Learning, Leadership and Adventure for Students in Grades 7 to 9

Middle school is a time of growth, independence, and discovery. At Del Mar Academy, our middle school program - called Lower Secondary - gives students both the guidance and opportunities they need to thrive during this important stage.

Students take five core subjects - English Language and Literature, Spanish Humanities or Spanish Acquisition, Mathematics, Science, Individuals and Societies - plus Arts, Physical Education, and Design. Through their studies, students develop conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and practical skills, linking learning to real-world issues and global contexts. Del Mar Academy is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, reflecting our commitment to a bilingual education that inspires, challenges, and prepares students for an ever-changing future.

Expeditions Program

A true highlight of our middle school program is our field-based learning, which brings lessons to life outside the classroom. Students take day trips and multi-day excursions to learn directly from Costa Rica’s rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and cultural heritage, gaining a deep appreciation for the world around them.

Group of middle school students participating in an outdoor game in a circle, with some adults present, on grassy ground in a park or yard, surrounded by trees and bushes during a field trip in Costa Rica
A group of students crossing a narrow, rocky stream inside a canyon, using a safety rope for support during a school field trip in Costa Rica
Group of middle school students in life jackets sitting on a boat, wearing hats and sunglasses, with a mountainous landscape in the background during a multi day expedition in Costa Rica
Three elementary students climbing a large, ancient-looking tree with thick, tangled roots and a sprawling branch in a lush, green forest with bright sunlight filtering through the leaves on a school field trip in Nosara Costa Rica
High school students sitting around a campfire at night, some roasting marshmallows on sticks, during a school event in Nosara Costa Rica
Group of children and adults on a beach holding certificates, with some in swimsuits and others in casual clothes, smiling and celebrating after a summer camp or event.
Group of middle school students and two adults hiking through a rocky area with a natural rock archway, ocean in the background during a school field trip in Costa Rica.
Five middle school students enjoying a waterfall in a lush, green jungle, with rocks and water at the base of the waterfall during a school field trip in Guanacaste Costa Rica
Middle school students kayaking on a river near a forested shore, some waving and smiling, during a school field trip in Nosara Costa Rica with Del Mar Academy
Two high school students inside a cave, wearing helmets and harnesses, sitting on rocky ledges, in Costa Rica
Middle school students walking across a suspension bridge in a forested area with tall trees and green foliage during a school field trip in Costa Rica
Two middle school students during a school field trip in Costa Rica on a zip line over a forested area, wearing helmets and smiling.
Two boys working on a science project in the science lab in Costa Rica high school

Academic Excellence with Real-World Applications

Our bilingual middle school program follows the internationally accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program, and core subjects are designed to nurture both academic excellence and real-world understanding. In Science and Mathematics, students explore inquiry-based learning that sharpens critical thinking and problem-solving. Social Studies encourages a global perspective, inviting students to investigate history, geography, and cultural systems.

In the languages, students engage deeply with communication, expression, and cultural identity. English and Spanish Humanities foster bilingual fluency, creativity, and appreciation of literature, while also developing analytical and writing skills essential for higher-level learning.

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Supporting the Whole Student

Learning goes beyond textbooks in our Lower Secondary program. Students explore their creativity, develop leadership skills, and stay active through art, design, physical education and community service. These experiences help them grow into confident, well-rounded individuals while discovering new passions and building lifelong skills.

  • Middle school student doing an art project in Nosara Costa Rica

    Art

    Expands creativity and visual literacy through varied artistic techniques and media.

  • High school students in Costa Rica on stage at East High School, some holding microphones, with cheerleaders in uniforms and a several students in casual clothes, in front of a backdrop with the school name.

    Theater and Expression

    Explores self-confidence by bringing stories to life and helping students develop their voices.

  • High school student running in yellow shirt with a baton during Nosara half marathon

    Physical Education

    Promotes physical fitness, mental health, and long-term healthy habits.

  • Two high school students with shovels planting trees on Nosara beaches as part of environmental and community service

    Community Service

    Cultivates social responsibility, empathy, and active engagement with local communities.

  • A group of middle school students sitting in darkness looking at an adult holding a bat at a bat refuge visit during field trip in Nosara Costa Rica

    Environmental Studies

    Deepens understanding of ecological systems, sustainability, and human impact on the natural world.

  • A group of high school students and a teacher posing in an art gallery, with a large painted canvas and a sculpture in the background in Nosara Costa Rica as part of the IB Diploma Programme

    CREW Advisory

    Teaches students to work together - not just as classmates but as a community.

IB World School and IB Middle Years Programme Candidacy logo

IB Middle Years Programme Accreditation

Following the successful accreditation of our IB Diploma Programme, Del Mar Academy is now on the path toward authorization for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Currently in our third year as a candidate school, we are embracing this exciting stage of growth. The MYP emphasizes conceptual understanding, continuous assessment and real-world connections, giving students a more engaging and progressive learning experience. By extending the IB framework into middle school, we are strengthening interdisciplinary learning and ensuring a seamless transition for students as they move through each stage of their education at Del Mar Academy.

Your child’s journey to global citizenship starts here.

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