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What happens when adolescents and young adults are deprived of key life experiences that once shaped emotional growth and resilience? That’s the question our Co-Founder and the Director of The Bridge Costa Rica, Dr. Danny Recio, explored in a recent episode of the Head Inside Mental Health podcast with host Todd Weatherly.
Listen to the full episode here.
Listen to the full episode here.
The conversation centers on a concept Danny calls “experiential deprivation,” a term that refers to the lack of meaningful, real-world experiences that support healthy brain development.
As Danny explains, our brains evolved to learn through direct engagement with the world. Rich, hands-on experiences help form neural connections, build confidence, and foster independence. But in today’s world, many young adults are growing up without these vital opportunities, contributing to rising levels of anxiety, insecurity, and disconnection.
As Danny explains, our brains evolved to learn through direct engagement with the world. Rich, hands-on experiences help form neural connections, build confidence, and foster independence. But in today’s world, many young adults are growing up without these vital opportunities, contributing to rising levels of anxiety, insecurity, and disconnection.
In the episode, Danny also shares how New Summit Academy and The Bridge Costa Rica address this gap through Supportive Immersion, a model our team has developed that creates intentional, growth-oriented experiences.
Topics covered include:
For more conversations with Danny, check out his other podcast appearances.
Topics covered include:
- Why experience is essential for brain development
- The value of contributing to a community vs. striving for independence
- How failure can be a powerful teacher
- The importance of cultural connection in personal growth
For more conversations with Danny, check out his other podcast appearances.
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What is it like to study at our small boarding school? Our graduates can share some insight!
These alumni testimonials show that studying abroad in Costa Rica is much more than beach trips and Spanish lessons.
It's about:
🙌 Making lifelong friendships
🦾 Gaining confidence and a positive identity
✏️ Developing academic, social and emotional skills
🎯 Improving mental fitness to take on life's challenges
💫 And of course creating memories that last a lifetime!
These alumni testimonials show that studying abroad in Costa Rica is much more than beach trips and Spanish lessons.
It's about:
🙌 Making lifelong friendships
🦾 Gaining confidence and a positive identity
✏️ Developing academic, social and emotional skills
🎯 Improving mental fitness to take on life's challenges
💫 And of course creating memories that last a lifetime!
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New Summit Academy Costa Rica is an ideal environment for personal insight-building, US college preparatory academics, cultural immersion activities and adventurous experiential education. For 20 years, we have been helping students build healthier relationships with themselves and others, enhance motivation in setting goals and reaching them, and become more resourceful global citizens.
Know a high school male who could benefit from a semester or year abroad? Email us!
Know a high school male who could benefit from a semester or year abroad? Email us!
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You might assume that if a teen is smart, school should be easy. But for many bright students, the opposite is true. Despite their intelligence, they struggle to keep up - not because they don’t understand the material, but because of difficulties with executive functioning.
What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning is like the brain’s “manager.” It helps with:
When these skills are weak or inconsistent, even the brightest students can feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and stuck.
What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning is like the brain’s “manager.” It helps with:
- Planning and organizing tasks Initiating and completing work
- Managing time and prioritizing
- Regulating emotions and impulses
- Problem-solving and flexible thinking
When these skills are weak or inconsistent, even the brightest students can feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and stuck.
Why Executive Functioning Matters in School
Academic success isn’t just about IQ or knowledge. It’s also about:
If these skills aren’t fully developed, students can fall behind, not because they lack ability, but because the process of learning feels chaotic and stressful.
Common Executive Functioning Challenges Teens Face
These challenges can cause anxiety, lower self-confidence, and even make students avoid school altogether.
Academic success isn’t just about IQ or knowledge. It’s also about:
- Knowing how to break a big project into manageable steps
- Keeping track of assignments and deadlines
- Staying focused during lessons
- Adjusting when plans change or unexpected problems arise
If these skills aren’t fully developed, students can fall behind, not because they lack ability, but because the process of learning feels chaotic and stressful.
Common Executive Functioning Challenges Teens Face
- Procrastination: Putting off tasks because they feel too big or overwhelming
- Disorganization: Losing track of papers, materials, or schedules
- Difficulty starting tasks: Feeling stuck before even beginning
- Trouble shifting focus: Struggling to move between activities or adjust plans
- Emotional overwhelm: Getting easily frustrated or discouraged when things don’t go perfectly
These challenges can cause anxiety, lower self-confidence, and even make students avoid school altogether.
