Practical & FAQ
When you’re comparing schools, the sticker price is rarely the real price. “Tuition” at one school can hide a dozen add-on fees that show up later. We made a deliberate decision to do it differently. Here’s exactly what’s included at Ballena, and the two things that aren’t.
No Hidden Fees
Our promise is plain: no hidden fees, tuition includes everything. That means the core of your child’s education is covered by one number, not nickel-and-dimed across the year. We’d rather you trust the figure in front of you than discover surprises in March.
What Tuition Covers
Tuition covers the everyday education and the things that make it rich:
- Daily classes, language arts, math, science and social studies, taught in our bilingual model.
- Small classes of 15 or fewer.
- The Student Support Services team, accommodations, language support, counseling, and SEL.
- The rotation of art, music, PE, and SEL built into the week.
- The roughly four field trips per grade each year, from Reserva Playa Tortuga to the Boruca community to beach clean-ups.
In other words, the school day and the learning that happens in it are all part of the one tuition number.
The Two Things Paid Separately
We’re upfront about the exceptions, because “no hidden fees” only means something if we name them:
- Lunch in the comedor. Meals are catered by The Bakery, a beloved local restaurant, arroz con pollo, olla de carne, fresh fruit, daily handmade juice, with gluten-free and vegetarian options. This is paid directly, not bundled into tuition.
- After-school clubs. Our rotating after-school clubs each semester are an optional extra and are paid separately.
Both are choices, not surprises. You opt in if you want them.
What It Costs
We know the next question is the number. Tuition figures aren’t something we’ll quote loosely in a blog post, because the right answer depends on grade level and the year you’re asking about.
Editor’s note: confirm current tuition figures by grade, payment schedule, any registration or materials fees, and lunch and after-school club pricing with the admissions team before sharing specifics.
The best way to get accurate numbers is to ask us directly. The admissions team will give you the real figures and walk you through what’s included for your child’s grade. Start the conversation at our Admissions page, or come see the school first and we’ll talk numbers when you’re ready. Schedule a tour on our Admissions page.
