Iribó School (ADEC)

"Iribó School, located in San José, Costa Rica, is a private institution offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to its students."

Founded in 2013, the school represents a relatively young but purposeful addition to San José's educational landscape, bringing the rigor and global perspective of IB education to families in the Costa Rican capital. As a member of ADEC, Iribó School operates within a framework that emphasizes academic excellence alongside a commitment to forming thoughtful, engaged young people. The school delivers instruction in Spanish, making it a distinctive option among IB-authorized institutions in the region and an especially meaningful choice for families seeking a rigorous international curriculum that is fully immersed in the Spanish language. For expat families from Latin America or Spain, as well as for Costa Rican families who want their children to pursue internationally recognized credentials without shifting away from Spanish as the primary language of learning, Iribó offers a compelling combination. The IB Diploma Programme, which Iribó offers to students in the upper secondary years, is one of the most respected pre-university qualifications in the world, recognized by universities across the Americas, Europe, and beyond. The programme challenges students across six subject groups alongside three core components — the extended essay, theory of knowledge, and creativity, activity, and service — developing critical thinking, independent research skills, and a sense of global citizenship. For relocating families whose children may eventually pursue higher education internationally, the IB Diploma provides valuable portability and credibility. San José, as Costa Rica's vibrant capital city, offers an accessible and well-connected base for international families. The city combines urban amenities with proximity to the country's celebrated natural environment, and its growing international community means that families relocating for professional reasons will find a welcoming and established expat network. Iribó's situation within this city places it at the center of Costa Rica's cultural and professional life. What makes Iribó School particularly noteworthy is its decision to deliver the IB curriculum in Spanish rather than English, a choice that reflects a clear educational philosophy. Rather than adopting English as a default language of instruction simply to attract international families, the school honors the linguistic and cultural identity of the region while still preparing students for a globally competitive academic future. This approach may be especially attractive to families who want their children to develop deep fluency and academic proficiency in Spanish while earning a credential that opens doors worldwide. For parents evaluating schools in San José, Iribó School represents a focused and values-driven option — one that has, since its founding in 2013, built its identity around the principles of international education delivered with a distinctly Costa Rican and Spanish-language character. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the school's website at iribo. org for current admissions information and program details.