How New Summit Academy Supports Executive Functioning Growth
At New Summit Academy, we don’t just teach academic content; we teach how to learn. Our supportive environment helps students develop executive functioning skills through:
At New Summit Academy, we don’t just teach academic content; we teach how to learn. Our supportive environment helps students develop executive functioning skills through:
- Individualized Advising and Goal Setting. Each student works closely with an advising team to set personalized goals, create concrete action plans, and track progress regularly. These goals include skills like time management, organization, and self-advocacy.
- Breaking Down Tasks. Large assignments and projects are broken into smaller, manageable steps with built-in deadlines. This scaffolding reduces overwhelm and builds confidence with each completed step.
- Structured Routines. Daily schedules incorporate time for academics, physical activity, self-care, and reflection. Routines provide the external support many students need to build internal skills.
- Executive Functioning Coaching Integration. Our systems and staff teach practical strategies for planning, prioritizing, and organizing. Students learn to use tools like calendars, checklists, and reminders effectively.
- Emotional Regulation Support. We integrate mindfulness, healthy lifestyle habits, and emotional awareness into daily life, helping students manage frustration and stay resilient.
Real-Life Impact: What Our Students Experience
Students who struggle with executive functioning often come to New Summit Academy feeling lost or “not smart enough.” Over time, they learn that their brains work differently, and that with the right support, they can succeed.
They start to:
This growth ripples into all areas of their lives, from academics to relationships to future goals.
Executive Functioning is a Skill, Not a Fixed Trait
The good news? Executive functioning skills can be developed and strengthened just like learning a language or a sport.
At New Summit Academy Costa Rica, we specialize in nurturing these skills in a holistic, supportive setting. Our goal is to help every student gain the tools they need to thrive - academically, emotionally, and socially.
Is your teen struggling with executive functioning?
We’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about how our supportive boarding school integrates personal growth with academic success.
Students who struggle with executive functioning often come to New Summit Academy feeling lost or “not smart enough.” Over time, they learn that their brains work differently, and that with the right support, they can succeed.
They start to:
- Turn in assignments on time
- Feel more in control of their workload
- Advocate for themselves with teachers and peers
- Bounce back from setbacks without giving up
- Discover their unique strengths and interests
This growth ripples into all areas of their lives, from academics to relationships to future goals.
Executive Functioning is a Skill, Not a Fixed Trait
The good news? Executive functioning skills can be developed and strengthened just like learning a language or a sport.
At New Summit Academy Costa Rica, we specialize in nurturing these skills in a holistic, supportive setting. Our goal is to help every student gain the tools they need to thrive - academically, emotionally, and socially.
Is your teen struggling with executive functioning?
We’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about how our supportive boarding school integrates personal growth with academic success.
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"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."
Graduation at New Summit Academy is always something special. Surrounded by proud families, friends, and supportive faculty and staff, our graduates reflect on their growth, express gratitude to those who helped along the way, and look ahead with confidence.
But as moving as commencement day can be, what’s even more rewarding is hearing from our students and their families in the weeks, months, and even years after they’ve crossed the stage. Many of our students continue their academic journeys at independent boarding or day schools. Others move directly into college or begin transformative gap year programs.
No matter the path, one thing becomes clear when we reconnect:
But as moving as commencement day can be, what’s even more rewarding is hearing from our students and their families in the weeks, months, and even years after they’ve crossed the stage. Many of our students continue their academic journeys at independent boarding or day schools. Others move directly into college or begin transformative gap year programs.
No matter the path, one thing becomes clear when we reconnect:
New Summit Academy has prepared them, not just for the next step, but for life.
Need some proof? Watch this short video from a recent graduation, and keep scrolling to read powerful words from alumni and parents about the impact of their time in Costa Rica.
The Academic Experience
“The education is top notch… Honors level work was offered but tailored for success.”
“He was able to catch up on his schoolwork and not miss a year scholastically despite all of his experiences.”
“Prior to New Summit Academy, I couldn’t have imagined this outcome. Now he is finishing his final semester of college.”
“He finished his high school requirements... and got into his desired college.”
“He was able to catch up on his schoolwork and not miss a year scholastically despite all of his experiences.”
“Prior to New Summit Academy, I couldn’t have imagined this outcome. Now he is finishing his final semester of college.”
“He finished his high school requirements... and got into his desired college.”
Personal Growth Support
"He learned how to be a true friend and developed meaningful, long-term friendships… matured light years ahead of his peers at home."
"The time my son spent at New Summit Academy changed the trajectory of his life… he learned many valuable lessons about life, integrity, responsibility, family and friendship."
