Academics & Accreditations
Diplomas, accreditations, and global memberships
Graduation Pathways
Journey School of Costa Rica at Tamarindo offers the following academic pathways and graduation qualifications.
Grade 11
Students may complete the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP) requirements for the Bachillerato en Educación Media.
Grade 12
Students may pursue one or more of the following diplomas and may earn them in combination, depending on their academic pathway:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)
- Middle States Association (MSA) U.S. High School Diploma
- MEP Costa Rican 12th Grade Completion Diploma
Accreditations and Memberships
Journey School at Tamarindo holds five major accreditations — including authorization as an IB World School (with IB Middle Years Programme candidacy underway) and membership in the UNESCO Associated Schools Network — alongside hard-won membership in the Council of International Schools. Each reflects our commitment to a world-class education and confirms that we meet or exceed national and international standards from preschool through 12th grade.
Our other campuses are currently working toward the same accreditations.
International Baccalaureate
IB World School (IBO Code: 062813) · Diploma Programme authorized · MYP candidate school
A globally recognized curriculum framework. The IB Diploma Programme (grades 11–12) provides a rigorous academic foundation with a strong emphasis on inquiry, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding. Our Tamarindo campus is also a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (grades 6–10) — an authorization process that develops students into reflective, internationally minded learners. Earning an IB diploma opens doors to prestigious universities worldwide.
Middle States Association
MSA-CESS (Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools)
A mark of excellence, recognizing Journey School as meeting the highest international standards for academic quality, innovation, and student success. MSA-CESS emphasizes continuous improvement, ensuring a dynamic and forward-thinking educational experience.
Ministerio de Educación Pública
Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica
Ensures that Journey School meets all national educational standards in Costa Rica. This accreditation confirms our curriculum aligns with the rigorous requirements of the Costa Rican education system, valuable for students pursuing higher education within Costa Rica or other Spanish-speaking nations.
Dirección de Educación Privada
Directorate of Private Education
Recognizes the quality and innovation of private schools in Costa Rica. It validates our commitment to providing a top-tier educational experience while adhering to the highest standards for academics, teacher excellence, and student outcomes.
UNESCO Associated Schools Network
Member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet)
Journey School of Costa Rica is an approved member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) — a global network of schools committed to UNESCO's ideals of peace, intercultural understanding, sustainable development, and quality education. Membership connects our students and teachers to a worldwide community that puts these values into daily classroom practice.
Council of International Schools
CIS Member · Council of International Schools
Journey School at Tamarindo earned membership in the Council of International Schools through a year-long evaluation against the Council's rigorous standards for student wellbeing, governance, teaching, and global citizenship. CIS membership places us among a worldwide community of more than 1,500 schools and universities committed to high-quality international education — a network through which we collaborate, benchmark, and grow.
Affiliations & Recognitions
Beyond formal accreditation, Journey School at Tamarindo is recognized by and partners with leading education organizations.
Why it matters
Together, these accreditations validate our unique project-based approach while confirming that our students receive a balanced, high-quality education. They affirm the value of a Journey School diploma, which provides students with the flexibility to pursue opportunities within Costa Rica, the United States, or any global institution.
School Leadership
Christa Niven
- Founder & CEO, Journey School of Costa Rica
- Head of School, Journey School of Costa Rica at Tamarindo