Dear CDS Families,
As we close another remarkable school year, I find myself reflecting on what has been our first year of living our Vision for Learning: Everyone Grows, Everyone Exceeds.
When we introduced this vision last year, we described it as more than a slogan. It was a commitment—a promise to our students, families, and staff that we would strive to create an environment where every member of our community could grow beyond what they thought possible and exceed expectations in meaningful ways.
One year later, I am proud to say that we have seen that vision come to life across every aspect of school life.
In athletics, our students demonstrated incredible determination, teamwork, and Panther pride. From our youngest athletes winning the Lincoln Cup to our elementary and middle school cheerleading teams soaring in local competitions, our students embraced the challenge to grow and compete. Hundreds of Country Day School (CDS) students represented our school throughout Central America in AASCA tournaments, and our Varsity Basketball team made history by reaching the AASCA Finals for the first time ever—an achievement that reflects years of commitment, perseverance, and excellence.
Academically, our students continued to excel at the highest levels. We celebrated outstanding performances in international and national mathematics competitions, including Kangaroo Math and the OLCOMEP National Competition. We were also incredibly proud to see Grade 11 student Carlos Bonilla recognized internationally for his innovation, creativity, and talent in STEAM education. Through his outstanding work, Carlos earned the opportunity to travel to MIT, where he represented both CDS and Costa Rica with distinction, making a lasting impression on the MIT and Nord Anglia Education teams. His achievement reflects the curiosity, ingenuity, and problem-solving mindset we strive to cultivate in all our students. Our graduating seniors also achieved extraordinary university acceptances, with students committing to dream schools around the world and taking the next steps toward futures filled with promise and opportunity.
Our commitment to growth extends beyond our students. As educators, we believe we must model the very vision we ask our students to embrace. This year, Ms. Granados, our Grade 4 teacher, continued her studies in the Master of International Education program through Nord Anglia Education and King's College London. Mr. Loria and Ms. Mora traveled to Tanzania to participate in Nord Anglia's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Summit, while many members of our faculty engaged in professional learning through the Tri-Association Conference held right here in Costa Rica. Additionally, over 10 members of our facilities team have completed another year of English language training here on campus through a dedicated student initiative. Their dedication to continuous learning strengthens our entire community.
Our students and staff also embraced learning beyond the classroom through transformative expeditions and service opportunities. Twelve students and staff members traveled to Tanzania to participate in a service-learning experience at Shamba Kapura Camp. Ten secondary students, accompanied by Ms. Carlson, spent a week learning alongside members of the Bribri indigenous community in Talamanca, deepening their understanding of Costa Rica's Indigenous cultures and traditions. These experiences remind us that some of life's most important lessons happen when we step outside our comfort zones and engage with the wider world.
As a community, we continued to grow as well. This year, enrollment surpassed 850 students, making this our largest school population since moving to Hacienda Espinal. With that growth came continued investments in our campus, including significant improvements to our theater through the addition of air conditioning and curtains, creating an even more comfortable and professional environment for performances and community events.
In the Visual and Performing Arts, Country Day School continued to set the standard for excellence across the Americas. We proudly hosted the AASCA Music and Art Festival, welcomed talented student artists from throughout the region, and showcased the creativity and passion of our own students. Our choirs performed throughout the San José area, our drama students presented performances and showcases at every level, and our theater students brought Antigone to life at the Amphitheater in Ciudad Colón. One of the year's most memorable moments came when our band, choir, and orchestra joined together for the first time in a collaborative performance featuring a spirited rendition of Bad Bunny's “Baile Inolvidable”—a performance that had the audience on its feet and perfectly captured the joy, creativity, and sense of community that define Country Day School.
Most importantly, our students continued to shine both on and off campus. Whether in academics, athletics, the arts, service, leadership, or simply the everyday acts of kindness and character that often go unnoticed, they represented their families, their school, and themselves with pride and excellence.
As we look ahead to Year Two of Everyone Grows, Everyone Exceeds, we remain committed to continuous improvement. In the coming year, we will continue to strengthen every aspect of the student experience while placing particular emphasis on expanding our social-emotional learning and student support programs. We know that helping students thrive academically begins with ensuring they feel known, supported, connected, and valued.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your belief in our mission. The accomplishments celebrated throughout this report belong to all of us—students, families, faculty, staff, and community members working together toward a common goal.
At Country Day School, everyone grows, and together, everyone exceeds.
Highest regards,
Jack Young
General Director
Country Day School of Costa Rica
As you read through this year’s highlights, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on everything we have accomplished together as a school community. From everyday moments of growth to extraordinary achievements, this year was shaped by the students, families, and educators who make Country Day School such a special place. Be sure to check your email for the full End-of-Year Report and join us in celebrating a year of learning, growth, and memorable experiences.
