Rainforest Biology
Biology taught where it lives. Students do fieldwork in the rainforest and along the coast, collecting data, learning research protocols, and working alongside a nearby wildlife reserve.
The Experience · Grades 6–12
Secondary
Secondary
Learning That Lasts Beyond the Test.
Secondary at Ballena combines rigorous academics with the advantages of a small, bilingual school. Students are challenged to think deeply, work independently, and take increasing ownership of where their education can lead.
Grades 6–12English + SpanishSmall Class SizesPreK–12 Campus
What Holds Secondary Up
Four Things Every Student Gets.
Four commitments shape the Secondary experience. Each one asks more of students and hands them more responsibility for their own learning.
College & Career Advising
Personalized guidance from the first year of Secondary: explore pathways, build a portfolio, and prepare applications for university at home or abroad, or for another path worth taking.
Multi-Day Field Trips
Immersive multi-day expeditions that connect learning to the real world and build independence.
Real-World Projects
Coursework that ends in something real: an investigation, a build, a presentation students defend in front of an audience. Work they can stand behind when it is done.
Life Beyond the Classroom
More Than a School Day.
Secondary students have room to pursue interests beyond academics through music, visual arts, enrichment, and sports. Each one is another place to challenge themselves, develop a talent, and be part of a team or a creative community.
Music & Performing Arts
- Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Drums & School Band
- Theater Club & Talent Show
- Dance & Cheerleading
- Community Showcases
Visual Arts & Enrichment
- Painting & Drawing
- Art Exhibitions
- Cooking & Sewing
- Model UN Club
Sports
- Basketball, Soccer & Volleyball
- Dedicated Coaches
- Team Building & Leadership
The Comedor
A Real Meal, Made Locally.
Students sit down to a freshly prepared meal together every day, cooked nearby and rooted in Costa Rican tradition.
Dishes like arroz con pollo and olla de carne come with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Hot lunch and snacks are available for purchase.
Accreditation & Diploma
A Clear Path to a Recognized Diploma.
Ballena is an official candidate for Middle States Association (MSA) accreditation, with the goal of offering a U.S.-accredited high school diploma.
We are also actively pursuing recognition from Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Education (MEP). Together, the two build a diploma pathway that holds up inside Costa Rica and beyond it. We keep families updated as both processes move forward.
Official MSA Accreditation CandidateActively Pursuing MEP Recognition
After Graduation
Ready for What Comes After Ballena.
As students move toward graduation, the focus shifts from preparing for what comes next to deciding what they want that next chapter to be.
Strong academics, increasing independence, and individualized college and career advising prepare students to apply to universities in Costa Rica and abroad, or to take another path that fits them. They leave able to do the work, ask for what they need, and choose their own direction.
Come see it for yourself.
Bring your family. Walk the campus. Meet the teachers.