The Costa Rican school bridging the gap between public and private by bringing high quality education to marginalised students
Escuela y Colegio Científico Interamericano IHS CATIE, an independent kindergarten, primary, and secondary school in Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica, is bridging the gap between private and public education by providing high-quality, intercultural, research-based learning to marginalised students through scholarships and social outreach initiatives. In a region facing socioeconomic challenges, a lack of growth opportunities for children in public schools is leading to limited employment opportunities, compounding social challenges like violence, intolerance, and inequality. In response, the school has dedicated itself to providing a scholarship programme, supported by outreach initiatives to vulnerable students with learning that includes scientific research and bilingualism, combined with tolerance, cultural diversity and respect, to develop the skills necessary for them to advance into tertiary education.
Through scholarships, the school provides opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds through a curriculum that centres on critical thinking and analytical skills, integrating subjects such as statistics, logic, and English as a second language (ESL). Bilingual education is a key learning component and begins in preschool, continuing through high school to ensure strong language proficiency. The school shares resources with public schools in the area, ensuring students, even those in rural areas, have access to high-quality education. Outreach programmes include a national science programme where students from public schools have been given the opportunity to travel internationally to represent Costa Rica, and representatives from NASA have shared their work and facilitated collaboration between IHS students and those from other schools. The school also has an initiative that offers STEM training to public schools lacking funding.
The school distributes approximately US$40,000 in scholarships, with university placement rates among the top 11 nationally. Enrolment has increased year-on-year, and there are often waiting lists. Teachers are deeply committed and passionate; many have been at the school for over 15 years. Annually, the school sponsors a regional scientific fair where students from public schools are awarded projects to represent Costa Rica globally, with eight projects awarded in 2024. It actively collaborates with different educational institutions to improve teaching in the community, and students take part in academic, sporting, and artistic events in national contests. To support families, the school provides “growth spaces” organised by its psychological department.
Driven by the belief that education should always be accessible and transformational, Escuela y Colegio Científico Interamericano IHS CATIE proves that it is possible to offer excellent education to all children, no matter their circumstances.
