The European School
International School in San José
Quick answer
The European School delivers the International Baccalaureate curriculum, with a highly diverse student body of 40 nationalities. Well-suited to internationally mobile families. Tuition of $9,173–$15,215/year is in line with San José averages. The student body draws from 40 nationalities.
Key facts
- Curriculum: IB taught at The European School.
- Tuition: $9,173–$15,215/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 20 (max 20) San José international school · 530 students total.
- 40 nationalities top: Third Culture Families.
- Ages: Ages 3 to 18 school day starts at 8:15.
- Accreditations: IBO verified.
530
40 (Third Culture Families)
20 avg / 20 max
Rolling
1989
IBO
About The European School
The European School was founded in 1989 by Anne Aronson who longed to see in her adopted country, Costa Rica, a school emphasizing the Liberal Arts and the Humanities such as she had known during her formative years in France and in her university education at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
- —School states it does NOT offer dedicated EAL/ESL support
Questions to ask the school
- Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
- What level of English is required for entry, and what EAL/ESL support is provided for a child still learning English?
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $9,173 – $15,215 |
| Annual tuition (local) | ₡ 4861593-₡ 8064110 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $13,694(+12%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $15,194 |
| Cost position in San José | 60th percentile(above average) |
IB
IB Diploma
100% pass rate since 1999
Spanish, French
There are two staff members available for additional support classes.
Yes
No
8:15 – 14:45 (Wednesday 12:15)
Yes
Yes
Imported from a directory listing and not independently verified — confirm fees and details with the school.
Is The European School right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in San José.
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At a Glance
Fee Position in San José
Mid-rangeSchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Highly diverse
Common: Third Culture Families
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Decide on this school — and four others
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Nearby Schools (within 5km)
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.