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Most people think of study abroad as something reserved for college students. But what if the real magic of cultural immersion, personal growth, and academic exploration could happen before college?
At New Summit Academy Costa Rica, we believe high school is the perfect time to experience the life-changing benefits of studying abroad.
Here are some of the powerful advantages of a high school study abroad experience, especially in a structured, supportive environment like New Summit Academy.
At New Summit Academy Costa Rica, we believe high school is the perfect time to experience the life-changing benefits of studying abroad.
Here are some of the powerful advantages of a high school study abroad experience, especially in a structured, supportive environment like New Summit Academy.
1. A Standout Resume and College Application
Colleges are looking for students who stand out - not just in GPA and test scores - but in life experience, maturity, and perspective. A high school study abroad program that includes language acquisition, service work, cultural immersion, and leadership development adds serious weight to any application.
At New Summit Academy, our students graduate with:
Colleges are looking for students who stand out - not just in GPA and test scores - but in life experience, maturity, and perspective. A high school study abroad program that includes language acquisition, service work, cultural immersion, and leadership development adds serious weight to any application.
At New Summit Academy, our students graduate with:
- Spanish language skills
- Wilderness First Aid & SCUBA certifications
- Cross-cultural leadership and service hours
- Real academic confidence and emotional maturity
2. Increased Self-Awareness and Independence
Living and learning in a different country forces students to step outside their comfort zone. They become more independent, resourceful, and adaptable. Most importantly, they begin to discover who they are outside of their old patterns and pressures.
Through travel, adventure, and reflection, New Summit Academy students explore:
3. Academic Growth Without Burnout
Many students come to us feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism, school anxiety, or executive functioning struggles. The change of pace and environment at New Summit Academy helps students reconnect with learning in a healthier way while still earning US-accredited credits in a rigorous yet balanced academic program.
We offer:
Living and learning in a different country forces students to step outside their comfort zone. They become more independent, resourceful, and adaptable. Most importantly, they begin to discover who they are outside of their old patterns and pressures.
Through travel, adventure, and reflection, New Summit Academy students explore:
- Their values and identity
- What they want their future to look like
- How to take ownership of their choices
3. Academic Growth Without Burnout
Many students come to us feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism, school anxiety, or executive functioning struggles. The change of pace and environment at New Summit Academy helps students reconnect with learning in a healthier way while still earning US-accredited credits in a rigorous yet balanced academic program.
We offer:
- Small class sizes and individualized support
- Integrated executive functioning coaching
- Experiential learning that makes subjects come alive
4. Therapeutic Benefits Without Clinical Stigma
At New Summit Academy, personal growth happens naturally through real-life experiences. While we offer licensed therapy and goal-setting support, we don’t label students or isolate them from typical teen experiences.
Instead, we offer:
5. Global Awareness That Lasts a Lifetime
Whether hiking cloud forests, collaborating on a community service project, or living with a Costa Rican homestay family, our students learn to see the world - and themselves - through a broader lens.
They leave with:
At New Summit Academy, personal growth happens naturally through real-life experiences. While we offer licensed therapy and goal-setting support, we don’t label students or isolate them from typical teen experiences.
Instead, we offer:
- A nurturing peer community
- Supportive mentoring and counseling
- Opportunities to build healthy routines and social-emotional skills
5. Global Awareness That Lasts a Lifetime
Whether hiking cloud forests, collaborating on a community service project, or living with a Costa Rican homestay family, our students learn to see the world - and themselves - through a broader lens.
They leave with:
- Cultural humility and open-mindedness
- A deep appreciation for diversity
- A commitment to being global citizens
Why Wait Until College?
High school is the ideal time to help students reset, grow, and re-engage with their lives before they enter adulthood. A supportive study abroad experience like New Summit Academy can be the launchpad they need.
🌍 Ready to give your son a meaningful adventure with real academic and emotional impact? Learn how New Summit Academy Costa Rica is redefining what it means to study abroad in high school.
📩 Reach out to us: admissions@newsummitacademy.com
High school is the ideal time to help students reset, grow, and re-engage with their lives before they enter adulthood. A supportive study abroad experience like New Summit Academy can be the launchpad they need.
🌍 Ready to give your son a meaningful adventure with real academic and emotional impact? Learn how New Summit Academy Costa Rica is redefining what it means to study abroad in high school.
📩 Reach out to us: admissions@newsummitacademy.com
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We’re proud to share that New Summit Academy Costa Rica has been recognized by K12 Digest as a “Must-Watch Small Boarding School for 2025.” This distinction highlights our innovative, relationship-based model and the transformative growth our students experience through a truly holistic education.
