Academic Program
The International St. Jude School offers a comprehensive academic offering for preschool, elementary, and secondary school, designed to develop competent, globally aware students prepared for the challenges of today's world. With a focus on educational excellence, the school combines a multilingual environment (Spanish, English, and French), international certifications, technological innovation, and a strong commitment to the emotional and social well-being of each student.
PRESCHOOL
Children spend every minute of their lives, learning. From using the crayon and scissors to using blocks to create amazing structures, to reading and socializing, all the experiences we provide are focused on having happy, creative and eager learners.
At International St. Jude School, children learn commitment and respect for others. We provide a place where our students gain a sense of self, explore, play with their friends, and build confidence. Children discover that they can be independent and that they can do things for themselves. As a school we provide children with a great opportunity to realize their entire potential, skills, an talents.
We focus on language, literacy and motor skills, math through a variety of activities and projects. At International St Jude School, it is essential to work on problem-solving skills and help children expand their knowledge and increase their vocabulary. We give them the opportunity to learn wonderful things through various activities and learning experiences.
Through hands-on activities and above all, play, children experience what is around them. They use their senses and their imagination to open a world of wonder every day.
Activities may be either teacher-directed or student-initiated. Each class has a certified teacher and a teacher assistant. Music, French, physical education, Spanish and dance are part of our everyday lives and we have specialist teachers that provide amazing learning to all our levels.
International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) en St. Jude School
At International St. Jude School, we believe that the early years of life are fundamental to a child's learning and development. Therefore, we use the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) as the foundation for our teaching, ensuring meaningful, dynamic, and exploratory learning experiences.
The IEYC is designed so children learn at their own pace, through learning units spanning several weeks. Each unit connects different areas of knowledge through four Learning Strands, fostering holistic learning.
One of the fundamental principles of the IEYC is play as a learning tool. We know that children learn best when they can explore their curiosity in a safe and stimulating environment. Therefore, our activities promote discovery, creativity, and skill development through play and experimentation.
In our preschool, children participate in both individual and group learning experiences, strengthening their autonomy, teamwork, and international-mindedness. Their learning is enriched when they combine the acquisition of knowledge and skills with a deep sense of understanding, allowing them to express their ideas in a variety of ways.
The IEYC focuses not only on learning but also on assessments that enrich and enhance learning. Its fun, motivating, and engaging approach allows each child to explore their own interests within a holistic, student-centered educational model.
At St. Jude School, we ensure that every learning experience is unforgettable, helping our students grow, discover, and enjoy the process of learning. Welcome to a world where learning is exciting!
PRIMARY
Primary School at International St. Jude School: Academic Excellence with a Focus on the Student
At International St. Jude School, we offer an education of academic excellence, where each child is the protagonist of their own learning. Our Primary School, which covers grades one through five, provides a dynamic and stimulating environment in which students explore, discover, and develop their full potential in a safe, caring, and motivating environment.
A Student-Centered Educational Model
We believe that each child learns uniquely, therefore, our methodology adapts to their individual needs, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and autonomy. At International St. Jude School, students not only acquire knowledge, but also learn how to learn, developing skills that will allow them to excel in any academic and personal area.
We distinguish ourselves by:
✔ Academic excellence, with international, innovative, and rigorous programs.
✔ A personalized approach that leverages each student's strengths.
✔ A bilingual environment, with 80% teaching in English.
✔ An international curriculum that prepares students for a globalized world without forgetting the importance of learning everything about Costa Rica.
✔ A commitment to well-being, ensuring that every child feels valued, safe, and motivated.
✔ Multiple opportunities for success, fostering talent in academics, arts, sports, and music.
Training Leaders with Solid Values
Our education focuses not only on knowledge but also on character and values. We foster student leadership and social responsibility, developing children who are confident, ethical, and committed to their community. The values that guide our teaching are:
✔ Excellence – We strive to achieve our full potential in everything we do.
✔ Kindness – We build a community based on respect and empathy.
✔ Integrity – We act with responsibility and honesty.
✔ Sustainability – We promote ecological awareness and care for the planet.
