School Profile
2026–27 Academic Year — for college counselors, admissions offices, and prospective families.
350
Students Pre-K–12
52
Total Staff/Faculty
17:1
Student/Faculty Ratio
16
Average Class Size
10%
Admissions Rate
Certifications
College Board/CEEB School Code: 834156
CB Institutional ID: 200682275
MEP Costa Rica: Accredited
First College Board Institutional Member in Costa Rica
Contact
De la Cruz Roja, 150 Metros Oeste, 350 Metros Sur, Santa Ana, Costa Rica 10901
www.berkeleycr.com
admin@berkeleycr.com
CR (506) 2203-4621
Leadership
Peter J. Swing, Ed.M. — President, Founder, College Counselor
Yorlenny M. Aguilar — Vice President, Founder
Alex Cortes — Head of School
Karina Jimenez Paniagua — Deputy Director of Administration
Campus
31 classrooms and 1 auditorium on 5,000 square meters (approximately 1 acre) in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.
Enrollment
350 students: approximately one-third U.S. & Canadian, one-third Costa Rican, and one-third international.
Graduation Program and Curriculum Standards
The U.S. High School (based on the UC/CSU “A-G” Course Requirements) and the Costa Rican National Baccalaureate programs are offered, with diplomas awarded for each. Instruction is in English for U.S. required courses and Spanish for Costa Rican required courses.
Academic Calendar and Hours of Instruction
Berkeley Academy utilizes the North American calendar, divided into two semesters and four quarters. Students are on campus from 7:45am–2:45pm, Monday through Friday.
Community Service Graduation Requirement
100 certified community service hours required from Grade 9 through Grade 12. A 20-page Senior Honors Thesis (AP Capstone — Research + Seminar) is required for all students in Grade 12.
Student/Computer Ratio and Technology
“Bring your own electronic device” policy; 100% of classrooms have internet access. Students are supported by Google Education Apps with personalized accounts.
Class Ranking and Admissions Rate
Berkeley Academy provides exact class rank. Student admission is highly selective (10% admissions rate), based on academic capacity and superior conduct.
Grading Scale
Unweighted: 0.00–4.00 | Weighted: 0.00–4.30
Additional GPA points (+1.0) computed for AP courses with an 85% or higher.
A = 95–100 (4.0) · B = 80–89 · C = 70–79 · D = 66–69 · F = below 65
AP and Honors Courses
Berkeley Academy offers 27 AP courses and 20 Honors courses.
AP Courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Capstone (Research & Seminar), Chemistry, Comparative Government and Politics, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, French Language and Culture, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics 1, Physics 2, Pre-Calculus, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Literature and Culture, Statistics, Studio Art (Drawing), Studio Art (2-D Design), U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, World History.
Honors Courses: Pre-AP English Literature and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, Life Sciences, U.S. History, World History, Introduction to Western Philosophy, Geography.
Standardized Exams
AP Exams, PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, Costa Rican National Exit Exams.
Extracurricular Activities
Model United Nations, Debate Team, Berkeley Academy Students for Engineering (BASE), Berkeley Academy Students in Computer Science (BASICS), Associated Student Body, Journalism/Yearbook, Berkeley Academy Community Service Club, Berkeley Academy Business Entrepreneurial Leaders (BABEL), Berkeley Academy Students in Film (BASF), Berkeley Academy Soup Kitchen (BASK), Berkeley Academy Dance Team.
Sports Teams
Boys JV/Varsity Soccer, Girls JV/Varsity Soccer, Boys JV/Varsity Volleyball, Girls JV/Varsity Volleyball, Boys JV/Varsity Basketball, Girls JV/Varsity Basketball, Boys and Girls Varsity Golf, Track and Field, Cross Country.
Regional Honors
Recognized as a center of excellence by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education's Private School Department, 2015–2026. Berkeley Academy's President was awarded the Premio Don Quijote de La Mancha Costa Rica in 2021.
International Recognition
Berkeley Academy was recognized in publications from the Harvard Graduate School of Education regarding its methodology and administrative leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
University Acceptances
Since 2015, Berkeley Academy graduates have received offers from over 200 universities, with $11.45 million or more in combined scholarships.
