Admissions · Tour · Try · Enroll
Book a Tour. Feel the Place.
The first step is just a visit.
- Tours happen during the school day, so you see Ballena as it actually runs.
- In person at our Playa Hermosa campus, or virtual if you’re still planning your move.
Prefer we reach out first? Send an inquiry with the form and we’ll find a time together.
Not ready to book? Send an inquiry.
Tell us about your family and we’ll be in touch within a couple of school days.
How It Works
Three Steps. One Easy First Move.
Tour
See the campus and feel the place. In person at Playa Hermosa, or virtual if you’re still planning your move.
Try
Your child spends a real day in a real classroom, so they (and you) know it’s the right fit before you decide anything.
Enroll
When it feels like home, you join the community. We walk you through every step of admissions from there.
What to Expect
Come See a Normal School Day.
- Walk the campus and see the spaces where students learn, create, play, and gather.
- See Ballena during the school day and get a feel for its pace and atmosphere.
- Meet teachers and school leaders and bring the questions that matter to your family.
- Picture your child here and decide whether Ballena feels like the right fit.
Tuition & Fees
Clear Costs. No Surprise Add-Ons.
Ballena’s annual school cost has three parts: matrícula, materials, and tuition. Together, they cover the full school program, so families aren’t met with a long list of additional fees throughout the year.
The only regular costs outside of these are lunch from the comedor and optional after-school clubs, since not every family uses them.
Matrícula
A once-a-year enrollment fee paid when your child registers for the upcoming school year. It confirms enrollment and secures your child’s place at Ballena.
Materials
A once-a-year fee covering books, classroom materials, supplies, and school field trips throughout the year.
Tuition
The cost of your child’s academic program for the school year, paid in 11 monthly installments. Families who pay the full year in advance receive a discount.
What’s Included
Together, matrícula, materials, and tuition cover the complete Ballena school program: academics, art, music, PE, projects and electives, Student Support Services, field trips, books, and classroom supplies.
There are no additional required program fees during the year. Lunch and optional after-school clubs are billed separately.
Scholarships
At least 30% of seats are reserved for full, need-based scholarships for local Costa Rican students. These scholarships are intended for families who would otherwise be unable to afford a Ballena education, helping ensure that students from the local community can learn alongside families who have come from around the world.
Questions about tuition or scholarships?
Send us an inquiry and we’ll walk you through current rates, payment options, and availability.
Good Questions
The Things Families Ask Us Most.
Still wondering about something? Reach out any time, or come see it for yourself on a tour.
What ages and grades does Ballena Academy serve?
We’re a bilingual PK–12 school across three learning stages: Early Childhood (ages 3–Kindergarten), Primary (grades 1–5), and Secondary (grades 6–12). One campus, one community, from early childhood to graduation.
What are the school hours?
Gates open at 7:30. The day officially starts at 8:00 with a campus-wide morning meeting, and dismissal is at 3:00.
What does the yearly schedule look like?
Our calendar is similar to North American schools, running from August to mid-June. There’s a two-week spring break, a two-week October break during the rainy season, and a winter break for the holidays.
What does a daily schedule look like?
It varies by grade. Each day includes language arts, math, and science or social studies, plus an elective or project block and a rotation of art, music, and PE. PreK and Kinder take a more integrated, play-based approach.
What’s the Spanish-to-English ratio?
Learning happens in two languages by design. Math, Science, and English Language Arts are taught in English; Spanish Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in Spanish. Teachers scaffold so students build genuine academic literacy in both languages by learning and thinking in both every day.
Do students go on field trips?
Roughly four per grade level each year, all curriculum-aligned. Past trips include monitoring bat populations with Reserva Playa Tortuga, visiting the Boruca community, beach clean-ups, and overnight trips to San José for older students.
Are there after-school activities?
Yes — optional and paid per semester. Clubs change each semester and have included sports, cooking, jewelry-making, and more.
How does lunch work?
The Bakery, a well-loved local restaurant, runs our cafeteria. Each month brings a menu of balanced, home-style meals with fresh fruit and a handmade juice every day. Lunch is paid directly to the cafeteria.
What’s the homework policy?
Homework connects home and school while respecting family time. We aim for a thoughtful balance.
How much is tuition?
The annual school cost has three parts: matrícula, materials, and tuition. Together they cover the full school program, with only lunch and optional after-school clubs billed separately. Send us an inquiry and we’ll share current rates, payment options, and availability.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. At least 30% of seats are reserved for full, need-based scholarships for local Costa Rican students whose families would otherwise be unable to afford a Ballena education. International and expat families pay full tuition.
Come see for yourself.
Bring your family. Walk the campus. Meet the teachers.