PK5: A year to strengthen curiosity, independence, and learning.
Comprehensive bilingual program that prepares 5-year-olds for the transition to elementary school with solid academic foundations, confidence, and a love for learning.
Preparing your child for first grade
5 years old
Bilingual (Spanish-English)
Schedule: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
In PK5, children reach a level of maturity and skill mastery that allows them to start first grade successfully, feeling prepared and motivated to learn.
Five years old is the perfect time to consolidate everything learned and build the specific skills they’ll need in elementary school: early reading, basic writing, mathematical thinking, personal autonomy, and the ability to follow multi-step instructions.
In PK5, your child experiences an environment more similar to elementary school—longer hours, more independence, more responsibility, but with the support and patience they still need at this age.
Nuestro programa ofrece:
Development of functional literacy skills
Social and emotional preparation for first-grade challenges
Greater autonomy and independence
Extended schedule that mirrors the elementary school day
Education with purpose and balance
In PK5, each child learns at their own pace, in an environment that combines play, curiosity, and academic development. Our approach respects the stages of child development, offering appropriate challenges that awaken the love for learning.
Key learning areas in PK5
These are the areas that accompany your child in the transition from preschool to elementary school, helping them take their first steps as a confident and curious student.
Spanish: The beginning of the reading journey
This is the year when children begin to read and enjoy the power of words. Some achieve fluent reading during the course; others will need a little more time, and that’s completely normal. What’s important is that everyone acquires the necessary foundations to achieve it.
In this area they develop:
- Advanced phonological awareness (segmenting, combining, and manipulating sounds)
- Decoding: reading new words independently
- Basic reading comprehension (understanding what they read)
- Writing simple sentences that make sense
- Broad and precise vocabulary
- Use of basic grammatical structures
Science: Thinking like scientists
Science in PK5 introduces the scientific method in a practical and accessible way.
How do they create their own design?
Children learn to think like little scientists and explorers. They follow a guided process that allows them to discover for themselves how the world works:
- They ask questions that spark their curiosity
- They formulate hypotheses, that is, predictions with a reason or foundation
- They experiment to test their ideas
- They observe, measure, and record data carefully
- They draw conclusions based on the evidence they find
- They communicate their discoveries with confidence and clarity
Costa Rica and the world: Forming conscious global citizens
In PK5, children expand their view beyond their immediate surroundings to understand the world around them. They develop empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging both to their country and to the global community.
What they learn:
- Geography of Costa Rica and the world
- Basic history of our country
- National symbols and their meaning
- Cultural diversity and traditions from different places
- Rights, duties, and civic responsibilities
- Concepts of community, cooperation, and active citizenship
Featured projects:
- Research about different countries
- Comparison between cultures and customs
- Interviews with local community members
- Creation of collaborative maps and murals
Mathematics: Real problem-solving
Taught entirely in English
Mathematics in PK5 goes far beyond counting and adding. Children learn to think mathematically in English, reasoning, making connections, and applying what they know to real situations.
Sustainability: Guardians of the planet
At Bijagua Rainforest Academy, students actively work for a sustainable world, participating in projects that respond to their community’s needs and promote environmental care.
Through meaningful experiences, they observe, analyze, and act, understanding the importance of:
- The interdependence between species and local ecosystems
- The natural cycles that sustain life (water, carbon, nutrients)
- Responsible use of resources and renewable energies
- Supporting others and community collaboration
- Concrete actions that generate a positive impact on the environment
Each project is an opportunity to learn by doing and serve with purpose, strengthening the bond between school, nature, and community.
Technology as a learning tool
In an increasingly digital world, children need much more than knowing how to use a screen: they need to understand, create, and think with technology.
In our Technology Lab, 5-year-olds discover how technology can be a tool for learning, imagining, and expressing themselves.
Through fun and age-appropriate experiences:
- They create their own stories with educational apps designed to foster creativity
- They develop critical thinking while exploring and solving small challenges through play
Here, technology doesn’t replace children’s natural curiosity—it enhances it.
Art and sports
Visual arts:
We have a bilingual art teacher and renowned artist with extensive experience in international curricula. Students develop creativity, fine motor skills, and artistic expression. Her background allows her to apply innovative methodologies and creative techniques that inspire, motivate, and awaken her students’ creativity. Additionally, children discover recognized artists and painters, exploring their styles and learning to appreciate art history in a playful way.
Music:
Exploration of rhythm, body expression, and musical appreciation. Songs, rhythms, simple instruments, and movement to the beat. They also meet famous composers, listen to their works, and learn about music history through sensory and creative experiences.
Physical education:
Strengthening motor skills, teamwork, and healthy habits. Children learn about different sports from around the world, fostering cooperation, respect, and fun through movement.
Library: Readers by choice
Through guided readings with texts appropriate for their level and independent exploration of books that spark their interest, children strengthen their love for reading.
