Our History
What began with 12 families and a dream in 1997 has grown into a community of 750+ students from 12+ countries. This is the story of the people who built Golden Valley School.
Explore Our Story
It Started with a Family
In 1997, a small group of families in Costa Rica's Central Valley shared a bold conviction: that education should honor the whole child — mind, heart, and spirit. They believed that children learn best when they are respected, trusted, and free to discover.
With 12 students, one classroom, and the Montessori philosophy as their compass, Golden Valley School was born. Not as an institution — but as a movement. A promise that education could be different.
Milestones That Shaped Us
Every decade brought new growth — not for the sake of growing, but to serve families better.
The Seed Is Planted
Golden Valley School opens with 12 students and a purist Montessori vision. One classroom. One dream. Twelve families who believed education could be different.
A Growing Home
Golden Valley moves to a larger house to welcome more families. The community grows, but the heart stays the same — education with values, attention, and love for every child.
Heredia Campus Opens
Golden Valley inaugurates its new campus in San Francisco de San Isidro de Heredia — a space designed to foster innovation, critical thinking, and the integral development of every student.
Two Campuses, One Family
The Alajuela Campus opens — a purpose-built Montessori environment expanding access to families across the Central Valley. GVS joins the PASCH Network and UNESCO RedPEA, deepening our global connections.
IB World School
Golden Valley becomes an authorized IB World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme. Costa Rican roots meet a world-class framework — and our students gain access to universities around the world.
A New Generation Leads
Alberto Rojas Bernini takes on the role of General Director, keeping alive the vision, values, and mística that gave rise to Golden Valley School. The institution remains in the hands of its founding family.
MYP Authorized
Golden Valley earns authorization for the IB Middle Years Programme, extending the IB framework into our middle school and strengthening the bridge between primary education and the Diploma.
The Full IB Continuum
With PYP authorization, Golden Valley completes the full IB Continuum — from early years through the Diploma Programme. A milestone that fulfills a vision more than two decades in the making.
Today
750+ students. 12+ nationalities. 1,600 graduates. Two campuses. Six accreditations. Three languages. One purpose: educating for life. Families who enrolled their children in 1997 now bring their grandchildren.
A Living Legacy
Our history is not written in milestones alone — it lives in every child who has walked our halls. The joy of a Montessori child's first independent discovery. The pride of a DP graduate accepted at their dream university. The friendships forged across 12 nationalities. Each story adds a thread to the tapestry of Golden Valley.
Today, GVS is recognized as one of Costa Rica's leading international schools — not because of our facilities or accolades, but because of the unwavering spirit of purpose that has guided us since day one.
My children started in the first Montessori classroom Golden Valley ever opened. Twenty-seven years later, my grandchildren attend the same school. That says everything about the kind of place this is — it becomes part of your family.
The Next Chapter Starts with Your Family
More than 2,000 families have trusted us with the most important thing in their lives. Come walk our campus, meet our teachers, and see why families stay for generations.