For more than 20 years, our mission has remained steady: to support young men in becoming healthy, motivated, and capable global citizens. Through our unique combination of college-prep academics, personal growth work, cultural immersion, therapeutic support and real-world experiences, our students build the skills and confidence they need to thrive, not just in school, but in life.
The feature article by K12 Digest dives into what sets New Summit Academy apart. It explores the origins of our school, our commitment to strength-based education, and the intentional design behind every part of student life, from morning classes and afternoon surf club to weekend homestays and leadership development.
Whether you're a parent, educational consultant, or just curious about forward-thinking approaches to education, we invite you to take a closer look at the full story:
Read the full article here:
New Summit Academy Costa Rica: Helping Young Minds Connect Inward and Act Outward
The feature article by K12 Digest dives into what sets New Summit Academy apart. It explores the origins of our school, our commitment to strength-based education, and the intentional design behind every part of student life, from morning classes and afternoon surf club to weekend homestays and leadership development.
Whether you're a parent, educational consultant, or just curious about forward-thinking approaches to education, we invite you to take a closer look at the full story:
Read the full article here:
New Summit Academy Costa Rica: Helping Young Minds Connect Inward and Act Outward
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When a teenager is struggling with anxiety, school avoidance, executive functioning challenges, or emotional overwhelm, a traditional high school setting can feel like the worst possible fit.
Large class sizes, rigid schedules, constant social pressure, and limited support systems can make even the most capable teen shut down.
That’s where small boarding schools - like New Summit Academy Costa Rica - come in. These environments are intentionally designed to support students who need more than academic rigor. They need space, structure, relationships, and a different kind of learning environment to thrive.
Here’s why small boarding schools are often the best fit for anxious teens.
Large class sizes, rigid schedules, constant social pressure, and limited support systems can make even the most capable teen shut down.
That’s where small boarding schools - like New Summit Academy Costa Rica - come in. These environments are intentionally designed to support students who need more than academic rigor. They need space, structure, relationships, and a different kind of learning environment to thrive.
Here’s why small boarding schools are often the best fit for anxious teens.
1. Students Are Seen, Known, and Supported
In schools with hundreds or thousands of students, it’s easy to slip through the cracks, especially for kids who aren’t acting out but are quietly struggling.
At New Summit Academy:
Students are not just names on a roster; they’re known as individuals. That makes it possible to identify patterns of anxiety, avoidance, or perfectionism before they escalate into crisis.
2. There’s Time and Space to Practice Coping Skills
In a traditional high school, students might meet with a therapist once a week - if they’re lucky. But they often have little opportunity to apply coping strategies in real-time.
At a small, supportive boarding school like New Summit Academy:
This repetition and reinforcement is critical for teens with anxiety. They build real confidence, not just clinical insight.
In schools with hundreds or thousands of students, it’s easy to slip through the cracks, especially for kids who aren’t acting out but are quietly struggling.
At New Summit Academy:
- Class sizes are small (typically 6–10 students)
- Every student has an advising team that meets with them weekly
- Teachers, counselors, and mentors work collaboratively to support each student
Students are not just names on a roster; they’re known as individuals. That makes it possible to identify patterns of anxiety, avoidance, or perfectionism before they escalate into crisis.
2. There’s Time and Space to Practice Coping Skills
In a traditional high school, students might meet with a therapist once a week - if they’re lucky. But they often have little opportunity to apply coping strategies in real-time.
At a small, supportive boarding school like New Summit Academy:
- Emotional wellness is integrated into daily life, not treated separately
- Staff are present during academic work, outdoor trips, and group projects
- Every moment - from meals to group discussions to weekend adventures - is a chance to practice regulation, reflection, and resilience
This repetition and reinforcement is critical for teens with anxiety. They build real confidence, not just clinical insight.
3. Flexible, Strengths-Based Academics Reduce Pressure
Many anxious students are incredibly intelligent, but their executive functioning challenges or perfectionism get in the way of completing assignments, starting essays, or asking for help.
At New Summit Academy:
Our academic program is college-preparatory, but it's designed to be realistic, encouraging, and growth-oriented - not punitive.
4. Community Reduces Social Anxiety, Instead of Fueling It
Large schools often increase social anxiety by emphasizing popularity, cliques, and competition. But in our small community, relationships look different.
Students:
For many students, this is the first time they’ve felt like they belong, and that changes everything.
