CDS students continually show they have what it takes to perform at the highest levels in the world, fueled by their love for learning and commitment to excellence. We follow US educational frameworks, including the AP Program for our high schoolers. We’re proud that 98% of our students have been accepted into top global universities, leading to fantastic careers.
Our students regularly receive great scores above 110 out of 120 on the TOEFL, above 1450 out of 1600 on the SAT (for seniors applying to top-tier universities), and above a 3 out of 5 on their APs, which set them up for excellent pathways. In fact, a remarkable 91% have scored at least a 3 on their APs, compared to a global average of only 60% — giving our students the edge to receive college credits or get a head start on their university path.
There are many opportunities at CDS to go above and beyond traditional studies in the classroom to participate in thrilling or fascinating experiences that deepen our knowledge, motivate our actions, and enrich our character. For example, CDS students get to know what sustainability looks and feels like firsthand by participating in our partnerships with an organization like Zero Waste. We go on trips to ecological reserves and assist in beach clean-ups or recycling projects. Going a step further, students can also travel internationally to learn about sustainability and different environments through our trips to Tanzania and Switzerland.
Our collaborations with Juilliard, UNICEF, and MIT create outstanding experiences that show our students how they can put their knowledge and skills to use. For example, MIT experts give our students STEAM challenges that encourage them to use “design thinking” to approach problems very strategically, connecting with the world to see what they do matters. Our high schoolers undertake MIT’s “Roller Coaster Challenge” that culminates in an event where they present their findings, providing a catalyst to our younger students, who become eager to participate.
At CDS, our teachers are passionate educators who put care into every step they take to guide your child to perform at their best. While 100% of our teachers hold a bachelor’s degree and 65% hold a master's, they’re always looking for improvement. Our teachers undergo continuous professional development, using world-class training, best practices, and resources from Nord Anglia University. This ensures that they stay on top of their subjects and at the forefront of best educational practices in the world, backed by research. As a result, your child receives the highest quality of instruction.
Because of our school-wide commitment, excellent communication, and supportive behavior among students and their teachers, 99% of CDS parents strongly agree their child has a good relationship with their teachers and feels motivated, leading to outstanding academic results and mutual fulfillment. Children learn best when they're happy, and our teachers ensure this is a reality. 96% of parents say their child is happy at CDS.
Every year, an overwhelming 98% of CDS students are admitted to top global colleges and universities — in the US and across the world — because of their exceptional academic performances and lifelong thirst for going beyond what they know. Our students qualify to apply to these top-tier universities because of their high marks on TOEL and SAT exams, plus our great variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses across subjects, where they prove their readiness for college. 91% of CDS students pass their AP exams with a score of a 3 or higher, compared to the global average of just 60%. Some get a head start on their university path and even receive credits.
As one of only three schools in Costa Rica with the AP program, CDS sets itself apart with how our students undertake challenging coursework that they capstone in the AP Diploma. Our AP offerings especially allow students to prepare for their futures at the highest level, and the diploma serves as a showcase of their rigorous academic achievements, recognized throughout the world. Because CDS is dually accredited, when they graduate, our students have a dual US high school diploma and Costa Rican degree that distinguishes them.
At CDS, it’s key that our students discover how to use their knowledge, skills, and abilities to make a difference in the lives around them. Through our collaboration with UNICEF, our students analyze the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and apply them in local outreach opportunities as well as any international opportunities they pursue with Nord Anglia.
Zero Waste is a continuous thread running through student initiatives across our community, as we learn the value of everything around us — that nothing must go to waste. Some of our students are cleaning up beaches or rivers from trash, rebuilding sustainable homes for Habitat for Humanity, or collecting donations of furniture and other materials for our Sister Schools, Escuela Julia Fernandez and Liceo de Turrubares. These actions aid our connection with the Centre for Regenerative Design and Collaboration (CRDC), which is using non-recyclable plastics to create a new material with concrete building blocks for housing and other construction projects.
CDS has an inclusive and diverse community of over 45 nationalities. We focus on belonging, allowing every child to make great friendships and feel valued. Parents and families love to get involved, helping us to celebrate our local heritage in Costa Rica alongside our global awareness. Through annual events and traditions like Family Day, the Fun Run, Music Under the Stars, Halloween, Thanksgiving Lunch, UN Day, the Gift Parade, and more, our community comes together to support and learn from each other.
CDS students have an immediate network of peers and alumni all over the world that they can connect with to share common interests. They can collaborate with peers in other Nord Anglia schools worldwide on our online platform Global Campus, where they work on exciting challenges and learn from each other. Other Nord Anglia activities and events like the sports competition, Global Games in Florida, and trips to Tanzania and Switzerland, give our students incredible opportunities to make international friendships as they expand their worldview.
Our environmentally conscious campus has made us the first LEED-certified school in Costa Rica, as our solar-paneled buildings are resource efficient, using less water and energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our campus also has effective recycling systems and reuse programs. We’re on the way to becoming a Zero Waste school, where nothing is without a function or purpose. The design and architecture across our campus support and encourage the connection between our school community and our natural surroundings.
Spanning our 81 well-equipped classrooms, seven STEAM spaces (science labs, robotics, and maker spaces), fine and performing arts spaces, athletic facilities, and beyond, our students engage in activities that stimulate their curiosity and provoke them through guided challenges. On top of our computer devices and advanced technology on campus, our students use dedicated STEAM spaces, where they can build their skills using iPads, drones, spheros, or 3D printers. That way, whether your child is relaxing in our outdoor spaces, running on our large sports field, or building a robot at lunchtime, every day is new. All spaces support your child’s constant movement and growth.
Every year, our students are accepted to the world's top universities. But at CDS, our education leads to more than just a destination — our graduates also gain the confidence, skills, knowledge, and experience they need to make a difference in the world.
OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
