A cozy, homely cabin and all instruction is outside.

Our cabin and outside ranchos with stages (3 of them) helps to create a safe and nurturing environment for the students to work in and perform. Inside the cabin we have a cozy kitchen with homemade food cooking all day long, we have a library and research room with an abundant selection of books and a silent reading room where children can retreat to after they have completed their works. We also have a Games room and a Montessori Materials room. All instruction is completely outside, all day!

Animals are an important part of the Playhouse.

We believe that animals help children to feel comfortable and at home in their environment. 

Students learn at their own pace and we follow each child individually. Students help each other learn new concepts.

Students are required to do a number of works each week which are checked off by the school secretary on Fridays to make sure no-one falls through the cracks!

Each student is required to do different numbers of works according to their ability, but a typical student would be required to do the following works in a week:

1. Math Board

2. Math Chapter

3. Geometry Board

4. Creative Writing Prompt

5. Grammar Board

6. Dictionary/Thesaurus work

7. Poetry Board

8. Daily Oral Language

9. Spanish Class

10. Science Class

11. Mysteries Class

12. Personal Report

White boards

White boards of varying difficulty circulate the campus. Students are not divided by grade. They work at their own pace choosing the boards they feel comfortable with. Most students work above their normal grade level.

Mathematics

Students complete a white board each day. When a student does not understand a mathematical concept abstractly they use concrete materials. They also complete a chapter from their math book. Grades 1-3 work with Spiral Review and Grades 4-6 work with Oak Meadows. We don’t focus on grade, we give an assessment and work with each child where they are at. Some first graders are doing third grade books and some fifth graders are doing fourth grade books- our goal is to make the child feel stimulated and successful with where they are at. If a child does not understand a concept they ask the teacher to give them a mini lesson. The teacher does not stand up at the front of the class as they do in a traditional school.

Language and Creative Writing

We focus largely on creative writing and studying the intricacies of figurative language. Students spend time writing books, poems, songs, plays and stories. Each week a child is required to do a creative writing which they choose from a variety of creative writing prompts, once they have written their stories, many choose to read it to the rest of the class. Some students choose to write whole books with numerous chapters. We follow the child with whatever ignites their imagination. Every week the child is also required to complete a DOL - Daily Oral Language. This is a piece of writing with many punctuation mistakes and incorrect uses of language. It’s similar to a game where the children rewrite the paragraphs correctly. Children are also required to write poetry each week and some form of copy writing, usually it is the song of the week. Some students choose to write entire plays which they then act out with their friends and perform in our Nosara’s Got Talent Show!

Social Studies

We study all different characters from history in our Wax museums where the students research their characters, fill up poster boards with drawings and  interesting facts and then make their characters come to life. The Upper Elementary and Middle Schoolers first do lots of research on the chosen country, and then come together to write their own play, which they then perform to all the parents. We study three countries every trimester.

Science / Universe

The Lower and Upper Elementary classes are taught the Montessori Five Great lessons.

1. The Coming of the Universe

2. The Coming of Life

3. The Coming of Humans

4. The Story of Writing

5. The Story of Numbers

Literature/Theater

We study the great works of literature and then perform them on stage. Each child develops a deep understanding of the themes, plot and characters of the story.

Reading

Every day students are required to read a chapter of a book and then complete a few sentences in a book report. Some students who have completed their work choose to read for hours until the end of the day. Two to three times a week, the teacher reads a classic chapter book to the kids.

Lunch and Cooking Classes

We provide a delicious, nutritious lunch and snack everyday, tico-style. Spaghetti, chicken and rice, empanadas, fresh fruit and vegetables. We offer gluten-free options and all food is cooked on site. Also, every month, we have a parent volunteer to give a cooking class.

Yoga

We regularly practice yoga, active mindfulness, gratitude and meditation.

We study the jungle, the animals and we plant our own vegetable gardens. Students develop an appreciation of our Earth’s resources.