Many anxious students are incredibly intelligent, but their executive functioning challenges or perfectionism get in the way of completing assignments, starting essays, or asking for help.
At New Summit Academy:
- We scaffold learning and break down large assignments into manageable steps
- Students co-create goals and learning strategies with their teachers
- Feedback is supportive and skills-focused, not shame-based
Our academic program is college-preparatory, but it's designed to be realistic, encouraging, and growth-oriented - not punitive.
4. Community Reduces Social Anxiety, Instead of Fueling It
Large schools often increase social anxiety by emphasizing popularity, cliques, and competition. But in our small community, relationships look different.
Students:
- Learn to communicate openly in Community Council
- Give and receive feedback in safe, guided ways
- Support each other through shared challenges and successes
- Form deep, authentic friendships that often last for years
For many students, this is the first time they’ve felt like they belong, and that changes everything.
5. A Holistic Environment Supports the Whole Teen
Teens with anxiety don’t just need school accommodations. They need:
At New Summit Academy, we integrate these elements into daily life - not as “extras,” but as essential parts of healing and learning.
Teens with anxiety don’t just need school accommodations. They need:
- Healthy routines around sleep, nutrition, and exercise
- Creative outlets and leadership opportunities
- Time in nature to regulate the nervous system
- Adults who model self-awareness, empathy, and calm
At New Summit Academy, we integrate these elements into daily life - not as “extras,” but as essential parts of healing and learning.
A New Kind of Success
For the anxious teen, “success” may not mean straight As or leading a club (at least not at first). It might look like:
Small boarding schools make this kind of progress both possible and meaningful.
Looking for a small, supportive school where your teen can thrive?
New Summit Academy Costa Rica is a small, supportive boarding school and therapeutic study abroad program that specializes in helping students:
📩 Contact us at admissions@newsummitacademy.com to learn how your teen can benefit from a small school with big heart.
For the anxious teen, “success” may not mean straight As or leading a club (at least not at first). It might look like:
- Turning in an assignment on time
- Advocating for support
- Practicing mindfulness before a big test
- Reaching out to a new friend
- Going on a group hike, even when it’s uncomfortable
Small boarding schools make this kind of progress both possible and meaningful.
Looking for a small, supportive school where your teen can thrive?
New Summit Academy Costa Rica is a small, supportive boarding school and therapeutic study abroad program that specializes in helping students:
- Overcome anxiety and school avoidance
- Build confidence and executive functioning
- Reconnect with learning, self-worth, and purpose
- Experience real success in a beautiful, structured, and therapeutic setting
📩 Contact us at admissions@newsummitacademy.com to learn how your teen can benefit from a small school with big heart.
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Changing schools for senior year can feel overwhelming. At New Summit Academy Costa Rica, we offer a supportive boarding school and study abroad experience that empowers students to make the most of their final year.
With a blend of personal growth therapy, academic skill development, adventure travel and executive functioning support, students build the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to thrive in Grade 12 and beyond.
With a blend of personal growth therapy, academic skill development, adventure travel and executive functioning support, students build the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to thrive in Grade 12 and beyond.
What is New Summit Academy Costa Rica?
New Summit Academy is a supportive boarding school and study abroad experience for adolescent males ages 14-18 in grades 9-12. Enrolling for 6-12 months, our students receive an engaging and integrated academic, experiential and therapeutic education that helps them connect with what is in them to contribute to the world beyond them.
Supportive College Preparatory Academics
Our academic program goes beyond traditional college prep by nurturing well-rounded individuals through small class sizes, personalized advising, and a supportive community. Students engage in a modern curriculum that develops both academic and social-emotional skills, while cultivating diverse perspectives and experiences. With a focus on executive functioning, our teachers help students set goals, build resilience, and master essential skills like organization, time management, and self-advocacy.
New Summit Academy is a supportive boarding school and study abroad experience for adolescent males ages 14-18 in grades 9-12. Enrolling for 6-12 months, our students receive an engaging and integrated academic, experiential and therapeutic education that helps them connect with what is in them to contribute to the world beyond them.
Supportive College Preparatory Academics
Our academic program goes beyond traditional college prep by nurturing well-rounded individuals through small class sizes, personalized advising, and a supportive community. Students engage in a modern curriculum that develops both academic and social-emotional skills, while cultivating diverse perspectives and experiences. With a focus on executive functioning, our teachers help students set goals, build resilience, and master essential skills like organization, time management, and self-advocacy.