✔ Faith – Our Catholic identity strengthens our community and values.
Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Education
Our training goes beyond the classroom, offering holistic learning that includes:
- Art
- Music
- Dance
- Natación
- Physical education
- Spanish
- French
- EAL Program (English as an Additional Language)
- Student well-being and coexistence curriculum
In fourth and fifth grades, students have specialized teachers in all subjects, ensuring a successful transition to middle school.
Furthermore, the well-being of our students is a priority. We provide support for children with additional needs and offer preparation for First Communion, strengthening their spiritual and personal development.
International Primary Curriculum (IPC): A Global Curriculum for a Bright Future
The IPC is an international curriculum that transforms education into a relevant and exciting experience. Through inquiry-based learning units, students not only acquire knowledge but also develop essential life skills.
Our students work under well-defined learning objectives, ensuring that:
✅ Develop deep and applicable knowledge.
✅ Strengthen your cognitive and social skills.
✅ Demonstrate your understanding.
✅ Cultivate a global mindset, preparing for an interconnected world.
Essential attributes
In addition, we promote 8 essential attributes for your future success:
🔹 Adaptability
🔹 Communication
🔹 Collaboration
🔹 Empathy
🔹 Ethics
🔹 Resilience
🔹 Respect
🔹 Critical thinking
Our commitment is clear: to raise happy, well-prepared children with strong values, ready to take on the challenges of the future.
Welcome to an excellent education with a student-centered approach!
SECONDARY
We are an International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) member offering a truly international program that focuses on our students’ development in their academics, wellbeing, and international mindset.
IMYC is a three-year program where Amazing Learning happens every day. Our students take part in special activities and experiences that help them be better and achieve their goals. We have a rigorous curriculum set within a fun and friendly environment that fosters growth and development, preparing our students for their next learning stage.
The program is designed following the latest research on the adolescent brain and how students learn at this stage. Personal, international, and academic goals lead students toward success in their transition from Elementary School to High School.
CGS DEPARTMENT
As part of our Amazing Learning, we acknowledge that every student has different needs. Because of this, our CGS department provides support for each student in their emotional and well-being needs. From after school programs like our Life Skills to timely interventions on emotional support, our team makes sure our students have the support they need to fulfill their goals. Our teachers work hand in hand with the CGS team to provide effective differentiation in every class, support students, and give extensions on their learning.
CASE V
We enable students to find their talent and fully support it to fulfill their dreams. Our CASE V Program supports our student-athletes, our artists and musicians, our dancers, and high academic achievers in adapting the curriculum to fit student needs. Our approach looks at each student’s context and differentiates their process. Hence, the school, coaches, parents, and students work together to reach all student goals, academic, personal, and interests. Our program is booming and is internationally recognized and accredited by the World Academy of Sports.
IB Foundations, IBY1, and IBY2.
In the IB Foundations program, students can be fully prepared for the IB Diploma (DP) program. They will have a chance to understand the different groups, subjects, core, and assessment in the IB Program. We ensure our students are prepared, know the other choices they will face, through an engaging and challenging curriculum that has a strong focus on academics, personal development, learning and organization skills, and student well being and happiness.
Our 10th and 11th-grade students all follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP), with most taking the full Diploma. The remaining may opt for the IB Certificates in the subjects of their choice.
Our students participate in different learning events with ISP schools worldwide, taking action in leadership roles in events such as our Model United Nations, Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) program, and the ISP Buddy Exchange Program. The International Baccalaureate aims to train young people who are supportive, informed and eager for knowledge, able to contribute to creating a better and more peaceful world, within the framework of mutual understanding and intercultural respect. The program encourages students around the world to adopt an active lifelong learning attitude, to be compassionate, and to understand that other people, with their differences, may also be right.
At the end of the course which lasts for two years, students must take exams that are evaluated externally, as well as school work that is prepared during the duration of the program and that also allow to evaluate the progress of the student.
The IB evaluates students’ work as a direct proof of their level of achievement with respect to the objectives set for Diploma Programme (DP) courses.
