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THE CDS COSTA RICA INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Our High School curriculum develops critical thinkers and expert problem solvers, who go on to study at top universities around the world. At this critical time in their education at our private High School in Costa Rica, our young people prepare for and excel in their PSAT, SAT, TOEFL, and Advanced Placement exams, strengthen their characters, and develop a global mindset that embraces diversity and inclusion. 
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ABOUT OUR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Our challenging and engaging High School curriculum expertly prepares our students for higher education.

At our international High School in Costa Rica, students take courses in social studies, English, Spanish, mathematics, science, physical education, and the arts, which fosters their love of learning across a broad range of subjects. Students also take the PSAT exam in grades 9, 10, and 11, which follows the same testing requirements needed to succeed in the SAT – the external exam our students sit before applying to college or university.

We also offer Costa Rican curriculum courses, which allow our students to obtain the Bachillerato Diploma.
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ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

Organized through the US College Board and recognized around the world, we offer 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses that immerse our students in a university-level education.

The wide range of AP programs we offer at our international High School in San Jose are challenging and academically rigorous. Students choose, through an application process, to undertake these high-level courses in preparation for college or university, giving them a competitive edge in the application process. Some higher education providers also give credits to students who pass their AP tests.
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TECHNOLOGY IN HIGH SCHOOL

The CDS Costa Rica High School curriculum is enhanced by our one-for-one laptop program, a model used by leading secondary schools worldwide. Our teachers carefully integrate technology into learning, using it to enhance experiences, based on a ‘learn-first, tech-second’ philosophy. The program equips our students with the skills for effective communication, research, and project work.
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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students at our vibrant international High School in Costa Rica enjoy a myriad of learning experiences beyond the classroom. These include our Band and Choir programs, a Model United Nations (MUN) club, and a National Honors Society. Our High School students also compete at AASCA sports events in basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

We encourage our young people to take advantage of the many leadership opportunities on offer, too. These develop lifelong skills – including empathy, self-confidence, perseverance, and integrity – and give our students the chance to meaningfully contribute to local, national, and global communities.
OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCES
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  • HIGH SCHOOL

A TYPICAL DAY AT CDS

Every day, our High School students' learn with the future in mind, as they work towards their goals, become experts in their subjects, and hone talents.
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READY TO SHINE
We get ready for the day ahead as we listen to morning announcements from the Student Council, focused on building culture at our school. We check in with our teachers and peers before lessons.
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STARTING THE DAY
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EXCELLING IN ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES
We challenge ourselves by picking from CDS’ 20 AP courses, getting ready for college-level studies by pursuing the classes that interest us. Nearly everyone takes at least one AP course before graduating, as we push ourselves above and beyond a standard course load.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
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LUNCHTIME MEETINGS
In high school, we deepen our interests, collaborate with peers who share them, and take the lead to make a difference around us. During lunchtime, 19 different clubs meet. They explore civic leadership, environmental advocacy, student culture, and technology integration, among other interests.
LEADING WITH PEERS
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PRODUCING A PLAY
Our high school Drama Production team prepares an original dramatic work. We work together to write, direct, and produce a play to be showcased for our community at the end of the school year, in May.
WRITING, DIRECTING, AND PRODUCING
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STEAM CHALLENGES
Through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), we’re challenged to solve complex problems and think beyond what we know. During challenges designed by the world-renowned university MIT, we unlock important problems posed by MIT professors.
THINKING LOGICALLY AND CREATIVELY
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GET ACTIVE
After school, our sports teams practice through drills and work through strategies and techniques, as they prepare to compete throughout Central America in AASCA tournaments across basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, track, and tennis.
COMPETING AND PERFORMING
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HOW WE TEACH

INSPIRING YOUR CHILD

Our talented international High School teachers are experts in personalized learning, creating activities, lessons, and experiences that meet individual needs and interests. By building a strong relationship with your child, our educators will ensure they’re happy, engaged, and motivated to achieve their very best.
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OUR FACILITIES

A GREEN CAMPUS BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

Our green, five-hectare campus is a truly unique and inspiring place to learn. Leading the way in sustainable design, our eco-friendly environment combines light-filled classrooms with open-air hallways and plant-filled spaces, which connect our community with nature and boost wellbeing. We also have lots of specialist facilities – including tech-enriched labs, a Fine Arts Center, and swimming pool – where our students’ talents can shine.
EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS
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A GLOBALLY CONCIOUS EDUCATION

At CDS, every student follows their own unique learning journey. Our individualized approach – underpinned by global curricula and experiences – will unlock your child’s potential and help them create a pathway to one of the world’s best universities.

OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE