Our History

Founded in 2008

Lighthouse International School in Costa Rica

was formed with the vision of transforming lives through character education. We are a private school that offers excellence in academics combined with a vibrant, Christ-centered environment. Lighthouse welcomes families looking for a private Christian school that develops the whole child.

The educational program at Lighthouse International School

was created to assist parents in the development of character and values in their children, coupled with a solid foundation of academic excellence to guide children toward productive and influential citizenship. Our purpose is to guide students through childhood and adolescence who graduate prepared to face the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges of that day.

By educating the whole child

our students will influence the future of Costa Rica and beyond as leaders in the different venues they choose to pursue. With courses taught by experienced, Christ-centered individuals, Lighthouse students will graduate educated with a strong academic foundation and a clear moral compass.

Our Facilities

Take a Tour, Know Our Facilities and Services

We Are Providing a Christian Environment

for Our Students to Grow & Excel

Our Accreditations

Affiliations and Accreditations

Lighthouse International School

is approved by the International Baccalaureate Organization, accredited with the Ministerio de Educación Pública de Costa Rica, and a member of the Asociación de Centros Educativos Privados.

A Word

From Our Principal

"  I am committed to making Lighthouse a safe and active place, where healthy relationships are the lifeforce for learning academics, friendship, and love of God. I am always available to serve in any way I can, ensuring that the vision and mission of the school are upheld and effectively carried out. "

- Carlos Zelaya

Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Carlos Zelaya

Carlos Zelaya

GENERAL DIRECTOR

Having been raised in a Christian home, I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age. My personal growth in the faith is directly related to my parents’ guid...Read More

Carlos Zelaya

GENERAL DIRECTOR
Carlos Zelaya

Carlos Zelaya

GENERAL DIRECTOR

Having been raised in a Christian home, I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age. My personal growth in the faith is directly related to my parents’ guidance and teaching, and through their ministry as missionaries and church leaders in the USA and here in Costa Rica.

I believe that God has provided through His Word and a personal relationship with Him the tools and guidelines we need to raise generations of active believers who are called to make a difference. I am committed to making Lighthouse a safe and active place, where healthy relationships are the lifeforce for learning academics, friendship, and love of God. I am always available to serve in any way I can, ensuring that the vision and mission of the school are upheld and effectively carried out.

San José,Costa Rica
Sonia Pastrana

Sonia Pastrana

Secondary Principal

I have had a 23-year career in education and held positions as a teacher, educational coordinator, and 10 years as a principal of which the last three have been as academic directo...Read More

Sonia Pastrana

Secondary Principal
Sonia Pastrana

Sonia Pastrana

Secondary Principal

I have had a 23-year career in education and held positions as a teacher, educational coordinator, and 10 years as a principal of which the last three have been as academic director of Middle School and High School at LIS. I currently live in Carmen de Guadalupe with my husband and daughter.

My adventure in education started in 1992, and since that time, I have had the opportunity to be a part of many educational moments, not only in the classroom but also in leadership. As a leader, I am committed to helping bring understanding, purpose, and value within the educational community and throughout the different and difficult moments of change. These core values have allowed me to experience great joy, commitment, and purpose throughout my career.

San José,Costa Rica
Elisa Castro

Elisa Castro

Finance and Operations Manager

I was born and raised in the province of Guanacaste; I am the seventh of nine siblings, of farmer parents, and very proud of my peasant roots. I especially admire my father for bei...Read More

Elisa Castro

Finance and Operations Manager
Elisa Castro

Elisa Castro

Finance and Operations Manager
I was born and raised in the province of Guanacaste; I am the seventh of nine siblings, of farmer parents, and very proud of my peasant roots. I especially admire my father for being a visionary, hardworking, and loving man. I am married and have three children, the Lord has given us the privilege together with my husband and my oldest son to serve in our congregation The Tabernacle. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, reading, but especially spending time with my family and my parents. I am very proud and grateful to work at Lighthouse, seeing daily God’s faithfulness for this ministry, in my life and in that of every person on the staff.
San José,Costa Rica
Tatiana Cordero

Tatiana Cordero

Admissions & Communications Coordinator

I have been working at LIS since October 2016 and it has been a great blessing to me. I have 7 years of experience working in corporate communications, press management, and corpor...Read More

Tatiana Cordero

Admissions & Communications Coordinator
Tatiana Cordero

Tatiana Cordero

Admissions & Communications Coordinator

I have been working at LIS since October 2016 and it has been a great blessing to me. I have 7 years of experience working in corporate communications, press management, and corporate social responsibility programs. I’m passionate about the Lord and getting involved in different ministries. My husband and I serve in Children’s Ministries in our church. I love reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

San José,Costa Rica
Bianca Aymerich

Bianca Aymerich

Front Desk

I am Costa Rican. I have worked as a classroom assistant and teacher for 8 years and12 years as a director assistant and administrative teacher in Saint Mary School. I have been wo...Read More

Bianca Aymerich

Front Desk
Bianca Aymerich

Bianca Aymerich

Front Desk

I am Costa Rican. I have worked as a classroom assistant and teacher for 8 years and12 years as a director assistant and administrative teacher in Saint Mary School. I have been working at LIS since January 2018. I have a 9-year-old and 3-year-old boy. I enjoy and am passionate about what I do (administrative or teaching), always trying to give the best of me as a person. I like solidarity, fellowship, and respect for one another that exist at LIS.

San José,Costa Rica
Max Cabrera

Max Cabrera

Financial Assistant

I am from Moravia, where I have spent most of my life. I am newly married and now live in Heredia. I am part of the praise and worship group of my church. I enjoy playing guitar, d...Read More

Max Cabrera

Financial Assistant
Max Cabrera

Max Cabrera

Financial Assistant

I am from Moravia, where I have spent most of my life. I am newly married and now live in Heredia. I am part of the praise and worship group of my church. I enjoy playing guitar, drums and cajon. I have experience working in NGOs, organizing camps, and doing administrative work. Although I have only recently joined LIS, I have really enjoyed being part of this community. There is a calm environment and the coworkers are very united. It's like being in a big family.

San José,Costa Rica

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