No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeEditorial'School of second chances' opens in Costa Rica

‘School of second chances’ opens in Costa Rica

Kimberly Marín Jarquín, like many Costa Ricans, never received her high school degree.  She stopped attending school in the 8th grade. But today, at 22 years old, she is back in school and hopes to receive her high school diploma.

Last month, The Costa Rican School of Opportunities opened in San José and has 75 adult students working toward obtaining a high school degree. It is the only free private school in the country, and maybe Central America, designed to get adults back into the classroom to finish their secondary degrees.

The School’s adult students attend classes in the afternoon and evening and span grades K -12.

“I am so thankful for the possibility of getting my degree.  I know it will be hard, but this degree will give me a better job and a better life,” Marín said.

The school was the brainchild of Robert Flanzer, a United States citizen from Atlanta with many deep ties to Costa Rica. Flanzer is married to a Costa Rican and spends much of the year living with his wife and children in the La Uruca neighborhood of San José.

Flanzer was aware that many Costa Ricans leave school at a young age and never return. He also knew that having a secondary degree opens doors and provides for greater economic success.  With a private foundation grant, Flanzer began the hard work of turning his vision into a reality.

He first assembled a team of United States citizens, continued to fundraise and then began hiring certified teachers in San José.

“Education is always a demonstrated path of success. It provides the basis of a lifetime of economic achievement,” Flanzer said.

His belief in education is so firm that Robert created a Foundation in the United States called The Costa Rican Educational Foundation. It, like the school here in Costa Rica, is 100 percent supported by charitable donations.

“Our dream is to be so well-funded that we can open additional schools around Costa Rica,” he said.

For now, however, his attentions are focused on the staff of nine teachers and 75 students here in San José. This includes not just ensuring that all the adult students graduate, but also that job opportunities are available when they graduate.

“We will provide employers in San José and beyond with bright, ambitious and accomplished employees,” Flanzer said. “We want to create relationships with companies here in Costa Rica and provide a pipeline of future employees for their business.”

Within a year, the school’s first graduates will receive their diplomas and be ready to take on the world.

Todd Scala is the Head of Fundraising for the foundation that funds The Costa Rican School of Opportunities. 

The Tico Times welcomes op-eds and from its readers. Submit your via e-mail at: editorial@ticotimes.net. 

 

 

Trending Now

UN Ocean Conference Opens with Push for Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium

The UN Ocean Conference began Monday in France with a call from Secretary-General António Guterres to prevent the ocean floor from becoming the “Wild...

Panama Arrests Banana Union Leader After Chiquita Strike Ends

Panamanian authorities arrested Francisco Smith, leader of the banana workers’ union SITRAIBANA, accusing him of orchestrating road blockades during a six-week strike against Chiquita...

Costa Rica’s Tortuga Island Hits Coral Milestone in Marine Restoration Push

Costa Rica’s Tortuga Island is making waves in marine conservation. On World Oceans Day the National Learning Institute (INA), State Distance University (UNED), and...

Nicaragua Pulls Out of UN Refugee Agency, Citing Bias

Nicaragua announced that it is withdrawing from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), accusing the agency of making “biased” statements about Nicaraguans...

Costa Rica Faces Slower Growth and Rising Exchange Rate Pressures

Costa Rica is bracing for a challenging economic landscape through 2025 and into 2026, marked by slower growth, exchange rate pressures, and mounting uncertainties,...

Costa Rica Continues Investigation into Miller Gardner’s Death

Costa Rican authorities are still investigating the tragic death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, nearly...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica