Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
| Number of students |
900 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
+40 |
| Most common nationality |
Costa Rican |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
60% Local Students - 40% International Students |
Languages
| Native English and Spanish speaking teachers |
Around 40% (English Native Speakers) |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Spanish |
Our school is characterized by being 100% bilingual, providing the opportunity for our local students to become proficient in English and for foreign students to master Spanish perfectly, in addition to offering the IBDP in both languages. |
Classroom
| Max. number of students per class |
25 |
| Average number of students per class |
22 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Every classroom is equipped with a computer and a video beam to activate interactive boards, maximizing learning with attractive teaching possibilities. Starting in Preparatory all students must used an electronic device in classroom (Ipad or Computer). The library has numerous computers for research. Laptop caddies are available for class groups to use upon demand. Fiber optics and broadband expedites the Wi-Fi system for Internet across the campus. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
Academics
| External examinations or assessments available |
IBDP Diploma - National Exams from MEP - US High School Exams. |
| Results in these examinations |
We are one of the best IB Schools in the country and inside of our Inspired Network. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
Student support
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Depends on the learning needs |
| Learning support offered |
Blue Valley’s mainstreaming policy for its special needs students is aimed at having all students ready to carry out the academic program. While the guidance staff works with students and teachers to ensure that the specific needs of each student are being met, no significant adjustments are made to a student’s course-load. But, for example, the guidance staff or the teacher might read the test to a student, give a student more time during exams, or recommend outside tutoring for academic support. However, no significant changes are made to the curriculum content. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Admissions
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
We have a 300 point assessment: Math, English and Spanish Test - Transcripts of the last two years of schooling and finally students and parents interview. Results are reviewed by the Admissions Committee and decided if our school can meet the student needs. |
| Waiting list |
Depends on the grade level. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Our Admission Process is always open. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School day
| School start time |
7:15 am |
| School finish time |
14:45 (except Wednesdays: 12:45) |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes (Right now they are suspended due to Covid-19) |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Not included on the School's Fee |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities
| Sports activities included |
We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs. In the academic realm, we provide various courses including crafts, arts, Model United Nations, reinforcement in certain subjects, among many other things. In arts and sports, we offer a broad spectrum of sports and arts workshops integrated into the curriculum. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
Facilities
| Sports facilities at the school |
Indoor Gym, Basket Ball and Volley Ball courts, Synthetic Soccer court, Official Soccer Court. |
About the school
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Blue Valley is a private, bilingual, international school that offers a rigorous American curriculum, yet is rooted in local culture and includes a strong Spanish program. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Blue Valley students will learn in such a way that they become life-long learners. To accomplish this, they will not only be exposed to a body of knowledge that will allow them to make the best use of their intellectual capacities, but to the skills necessary to become independent learners. They will understand that learning can help to justify one’s existence because it leads to improvement as a human being. As a result, Blue Valley students will find joy and satisfaction in learning that will not end upon graduation. |