“This is not your typical boarding school... This is an environment to heal, learn, and grow.”
"The time my son spent at New Summit Academy changed the trajectory of his life… he learned many valuable lessons about life, integrity, responsibility, family and friendship."
“This is not your typical boarding school... This is an environment to heal, learn, and grow.”
Cultural Immersion and Travel
“Costa Rica is a beautiful place… through hands-on adventures and outdoor learning, my son developed a new appreciation for the world.”
“Living and studying in the beautiful and safe community of Atenas and Costa Rica… a once in a lifetime chance.”
“The cultural experiences and trips… provide continuous opportunity for growth and learning.”
“Living and studying in the beautiful and safe community of Atenas and Costa Rica… a once in a lifetime chance.”
“The cultural experiences and trips… provide continuous opportunity for growth and learning.”
Our Faculty and Staff
"The teachers, therapists, and staff truly got to know him as a person… extremely helpful for his personal and academic growth."
“The staff are amazing and the level of academic and clinical experience is exceptional.”
"The college guidance I received was second to none… I am doing well here because of the skills I learned."
“The staff are amazing and the level of academic and clinical experience is exceptional.”
"The college guidance I received was second to none… I am doing well here because of the skills I learned."
A Launch Pad for Life
“New Summit Academy prepared me socially; I learned how to authentically connect with people and be myself. It built self confidence in me where I didn't need as much external validation to function.
It taught me executive functioning and the importance of having a routine which let me handle my academics better and get a 95 average last year. It taught me tools to cope with my anxiety which let me stay grounded so I don't act out or seek reassurance anymore to cope with that.”
It taught me executive functioning and the importance of having a routine which let me handle my academics better and get a 95 average last year. It taught me tools to cope with my anxiety which let me stay grounded so I don't act out or seek reassurance anymore to cope with that.”
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We love hearing from our alumni at the end of the school year! Recently, an alumni parent reached out to share our graduate's grade report from his college preparatory boarding school:
After spending 6-12 months at New Summit Academy, why do our alumni who continue their education at a more traditional boarding school tend to thrive? In the words of one graduate:
“New Summit Academy prepared me socially; I learned how to authentically connect with people and be myself. It built self confidence in me where I didn't need as much external validation to function. It taught me executive functioning and the importance of having a routine which let me handle my academics better and get a 95 average last year. It taught me tools to cope with my anxiety which let me stay grounded so I don't act out or seek reassurance anymore to cope.”
At New Summit Academy, our highly qualified teaching faculty:
✅ Incorporate academic skill development into each class, with larger projects broken down into smaller steps, hard skills integrated into lessons, and social skills gently guided by teacher and peer feedback.
☑️ Facilitate executive functioning skill development by working closely with each of our students to set quarterly goals and outline concrete, measurable actions to reach those goals.
✅ Help students build and solidify techniques to initiate and monitor their work, to stay organized, to manage time and priorities, to be resilient in the face of challenge, and to advocate for themselves when support or differentiation is needed.
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Following their presentation at the Small Boarding Schools Association conference in California last month, Dr. Heather Tracy, Executive Director and Co-founder of New Summit Academy, and Strategic Enrollment Director Adam Beeson returned from the United Kingdom last week where they presented at the Boarding Schools' Association Annual Conference for Heads in York.
Drawing on the twenty year history and experience of New Summit Academy, our team shared strategies that UK and international boarding schools can implement to help anxious students thrive.
Speaking to more than 200 delegates in attendance, the presentation - "Aiding The Anxious Generation: Strategies for Improved Student Outcomes and Retention" - created much conversation around what more traditional boarding schools can be doing differently to support their students.
As the largest association of boarding schools in the world, the BSA represents member boarding schools in more than 50 countries, provides training for boarding staff and promotes boarding education.
How does New Summit Academy create a learning environment where students can thrive? Check out our new school video to see these strategies in action!
Speaking to more than 200 delegates in attendance, the presentation - "Aiding The Anxious Generation: Strategies for Improved Student Outcomes and Retention" - created much conversation around what more traditional boarding schools can be doing differently to support their students.
As the largest association of boarding schools in the world, the BSA represents member boarding schools in more than 50 countries, provides training for boarding staff and promotes boarding education.
How does New Summit Academy create a learning environment where students can thrive? Check out our new school video to see these strategies in action!
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When a teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, school avoidance, or unhealthy coping strategies, the decision to seek support outside the home can feel overwhelming. Parents want more than a temporary fix; they want real change in a safe, engaging, and growth-oriented environment.
