Bilingual MEP-certified school near Huacas, and the only school on this list that publishes its tuition.
Educarte is the practical option, and it is the only school on this coast that will tell you what it costs without making you ask.
$125 per month for preschool and primary. Every other school here makes you book a meeting to find out. That transparency tells you something about who they are for.
A bilingual school running preschool through secondary, certified by Costa Rica's Ministry of Education (MEP), out at La Garita — about 3km from the Huacas crossing heading toward Villa Real.
They describe themselves as "una institución que abre nuevos caminos en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje" — an institution opening new pathways in teaching and learning — built on valores, la diversidad, el respeto, la ciudadanía y el arte. Values, diversity, respect, citizenship and art.
They also hold the Programa Bandera Azul, Costa Rica's Blue Flag environmental certification.
Educarte offers meals, transportation and extracurriculars. Transportation especially is worth flagging — most schools on this coast do not run any, and school transport quietly decides which houses are viable for a family. If you are not keen on two round trips a day, ask them about routes early.
Families who want a solid bilingual MEP education without international-school fees, and families who want their kids in a school that is more genuinely part of the local community than the expat-heavy campuses.
MEP certification also matters if there is any chance your kids stay in the Costa Rican system long term. A MEP diploma is valid here without a conversion argument.
If you are buying around Huacas, Villareal, Brasilito or the inland side of Tamarindo, this one is close.