The Buddy Reading program allows them to read to younger peers, reinforcing their confidence and reading skills.
They also begin small research projects using library resources and enjoy sustained silent reading moments, developing concentration and autonomy as readers.
Comprehensive support department
In PK5, support is focused on accompanying each child to reach their maximum potential in the transition to elementary school.
Through personalized attention, their skills are strengthened, their talents are highlighted, and areas needing more support are reinforced, promoting confidence and autonomy.
Readiness assessments for first grade are conducted, along with early intervention in specific areas and emotional support during the transition. Close collaboration is also maintained with families to continue strategies at home, along with the identification and attention to special needs.
Each day offers spaces for reflection, where children learn to recognize and improve their actions with empathy and responsibility.
Schedule Options That Adapt to Your Family’s Needs
We understand that every family is different. That’s why we offer flexible options for both parents and students.
Monday to Friday
Regular schedule 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Ideal for families with afternoon availability or part-time work schedules.
Includes:
- Full academic program
- Snack times
- All developmental areas
- Access to the library and learning resources
- Science and Technology Lab
- Arts, Music, and Physical Education
Extended Schedule
Monday to Friday - Cost ₡500 per hour
7.00 AM - 8.00 AM | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
We offer an extended care program for families who need additional hours, guaranteeing quality attention and a safe environment after the regular school day. Includes:
- Safe supervision
- Rest/quiet time
- Recreational activities
- Afternoon snack time
Extracurricular workshops: Because your child has unique interests
Fun options to explore new passions every day of the week.
Schedule
Monday through Friday | 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Hese workshops are NOT mandatory, but they’re a fantastic way for your child to explore different activities.
Important note: Extracurriculars have an additional cost and require prior registration.
You can enroll your child in one, several, or all of them.
PK5 - 2026
School supply list
To help your child make the most of the year, you'll need these supplies
Personal supplies
- 1 pencil case
- 1 box of triangular graphite pencils
- 1 white eraser
- 1 pencil sharpener with container
- 1 pair of round-tip scissors
- 1 box of thick colored pencils (12 units)
- 1 box of thick crayons
- 1 glue stick
- 1 plastic folder with zipper (envelope type) for English
- 1 plastic folder with zipper (envelope type) for Spanish
Stationery
- 1 ream of white letter-size bond paper
- 1 package of assorted construction paper
- 5 sheets of poster board (100cm x 70cm in various colors)
- 1 large drawing notebook
- 2 lined notebooks (75 pages)
- 1 graph paper notebook 1×1 cm (75 pages)
- 1 lined notebook (50 pages)
- 1 pad of white paper
- 5 sheets of tissue paper (various colors)
- 5 sheets of crepe paper (various colors)
Hygiene and personal care
- 1 small bottle of hand sanitizer
- 1 package of wet wipes
- 1 toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- 1 complete change of clothes
Other
- 1 lunch box
- 1 reusable water bottle
- Rain boots and raincoat
- 1 small backpack
*(notebooks and plastic folders are sent home on Fridays)
Frequently asked questions
What all PK5 parents ask
Does my child need to know how to read before entering PK5?
No. In fact, we prefer that reading hasn't been "forced" prematurely. In PK5 we build the correct foundations of literacy while respecting natural development. Some children will finish the year reading simple words, others will get there in Kinder—both are perfectly fine.
Does my child need to know English before entering?
Not at all. Most of our students arrive without knowing a word of English. At this age, they absorb languages like sponges.
What if my child cries when I leave them?
It's completely normal (and heartbreaking, we know). We have a lot of experience helping children with separation. Usually, after you leave, they calm down within minutes and join the activities. We'll keep you informed throughout the day if you need it.
Do I need to enroll them in all the extracurriculars?
No. Extracurriculars are completely optional. Some parents choose one or two, others all of them, and others none. You know your child and your schedule—decide what works best.
What should I pack in the lunch box?
Healthy foods that are easy to eat and in small portions. Avoid things that are too sugary or that could be a choking hazard. We'll share a complete guide to healthy lunch boxes when you enroll.
Can we visit before committing?
Absolutely. If you're already in the area, we'd love to show you the facilities and let your children participate in a class. Just mention it in your inquiry.
What documents do I need to enroll my child?
The process is very simple. You'll need a copy of your child's passport, vaccination records, and if possible, the last report card or grade report from their previous school. Don't worry if you don't have everything—we work with you to make enrollment as easy as possible.
How does extended care work? Do I have to commit for the whole year?
Extended care is super flexible—you pay by the hour as you use it (₡500/hour). You don't need to register in advance or commit to specific days. Some parents use it occasionally when they have meetings, others need it daily. You decide week to week or day to day. Just give us a little advance notice so we can make sure we have the right staff.
We begin the school year for 2026.
Let’s embark together on a path to a bright future
Join Us for Enrollment at Bijagua Rainforest Academy