Engaging Cultural Immersion and Travel
Our location in Costa Rica is no accident. Costa Rica offers unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning in one of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich countries. Our students explore national parks, learn to surf, and practice their Spanish while earning Wilderness First Aid and SCUBA certifications. Even more important, cultural immersion allows students to begin to sort out their own beliefs, values and customs in order to clarify their own identities and what they can take from their experiences into their futures.
Social and Emotional Counseling and Growth
Our students are supported to work on developing a well-rounded self. Good nutrition, sleep habits, and a healthy exercise routine are central components. Experienced counselors and advisors work closely with students to set goals, build resilience, and develop executive functioning, relationship, and problem-solving skills. By truly getting to know each student, advisors create individualized plans that support personal growth through a range of counseling options, including individual, group, and family support.
Our location in Costa Rica is no accident. Costa Rica offers unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning in one of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich countries. Our students explore national parks, learn to surf, and practice their Spanish while earning Wilderness First Aid and SCUBA certifications. Even more important, cultural immersion allows students to begin to sort out their own beliefs, values and customs in order to clarify their own identities and what they can take from their experiences into their futures.
Social and Emotional Counseling and Growth
Our students are supported to work on developing a well-rounded self. Good nutrition, sleep habits, and a healthy exercise routine are central components. Experienced counselors and advisors work closely with students to set goals, build resilience, and develop executive functioning, relationship, and problem-solving skills. By truly getting to know each student, advisors create individualized plans that support personal growth through a range of counseling options, including individual, group, and family support.
Holistic Preparation for University and Beyond
New Summit Academy students have gone on to find success at a range of colleges and universities. The impressive resume our students build while studying abroad in Costa Rica is unique, enriching and sets apart their job, internship and college applications.
“The college guidance I received was second to none...After I graduated high school from New Summit Academy, I continued my studies at St. Lawrence University. I am doing well here because of the skills I learned from my time in Costa Rica.”
New Summit Academy students have gone on to find success at a range of colleges and universities. The impressive resume our students build while studying abroad in Costa Rica is unique, enriching and sets apart their job, internship and college applications.
“The college guidance I received was second to none...After I graduated high school from New Summit Academy, I continued my studies at St. Lawrence University. I am doing well here because of the skills I learned from my time in Costa Rica.”
Do you know a rising senior who would benefit from a supportive boarding school and study abroad experience at New Summit Academy? Reach out to admissions@newsummitacademy.com.
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Some students don’t need to be rescued; they need to be redirected.
They’re bright, curious, and deeply creative. But lately, their spark feels dimmed. Anxiety, depression, executive dysfunction, or social overwhelm may be getting in the way.
They’re not failing. They’re floundering.
At New Summit Academy Costa Rica, we help these students reconnect with who they are and what they’re capable of. We specialize in guiding students who need more than a short-term fix. Our students need space in a supportive school community to reflect, re-engage, and grow while surrounded by breathtaking nature, structure, friends and purpose.
They’re bright, curious, and deeply creative. But lately, their spark feels dimmed. Anxiety, depression, executive dysfunction, or social overwhelm may be getting in the way.
They’re not failing. They’re floundering.
At New Summit Academy Costa Rica, we help these students reconnect with who they are and what they’re capable of. We specialize in guiding students who need more than a short-term fix. Our students need space in a supportive school community to reflect, re-engage, and grow while surrounded by breathtaking nature, structure, friends and purpose.
New Summit Academy Students Often Come With:
- Motivation that’s buried under anxiety
- Strengths in creativity, leadership, athletics, empathy
- Gaps in executive functioning and self-confidence
- Unhealthy coping habits, family stress, or school burnout
- A desire to do better, if they can figure out how
- Cultural competency and service experience
- Real academic confidence (through US-accredited classes)
- Spanish language skills and global awareness
- Improved relationships with themselves and others
- A toolkit for resilience and self-direction
After 20 years of operation, we know that the culture of Costa Rica itself is therapeutic. Students learn to slow down, connect, and rediscover their value, all just a few hours from home. And our school offers everything from SCUBA certifications and documentary filmmaking to international travel, sports, community projects and student-led leadership.
New Summit Academy isn’t about getting students “back on track”. It’s about helping them build a better one. Whether they return home to complete high school, transition to traditional boarding, enroll in college, or take a gap year, our students leave Costa Rica with a toolkit of resilience, self-awareness, and purpose.
Do you know a student who might benefit from a different pace, a different place, and a truly integrated supportive boarding school? We would love to collaborate.
Do you know a student who might benefit from a different pace, a different place, and a truly integrated supportive boarding school? We would love to collaborate.
We’re here to offer a lasting path forward.
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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.