme at Del Mar Academy provides students with a rigorous, internationally recognized education while also meeting the Costa Rican Ministry of Education (MEP) standards. This dual accreditation ensures that students achieve academic excellence both locally and globally. Graduates leave with the skills, knowledge, and credentials to pursue higher education at universities around the world.

Your child’s journey to global citizenship starts here.

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