The big white JOURNEY letters at the Tamarindo campus entrance

Our Philosophy

How We Teach

Our educational philosophy draws from proven approaches that put students at the center of their learning. We weave together inquiry-based methods, social-emotional development, and real-world experiences to nurture curious, capable, and compassionate individuals.

What we draw from

Seven approaches, one philosophy

  • Drawing inspiration from the renowned Reggio Emilia approach, we recognize the importance of nurturing strong relationships and valuing each child's unique perspective. Through the '100 Languages of Children'—including art, play, and exploration—we empower students to express themselves creatively and develop a deep understanding of the world around them.

Student raising hand in class

IB World School

As an authorized IB World School, our Tamarindo campus brings internationally recognized frameworks to our experiential approach. The IB Diploma Programme (grades 11–12) provides a rigorous academic foundation with a strong emphasis on inquiry, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding.

Journey School at Tamarindo is also an IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidate school. The MYP is a five-year programme for students aged 11–16 (grades 6–10) that bridges our elementary curriculum and the IB Diploma Programme — encouraging students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.

Candidate status is the formal step before MYP authorization, signaling that the school has committed to the standards and practices of the programme.

View all our accreditations

Every learner, supported.

Student Support Services is our fastest-growing department on campus. We're committed to meeting students where they are and helping them thrive.

Approximately 20% of our students require more specialized support. We're grateful to have a team of professionals who care deeply about our students and want to see them succeed.

  • Social-Emotional Learning

    Building resilience, self-awareness, and relationship skills

  • Conflict Resolution

    Restorative approaches to navigate challenges

  • ADHD Support

    Strategies and accommodations for focused learning

  • Academic Modifications

    Personalized adjustments to meet individual needs

  • Reading Support

    Targeted intervention for literacy development

  • ESL & SSL Services

    English (ESL) and Spanish (SSL) as-a-second-language support for multilingual learners

Explore by grade level

See how our approach unfolds across the years.