NSA is an amazing school and saved my sons life. My son got the support he needed to grow while also getting his class work done so he did not fall behind. It is a place where you can send your son and know he will be well taken care of and loved. From the minute we visited the school to when my son graduated, we were always met with big smiles and hugs. The staff is top notch and have the patience of saints. The location is beautiful and easy to get to from San Jose. I would highly recommend NSA.

NSA changed the course of my son's life - and mine. Haunted by the trauma of loss and disappointment, his anger and frustration derailed him from school, friends and family. NSA was a perfect fit, with the right balance of structure, learning and reflection. Working at the orphanage, taking adventures and learning Spanish gave him confidence and meaning he had never experienced before. Breakthroughs in therapy opened pathways to understanding himself and others, and eased his pain. Six years later, the growth from NSA is the foundation of his skill at finding meaning in new experiences and relationships. For our family, mutual understanding and respect were born in the therapeutic work in virtual sessions and weekends on campus. I count NSA as one of the great blessings of our life.

From the moment we contacted New Summit Academy, Laura and Heather displayed exceptional professionalism, empathy, and a genuine desire to help our son transition from Wilderness Treatment. The admissions process was smooth, and we were thoroughly impressed by their attention to detail and personalized approach. It was evident that they were selective and thoughtful about finding the right fit for each student.The facilities are modern, well-maintained, and provide a safe and nurturing environment for the students.

One of the standout aspects of New Summit Academy is their highly qualified and compassionate staff. The teachers, therapists, and support staff are experts in their respective fields, and their commitment to the well-being of the students is evident in everything they do. They create an atmosphere of trust, respect, and genuine care, fostering personal growth and emotional healing. Without them, I doubt that our son would have been able to get back on track in order to complete his senior year at home.

The therapeutic programs at New Summit Academy are second to none, and arguably better than many that we considered in the States. They employ a comprehensive and individualized approach that combines evidence-based therapeutic modalities, adventure therapy, academics, cultural immersion, and life skills training. The integration of these elements empowers students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, develop resilience, improve interpersonal relationships, and acquire the necessary tools to navigate life's challenges.

The academic curriculum is rigorous and designed to meet the unique needs of each student. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention and allow for meaningful student-teacher interactions. The faculty members are exceptional educators who are dedicated to both academic excellence and fostering personal growth. They help students rediscover their love for learning and prepare them for a successful future.

New Summit Academy's commitment to experiential learning and adventure therapy is remarkable. Through various outdoor activities, such as community service, kayaking, hiking, surfing, and team-building exercises, students learn important life skills, gain self-confidence, and develop a deep connection with nature. My inland mountain kid now knows how to surf quite well! Pair these experiences with all of the cultural opportunities and man....what an incredible way for young men to gain so much more than a basic education. These activities provide opportunities for personal reflection, growth, as well as once in a lifetime experiences fostered in a supportive and encouraging environment. I am so proud that my son has lived in a community where young men are encouraged to express their emotions in a healthy, respectful, and productive way.

The communication and involvement of families are highly valued at New Summit Academy. Regular updates, parent zoom meetings, in- person workshops, and family therapy sessions keep parents informed and actively involved in their child's progress. The school's dedication to open, transparent and prompt communication fosters trust and creates a strong partnership between the school and families.

New Summit Academy Therapeutic Boarding School in Costa Rica has exceeded our expectations in every way. The school's commitment to providing a holistic, personalized, and nurturing environment is unmatched. They have helped our son embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, growth, and healing. Leaving your child in another country is not an easy ask, but my husband and I wholeheartedly recommend New Summit Academy to any family seeking a therapeutic boarding school that genuinely cares about the well-being and success of their child.

I went to New Summit Academy went I was 16 years old. It was not an easy time in my life, as I had been recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury from skateboarding. However, throughout my time at NSA, it gave me crucial time to heal and recover.
My favorite thing about NSA was the connection it gave me to my second mentor ( photography ), Stephen Kopel - I met him through the photography elective, and in return, my work and knowledge expanded vastly.
Speaking transparently, Stephen humbled me, critiqued my work, and broke it down so comprehensively - with examples, references, and supporting vocabulary - this man taught me so much, not just about photography/composition, but truly became a lifelong mentor to me.
NSA helped me to get my school credits needed to graduate on time, and I was able to get a unique education experience.

Today, I am grateful that I went to NSA, and I have many photos to look back upon to remember.

As someone who has been though the program I feel confident saying that New Summit Academy (NSA) completely changed the trajectory of my life. NSA played an integral role in my own personal growth such as: regulating my emotions, coping with emotional distress, and rebuilding the relationship with my parents.It was not easy, but through family therapy, weekly counseling, and group therapy I was able to slowly rebuild my self esteem and implement healthy habits. Not only did NSA support my interpersonal and cognitive growth, it also helped me find my people. NSA is full of amazing and extraordinary individuals who are with you every step of the way. However it wasn’t only the mental health professionals that made NSA special, NSA is also where I found some of my best friends to this day.