Hermosa Valley School

Hermosa Valley School was founded in 2001 in Playa Hermosa, Cóbano, Nicoya Peninsula with 2 classrooms, 3 teachers, and 13 students. Today the school has about 250 students, providing Early Childhood (Preescolar), Elementary School (Primaria) and Middle and High School (Secundaria) education. The school was founded by the property's primary owner, David Mears, whose daughters Daniela and Denisse, were among those first 13 students. Frustrated by the lack of physical education in the private schools of San José and the lack of a quality local school for his own children and those of the property staff, David decided to build a school with physical education and health as a primary role along with a complete, bilingual curriculum. Hermosa Valley School is the only private school in the southern part of the Nicoya peninsula with its own campus and sports facilities, including a semi-Olympic swimming pool, performance center, tennis court and green space. Over the years, more and more international citizens and Costa Ricans have settled in this area, having discovered the natural beauty and unique mix of cultures. With plenty of growing pains, the school has added a full Early Childhood Education (Preescolar) program, a Middle and High School (Secundaria) program and two kitchens for students and staff to enjoy healthy meals with their peers. Improvements and new programs are always underway. David extends a special thanks to Eric Grove (Kina Surf), the school's first director, his brother John and all other sponsors for their financial support, his ex-wife Peggy Muñoz, and the local Jimenez family. All playing a key part in making this project happen.