Students Who Enroll at NSA

Our students are bright, creative, curious, and many have unique interests and passions. They may be struggling to find their motivation and direction in life and may feel overcome with anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Some have fallen behind and have resorted to unhealthy habits to cope with their feelings. Some may not feel capable of facing the challenges ahead; and many have an idea of where they want to go, but they do not know how to get there or have not learned the skills to achieve their goals.

Students Who Grow at NSA

With the plethora of options available at NSA and in Costa Rica, students have many opportunities to explore, learn, teach, grow and build their futures. We help students set and reach goals to build their sense of self, their interdependence in community, and the skills they need for a self-sufficient, productive future.  Students learn to become more fully and confidently themselves, to build strong relationships, to get from giving, to set goals and achieve them, to solve problems, to process experiences and use them as resilience-building life lessons and to become empathic and collaborative global citizens. 

Students Who Graduate from NSA

Our graduation speeches are some of the best, but even more rewarding is to hear about the adventures on which they embark after NSA. Some students transition back home, others to traditional boarding schools, many to college, and a few others to the work world. Our goal is not to impress with our college enrollment list (although it is impressive) but rather to support each student in the best path for his future. NSA helps each student and his family fill a tool kit of resources that they will use to pursue passions and overcome challenges in their futures. 

Why all boys?

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Another question that pops up quite often is: Why all boys?
  • Much research supports the idea of single-sex education. Although we recognize that each young man and his brain is different and unique, we also recognize that there are some basic, well-founded benefits to an all-boys classroom and milieu. Many of our boys have had unfortunate and  even detrimental academic experiences in traditional schools, which are often co-educational. By tailoring our program to boys'  needs and infusing our educational approaches with Multiple Intelligences-based theory, Project-Based Learning practices, and integrating all aspects of our program in a holistic way, we are better able to spark curiosity, build confidence, develop executive functioning, and engage students in life-long learning practices.
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  • Many of our young men have previously been in romantic relationships that were not healthy, and some have not been in any romantic relationships at all. A year to focus on oneself - to become more in tune with oneself, build one's identity and confidence, and clarify one's goals and aspirations - is a gift that many adolescents do not have the opportunity to enjoy. No matter what one's orientation may be, having time and space to really focus on oneself without distractions of romantic pursuits is conducive to building healthier relationships in the future. 
  • Oftentimes, co-ed therapeutic programs can be more restrictive because of the risks of interactions between adolescent boys and girls. From day one, NSA wanted to be an empowering place that felt as free as possible to our students. Limiting our enrollment to males has enabled us to provide more freedom to our students without "breathing down their necks," as one might say! 
  • We have nothing against women! :) Our Executive Director is a woman and we intentionally hire many female staff in all departments. However, until we open our girls-only program, we will continue to successfully work with the young men in our care and watch them thrive! 

Testimonials & Outcomes 

What Our Graduates Are Saying...
“I don’t think NSA makes you a different person. 
​I think that NSA makes you the person you have always been meant to be.” 
​-Rory, Graduating Class of 2010
​“I remember how real Mario and the rest of the staff were with us.
 I was told many things I didn't want to hear, and really felt that I was treated with respect (when I deserved it, and even sometimes when I didn't).”    -Matt 2008
​“The things I remember most about NSA were the things that seemed most difficult to accomplish at the time.”   -John 2009
​“At NSA I was given so many opportunities to improve my self-esteem. I left NSA with a sense of pride and accomplishment, which helped me get past insecurities and fears back at home.”   -Luke 2007
“Looking back on Costa Rica, it was one of the best experiences of my life.  I learned to appreciate other cultures in incredible ways and I developed a strong love of travel. ​I acquired skills and a strong sense of independence at a very young age and have translated that into a drive to succeed.”   -Tyler 2006

“The experiences I received in Costa Rica with NSA were invaluable and irreplaceable. I grew from a naive and immature boy to a young man who is motivated and destined for success.”    -Evan 2009
“I graduated from the New Summit Academy program in 2011.
This was one of my greatest accomplishments…ever!
I have so many memories and stories that will stick with me throughout my entire life. ​I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to experience a place like this. It is one of a kind.”   -Bryce 2011

“Honestly I think the fact that NSA was a very challenging experience taught me how to persevere through hardship. I also learned a lot about myself, NSA being the first place I ever allowed myself to be vulnerable.”    -Rory 2010
“The thing that was the most helpful was getting the confidence I need to know I can get through anything. That includes school and in my personal life. "   -Matt 2010
“I didn't know that NSA really was going to be my foundation for a healthy life. I thought you guys were just another program. But the cultural interactions and the environment of Costa Rica truly was a blessing and taught me about cultural values and true happiness.”   -Ian 2009
 
“What I remember most was that I really felt comfortable there. It really was a big family and the support and comfort I felt from all my peers and the staff there really put me in a great place and actually let me focus on myself so much more because I felt I didn't have to worry about anything else. If I did, it was easier to deal with having such a great support system.”   -Derek 2009