Connect within.

Contribute beyond.

A supportive boarding school and study abroad experience in Costa Rica

Go beyond traditional college preparation

Build skills for academic success.
Step outside your comfort zone.
Take charge of your future.

New Summit Academy is a Must-Watch Small Boarding School

New Summit Academy has been named a "Must-Watch Small Boarding School for 2025" by K12 Digest.

This recognition highlights our innovative, relationship-based approach to education and the powerful growth our students experience every day.

For more than 20 years, we've helped young people build the skills, confidence, and purpose they need to thrive in school and in life.

500+

alumni since 2005

24

students at a time

1:4

student : teacher ratio

6

average class size

21+

years in Costa Rica

Students create our community

At New Summit Academy, we emphasize student agency by integrating personal choice and self-discovery into every aspect of boarding life.

​Students advocate for their needs and interests, influence school decisions, mentor new students, organize activities, propose changes to guidelines, manage budgets and lead community projects throughout Costa Rica.

Alumni Profiles

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Kai | 2023

"The college guidance I received at New Summit Academy was second to none. After I graduated high school from New Summit, I continued my studies at St. Lawrence University. I am doing well here because of the skills I learned at New Summit Academy."
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Charlie | 2016

"There was so much experiential learning at New Summit Academy. I am really grateful for that, and I was the type of learner who really needed that. I loved being in Atenas. It really is one of the most beautiful places in the world. We were so lucky to be there."
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Owen | 2024

"I feel so much more enabled to succeed than I could have ever imagined a year ago. I don't want to go back. I want to stay on this path. That's what I am most grateful for is that New Summit has helped me orient myself toward a future that I really want."

Our story is unique

Our school was established in 2005, through a partnership between the founders and eleven families seeking better options for their sons’ education. With support from these founding families, the students arrived at a modest campus on a local mango farm, where they helped paint cabins, build desks, and co-create the first handbook.


​Although we’ve come a long way since then, the spirit of co-creation lives on. We remain a tight-knit and caring school, and after more than 20 years, New Summit Academy continues to be an owner-operated organization with all five founders working full-time on our beautiful campus.

How we support learning

The students who thrive at New Summit Academy are bright, creative, and capable young men whose potential isn't reflected by their previous school experience. Through small classes, individualized academic support, executive functioning coaching, and experiential learning, we help students rediscover confidence, develop independence, and re-engage with learning.


Our academic approach includes the work of our Learning Specialist and the personalized support that helps students understand how they learn best while preparing for success in school, college, and beyond.

News & Events

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Connect within. Contribute beyond.
​New Summit Academy Costa Rica is a supportive boarding school and study abroad experience for high school males in grades 9-12.
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This website was made by our students and staff.  ​All pictures are real photographs taken from student experiences. 
We hope you appreciate our authenticity and transparency - they are our best qualities!
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© Entire website is copyrighted property of New Summit Academy - Thank you for respecting our intellectual property!