New Summit Academy Costa Rica

The Bridge is a phenomenal place to grow and explore who you are as a young adult. The program provides a strong sense of structure while giving you the freedom to experience new things, challenge yourself, and discover what works for you. My time in Costa Rica helped me develop skills that carried me through the early stages of adulthood, and years later, I still draw on the lessons I learned there. The deep connections and unique experiences are a huge part of what makes The Bridge so special. Going to The Bridge is one of the greatest decisions I have made in my life and I cannot understate how valuable the experience has been for me. I would highly recommend this program to anyone feeling stuck, unsure of their next step, or looking for an opportunity to grow.

I was a participant at the Bridge Costa Rica from July until December of 2024, in advance of my first semester of college. I think it is important to say, in advance of anything else, that I cannot overstate how positively impactful my time at this program was. The values that I developed, articulated, and had a chance to fully practice here are the same ones that govern my life today: two years into college and capable of living a fulfilling life that I would have previously not before been able to even imagine living.
I think what makes the Bridge so special is that it gives you agency. Your path to recovery, self betterment, growth, whatever it may be is governed by you and your goals. There is a structure to your time at the program, but really what the structure is there to do is scaffold your development of a sense of what YOU want your goals to be. It is not about shaping your path to head somewhere predefined, it is about equipping you with the skills to chart your own course, while in Costa Rica and once you depart.
In my experience, this meant starting with a lot of work on basic, practical lifeskills: balancing laundry, groceries, chores, cooking, college classes, and a part time job at a coffee shop. In being able to practice this work of managing a healthy life—with ample support from both my therapist, and the other guys at the house—I slowly was able to realize that I had more capacity than I had ever known. I was beginning to figure out how to live a life that, instead of feeling like a constant drain, left me with a surplus at the end of each day. And that surplus was then something I drew upon to deal with challenges as they arose or focus towards planning my future.
Being situated in Costa Rica was an incredible special aspect of the Bridge. Beyond being a backdrop to the experience, the connections I built with the people in Atenas—both those affiliated with the program and those who I encountered serendipitously in my day-to-day—contributed to my progress at the Bridge. As someone who was continuing work I had done with social skills, the grace, compassion, and warmth from the outset of any interaction helped me develop confidence in myself to build lasting, warm relationships (Emphasis on the lasting part! I recently went back to Atenas during the summer and being in the company of all of the people who I had met during my time at the Bridge, this time as friends more than anything else, was so incredibly special). The Aventura program is beyond phenomenal, and cross cultural exchange combined with an emphasis on finding ways to support local communities that actually serve their desires (not just what we think they want) was a huge component of what led me to my current pursuit of anthropology.
The Bridge has been such an incredible part of my journey, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

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.