By Ryan Waldron
I’ll never get tired of the dirt and mud tracked into my car, or the sweaty, only partially offensive, odors that my 9-year-old twins bring home after a typical school day. To many, that might sound like a parenting nightmare—but to me, it’s the smell of joy, learning, and full-bodied childhood. These are the everyday signs that my boys are thriving in their 3rd-grade class at the Pacifico Internacional School in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
When fellow parents ask where to enroll their children, I always smile as I share our journey with this unique, holistic school just 20 minutes south of Tamarindo. The Pacifico Internacional School encourages play, creativity, social cohesion, and experimentation—all without a single screen or tablet in sight.
A Thriving Community of Families Seeking “Pura Vida”
Bilingual private schools in Costa Rica are booming—largely due to the influx of international families seeking a simpler, slower-paced lifestyle. For those of us drawn to the Pura Vida way of life, traditional education models often feel out of sync with our values.
We chose to settle near Playa Avellanas, and the Pacifico Internacional School—just a 15-minute drive away—was initially the most convenient option. But what began as a decision based on location quickly became one of the best choices we’ve made for our children. From day one, our boys came home glowing with excitement, eager to return the next day.
A Look at the Pacifico Internacional School
The school currently serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 7th Grade, with plans underway to expand into high school. The campus spans 1.25 acres along a tranquil river and was recently expanded with the purchase of 7 additional acres. These new grounds will include equestrian facilities, gardening programs, and more immersive outdoor experiences for students.
The learning environment reflects the Waldorf commitment to beauty, nature, and rhythm. Classrooms are simple and warm, filled with natural materials and student artwork. Days are structured around a calm, predictable rhythm that nurtures security and imagination.
What is Waldorf Education?
If you’re unfamiliar with Rudolf Steiner and the Waldorf philosophy, here’s a quick overview:
– Founded in 1919, Waldorf education focuses on developing the head, heart, and hands—thinking, feeling, and doing.
– Academics are introduced gently and age-appropriately.
– Arts, music, handwork, and storytelling are woven into every subject.
– Students spend plenty of time outdoors in free play and purposeful work.
– Technology is avoided in the early grades to preserve imagination and presence.
– Children often stay with the same teacher for several years to develop deep trust and community.
In essence, Waldorf values the whole child, not just academic performance. Our kids aren’t just memorizing—they’re exploring, empathizing, building, creating, and learning to be fully human.
A Schedule That Respects Natural Rhythms
The Pacifico Internacional School follows a hybrid academic calendar—a blend of the Costa Rican year-round rhythm and the North American schedule. It includes breaks in October, February, and April, along with traditional holidays for Christmas, Easter, and a long summer break (June–August).
The seasons and festivals of the year play a big role in the school culture. From lantern walks in the fall to harvest festivals and spring celebrations, the school fosters a connection to both the natural world and the passage of time—something often missing from more traditional educational environments.
Why We Love It
As a parent, it’s deeply fulfilling to witness your children light up at the thought of going to school. That’s been our experience every single day. Our boys come home with stories about baking bread, building forts, painting, hiking, and solving problems with their classmates—not just regurgitating worksheets.
The Pacifico Internacional School is not for everyone. It’s slow, intentional, and unhurried. But for families who value presence over pressure, nature over noise, and depth over speed—it might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
We feel incredibly grateful that our kids are surrounded by teachers who truly see them, challenge them, and celebrate their individuality while encouraging community spirit. We came for the location. We stayed for the transformation.
Contact Information
If you’re considering an alternative educational path for your children in the Guanacaste region, I highly recommend taking a tour of the Pacifico Internacional School. Come meet the teachers, walk the river path, and see for yourself what a joyful, grounded education can look like.
📍Pacífico Internacional School
Location: 300 metros este de El Sabanero Ecolodge. Cañafistula, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste (20 min from Tamarindo)
Website: www.waldorf.cr
Instagram: @pacificointernacional
Email: info@waldorf.cr
Phone: +506 8762 6927
