1. Please mention about the school and its mission/vision and various infrastructural facilities.

Lighthouse International School was formed with the vision of transforming lives through character education. We are a private school that offers excellence in academics combined with a vibrant, Christ-centered environment. Lighthouse welcomes families looking for a private Christian school that develops the whole child.

Vision

Leading out a new generation of children in their life path “For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path.”

Mission

Lighthouse International School is an independent, college preparatory school that exists to develop the whole child through a vibrant, Christ-centered environment and a comprehensive academic program, so that they may grow to give back to the world with intelligence, confidence, integrity, and kindness.

On our campus, we have a basketball court, a volleyball court, a synthetic soccer field, and some playground areas for the youngest students. We also have a computer lab and a science lab.

2. Kindly mention about the prominent personality of the school and his/her role in the development of the school.

Mr. Zelaya has been our General Director since 2015. He believes strongly that the glue that holds all other factors of effective education in place is building positive interpersonal relationships. That’s why you will often see him greeting students as they come to school in the morning, or chatting with them during their lunch breaks, and even playing sports alongside them.

Under his tenure, Lighthouse graduated its first senior class, celebrated its 10th anniversary, and completed its first IB Diploma cohort. But the greatest achievement is keeping a sense of community as the school grows and matures. School-wide assemblies and devotionals, celebrations and multi-level teambuilding events keep us all connected. We are purposeful about it.

Navigating the new challenges of virtual learning has shown us that the level of commitment of our staff is extraordinary, and keeping our focus on the essence of who we are has made us look ahead with hope.

3. Kindly describe about the various courses offered by the school and their salient features.

In order to provide a well-rounded education, our academic program includes Physical Education, Visual Arts, Music, Library, Information Technology, Social-Emotional Learning, and the core subject like Math, English, Global Studies, Integrated Science, and STEM.

All of our students, from the youngest to the oldest, are developed into socially responsible citizens through our Service Learning Program. Our students participate in ongoing projects that support at-risk populations in the community, logging hundreds of man-hours each year.

4. Please mention what steps are you taking beyond the traditional curriculum to ensure overall development of the students?

The Lighthouse academic program focuses on the development of each student’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. Our goal is to help each child develop independence, responsibility, and problem-solving skills.

The educational program at Lighthouse International School was created to assist parents in the development of character and values in their children, coupled with a solid foundation of academic excellence to guide children toward productive and influential citizenship. Our purpose is to guide students through childhood and adolescence who graduate prepared to face the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges of that day.

By educating the whole child our students will influence the future of Costa Rica and beyond as leaders in the different venues they choose to pursue. With courses taught by experienced, Christ-centered individuals, Lighthouse students will graduate educated with a strong academic foundation and a clear moral compass.

The most recent closure of schools by the local government, prompted by the worldwide pandemic, has presented an opportunity for us to provide uninterrupted learning through various digital platforms. Our Distance Learning Program was developed as an extension of our standards-aligned curriculum in which the contents and pedagogy have been adapted to the learning environment. Our research-based practices support student learning, strengthen digital citizenship and proper use of technological tools, promote student ownership of the learning process, and ensure emotional and spiritual support.

5. What steps does the school take to motivate and develop the students’ interest towards education?

The academic program is college preparatory. Students are offered many opportunities to develop their leadership, service, athletic, and technological skills. Additionally, a wide variety of extracurricular activities offer students choices to explore other interests.

Our students are developed into life-long learners, and to develop ownership of their learning. This happens through collaborative work and alternative ways of demonstrating their learning through special projects and community outreach.

6. How are you providing financial assistance to the students in need?

The school has a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to students in need. Approximately 20% of our students benefit from this program, in addition to a significant number of students who have received some form of financial aid during the pandemic.

7. What are the career opportunities available to the students after completion of their courses?

Our comprehensive program is structured to offer our 12th grade graduates a U.S. High School diploma, the Costa Rican diploma, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. We have graduated six generations of students, and they have opted for a wide variety of career paths, including education, business, science, medical sciences, and others. Lighthouse graduates are fully equipped to attend universities anywhere in the world.

8. Other than traditional occupations, what other career field options are available for them?

Our students who do not opt for a traditional post-secondary education, are well prepared for any career path they choose. As problem solvers, critical thinkers, and skilled communicators, they have a world of opportunities available to them. Our alumni have chosen a wide variety of careers in many fields, such as medicine, engineering, technology, arts, tourism, service, education, and many others.

9. Please enlighten us about the school’s major awards/achievements, its accomplished/renowned alumni, remarkable collaborations, and major accreditations.

Lighthouse International School is approved by the International Baccalaureate Organization, accredited with the Ministry of Education of Costa Rica, and a member of the Asociación de Centros Educativos Privados.

10. Kindly elaborate about the future plans of the school in the same.

Future plans include the addition of a gymnasium building, new classrooms, and the opening of an early childhood center. Additionally, the curriculum will be enhanced by participation in international academic and sports competitions.