That’s why so many families choose New Summit Academy Costa Rica. Here are the top reasons parents trust us with their sons’ education and wellbeing:
That’s why so many families choose New Summit Academy Costa Rica. Here are the top reasons parents trust us with their sons’ education and wellbeing:
1. Supportive, Strengths-Based Approach
At New Summit Academy, we don’t see students as broken or in need of fixing. We see them as capable young men who need space, structure, and support to reconnect with their strengths. Our advisors, teachers, and counselors work collaboratively to help students set personal goals, build confidence, and thrive socially and academically.
2. Therapeutic Integration Without the Stigma
Therapy at New Summit Academy isn’t something students “go to” - it’s built into every part of daily life. Through small group discussions, individualized advising, family work, and community activities, emotional wellness becomes second nature. Students learn to reflect, self-regulate, and connect authentically while feeling like part of a real school community, not a treatment center.
At New Summit Academy, we don’t see students as broken or in need of fixing. We see them as capable young men who need space, structure, and support to reconnect with their strengths. Our advisors, teachers, and counselors work collaboratively to help students set personal goals, build confidence, and thrive socially and academically.
2. Therapeutic Integration Without the Stigma
Therapy at New Summit Academy isn’t something students “go to” - it’s built into every part of daily life. Through small group discussions, individualized advising, family work, and community activities, emotional wellness becomes second nature. Students learn to reflect, self-regulate, and connect authentically while feeling like part of a real school community, not a treatment center.
3. Experiential Learning in a Beautiful Setting
Our location in Costa Rica is a key part of our success. Whether students are earning SCUBA certifications, hiking cloud forests, or working on community projects with local families, every experience is designed to build resilience, cultural competency, confidence and leadership skills.
4. College-Prep Academics with Personalized Support
With small classes and individualized instruction, our accredited academic program helps students catch up, stay on track, or even accelerate. Teachers integrate executive functioning skills - like organization, time management, and self-advocacy - into every lesson, ensuring students build real-world competence.
Our location in Costa Rica is a key part of our success. Whether students are earning SCUBA certifications, hiking cloud forests, or working on community projects with local families, every experience is designed to build resilience, cultural competency, confidence and leadership skills.
4. College-Prep Academics with Personalized Support
With small classes and individualized instruction, our accredited academic program helps students catch up, stay on track, or even accelerate. Teachers integrate executive functioning skills - like organization, time management, and self-advocacy - into every lesson, ensuring students build real-world competence.
5. Proven Outcomes and Long-Term Success
After 6-12 months at New Summit Academy, many students successfully transition to traditional boarding schools, university, or gap year programs. They don’t just survive - they thrive because they know themselves better and know what they need to do well. Parents regularly report stronger relationships, renewed motivation, and lasting emotional growth.
A Different Path, A Better Future
Choosing a boarding school for your son isn’t easy. But for many families, New Summit Academy offers a path forward - one rooted in purpose, connection, and real transformation.
Interested in learning if New Summit Academy is the right fit?
Contact our admissions team at admissions@newsummitacademy.com
After 6-12 months at New Summit Academy, many students successfully transition to traditional boarding schools, university, or gap year programs. They don’t just survive - they thrive because they know themselves better and know what they need to do well. Parents regularly report stronger relationships, renewed motivation, and lasting emotional growth.
A Different Path, A Better Future
Choosing a boarding school for your son isn’t easy. But for many families, New Summit Academy offers a path forward - one rooted in purpose, connection, and real transformation.
Interested in learning if New Summit Academy is the right fit?
Contact our admissions team at admissions@newsummitacademy.com
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Demonstrating their ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth, three members of New Summit Academy’s dedicated faculty and staff - Clinical Director and Co-Founder Mario Duran, therapist Ignacio Vasquez, and English teacher Yannick Pilgrim - recently took part in The Autism Symposium, where more than 45 referring professionals and 100 programs to explore cutting-edge treatment approaches for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The 2025 Symposium was held over three days in Sunriver, Oregon and featured a series of innovative workshops led by leading experts in the field, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for our team to bring back to Costa Rica.
