Lincoln School

"Lincoln School in San José, Costa Rica, is a private international school offering a rigorous and globally minded education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12."

With a mission rooted in academic excellence and intercultural understanding, Lincoln serves a diverse community of local and internationally mobile families, including the many expat professionals and diplomatic families who call San José home. Founded in 1995, Lincoln has established itself as one of Costa Rica's leading international schools over the course of its three decades of operation. The school benefits from recognition and support through the U. S. State Department's Assisted Schools program, a distinction that reflects its commitment to serving American families abroad and maintaining strong ties to U. S. educational standards and values. Academically, Lincoln offers a dual-track framework that blends an American curriculum with the internationally respected programs of the International Baccalaureate Organization. The school is authorized to deliver all three core IB programs: the Primary Years Programme for younger learners, the Middle Years Programme for students in the intermediate grades, and the Diploma Programme for students in the final years of secondary school. This comprehensive IB pathway, from early childhood through pre-university study, gives families the confidence that their children can pursue a coherent, inquiry-based education throughout their entire time at Lincoln, with the IB Diploma serving as a globally recognized qualification for university admissions worldwide. San José, as Costa Rica's vibrant capital city, provides an engaging backdrop for international school life. Families relocating to the country will find that Lincoln's urban setting places it within reach of a city that blends modern amenities with the natural beauty and cultural richness for which Costa Rica is renowned. The school's website at lincoln. ed. cr offers current families and prospective applicants detailed information about campus facilities, admissions procedures, and community events. Lincoln's student community reflects the international character of San José itself, drawing children from Costa Rican families as well as students from across North America, Europe, and beyond. This multicultural environment is one of the school's defining strengths, fostering cross-cultural friendships and preparing students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. English serves as the primary language of instruction, consistent with the school's American curricular foundation, though students in this bilingual country benefit from meaningful exposure to Spanish as part of their educational experience. For relocating families weighing their options in Costa Rica, Lincoln School represents a well-established choice that combines the familiarity of an American educational approach with the intellectual rigor and international recognition of the IB framework. Its long-standing presence in San José, its State Department affiliation, and its full continuum of IB programs make it a particularly compelling option for families who may continue to move internationally and need a school whose credentials travel well. Parents are encouraged to visit the school's website and reach out directly to the admissions team to learn more about fit, availability, and the enrollment process.