The symposium opened with a keynote address by renowned child psychiatrist Dr. John Constantino, who presented research on the connection between parental social responsiveness and ASD risk in offspring. He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and strongly advocated for precision intervention, an integrated approach that combines high-quality psychiatric care, individualized education plans, and positive behavior support strategies to reduce the likelihood of co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
The symposium opened with a keynote address by renowned child psychiatrist Dr. John Constantino, who presented research on the connection between parental social responsiveness and ASD risk in offspring. He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and strongly advocated for precision intervention, an integrated approach that combines high-quality psychiatric care, individualized education plans, and positive behavior support strategies to reduce the likelihood of co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
Building on Dr. Constantino’s foundation, the New Summit team engaged in a wide range of workshops covering cognitive disengagement, psychological flexibility, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), pathological demand avoidance (PDA), and integrating neurodivergent-informed care with practical accommodations. These sessions gave the team fresh perspectives and tools to enhance their work with neurodivergent students.
Among the key takeaways were the continued use of mindfulness and self-management techniques to support behavioral interventions, along with the vital role of fostering autonomy and creating a sense of safety in therapeutic settings.
Among the key takeaways were the continued use of mindfulness and self-management techniques to support behavioral interventions, along with the vital role of fostering autonomy and creating a sense of safety in therapeutic settings.
At New Summit Academy, we remain committed to providing inclusive, student-centered care. The 2025 Autism Symposium reaffirmed the value of a synergistic, neurodiversity-affirming approach in promoting self-acceptance and functional development for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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For twenty years, New Summit Academy Costa Rica has engaged students in rigorous, college-prep academics, ensuring they are ready for the future—wherever their paths lead.
A key to our success is our highly-qualified teachers’ dedication to building personal connections in and out of the classroom, fostering engagement and growth.
Meet some of our incredible educators:
A key to our success is our highly-qualified teachers’ dedication to building personal connections in and out of the classroom, fostering engagement and growth.
Meet some of our incredible educators:
Yannick Pilgrim: English Teacher & Soccer Star
Bringing his passions for English literature and soccer to Costa Rica more than a decade ago, Yannick stayed in the country to earn his Master’s in Education before joining New Summit Academy.
He now leads a weekly soccer club, helping students hone their skills and prepare for local matches—all under the guidance of their English teacher.
He now leads a weekly soccer club, helping students hone their skills and prepare for local matches—all under the guidance of their English teacher.
Peter Gottovi: Social Studies Teacher & Drummer
Before earning his Master’s in Secondary Education, Peter spent a decade as a professional drummer in New York City.
At New Summit, he teaches US and World History while also running Howler Music Studio, mentoring students in musicianship, recording, and live performance.
At New Summit, he teaches US and World History while also running Howler Music Studio, mentoring students in musicianship, recording, and live performance.
Vianney Medina: Spanish Teacher & Aventura Enthusiast
Vianney, our Spanish teacher and Academic Advisor, is soon to pursue a Master’s in Educational Psychology.
An avid outdoorswoman, she inspires students to push their limits on Integrated Aventuras, embracing adventure, personal growth while immersing in the natural beauty of her Costa Rican home.
An avid outdoorswoman, she inspires students to push their limits on Integrated Aventuras, embracing adventure, personal growth while immersing in the natural beauty of her Costa Rican home.
Juan Diego Rodriguez: Science Teacher & Fitness Coach
Beloved by students, Juan Diego makes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics hands-on and engaging.
Pursuing a Master’s in Human Movement Science, he also leads our Personal Training program, guiding students toward balanced fitness and wellness goals.
Pursuing a Master’s in Human Movement Science, he also leads our Personal Training program, guiding students toward balanced fitness and wellness goals.
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Arts and elective courses at New Summit Academy provide students with a unique opportunity to explore their emotions, express themselves authentically, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Our students are talented photographers, filmmakers, musicians and artists. Their exploration of the arts is an important element of our college prep curriculum, and for good reason.
A 2019 study from Brookings found that "a substantial increase in arts educational experiences has remarkable impacts on students’ academic, social, and emotional outcomes," including:
We are excited to share this selection of the incredible student work from our photography class last academic term. Photography students not only receive expert guidance from our documentary filmmaking and photography teacher, they learn to use professional-level editing software in our campus studio.
Our students are talented photographers, filmmakers, musicians and artists. Their exploration of the arts is an important element of our college prep curriculum, and for good reason.
A 2019 study from Brookings found that "a substantial increase in arts educational experiences has remarkable impacts on students’ academic, social, and emotional outcomes," including:
- An improvement of 13% in standardized writing scores
- A nearly 4% increase in positive contribution to the learning community
- An 8% increase in showing compassion for others
We are excited to share this selection of the incredible student work from our photography class last academic term. Photography students not only receive expert guidance from our documentary filmmaking and photography teacher, they learn to use professional-level editing software in our campus studio.
