When the first group of students arrived at New Summit Academy Costa Rica in 2005, they didn’t just step into a school but literally helped build one. With cabins to paint, desks to assemble, and a student handbook to write, those early students who are now affectionately known as the “golden group” worked side by side with the school’s five co-founders. Their goal was to create something different. A place that went beyond traditional education. A place where young men could grow into confident, capable adults, ready to navigate life with purpose. Dr. Heather Tracy, Co-Founder and Executive Director says, “These families didn’t just want their sons to earn a diploma. They wanted them to build competence and confidence. They were looking to create an environment that would support that growth in a more intentional way.”
The first campus, tucked into a quiet mango farm, became a testing ground for a new kind of education. Days were filled with academics, but also with shared meals, conversations, music, art, and exploration. Students and staff lived and learned together, like an extended family. The school’s immersive, relationship-based model began to take shape; built around connection, community, and experiential learning.
Over time, that small beginning grew into something far-reaching. In 2012, the school moved to a purpose-built campus in a nearby neighborhood. Today, New Summit Academy is staffed by more than sixty educators and professionals, including the same five founders who still serve as department heads.
The school’s mission has remained constant: to provide a dynamic, strength-based education that supports both academic and personal growth. The impact of that mission has expanded well beyond the high school years. In 2012, The Bridge Costa Rica was launched as a gap year program for young adults, followed by the Supportive Immersion Institute in 2016 to train others in the school’s unique approach.
Costa Rica itself plays a vital role in this story. With its peaceful values, natural beauty, and welcoming culture, it provides a meaningful backdrop for growth. Students don’t just attend school here, as they live, engage, contribute, and learn in ways that shape their worldview. They leave with certifications, service hours, artistic and leadership experiences, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. “Our students graduate with real-world experiences already under their belts. They’ve traveled, lived abroad, learned a new language, and developed the tools they need to thrive in college and beyond,” Dr. Tracy explains.
New Summit Academy was never part of anyone’s long-term plan. It began with a need, an idea, and a shared leap of faith. Today, it stands as a model of what’s possible when education is built on trust, collaboration, and a deep belief in human potential.
A Purpose-Driven Approach to Whole-Student Growth
At New Summit Academy, the work begins with a simple but powerful mission: to support students in becoming healthy, motivated, and capable global citizens. That mission is not a statement on a wall. It’s a guiding framework that informs every interaction, every class, and every experience on campus. “We nurture and empower students toward healthier lifestyles through processing experiences and solving problems. The goal is to help them become more relationship-based, goal-driven, and resourceful,” explains Dr. Tracy.
The school’s programs are built around three core departments: Academics, Experiential Education, and Personal Growth. While each department has its own focus, they are intentionally designed to work together. Every student is supported by an interdisciplinary team that brings different perspectives and consistent care. This collaboration helps students grow emotionally, socially, and academically, with no one part of their development left behind.
The foundation of the school’s work is a holistic model. This means staff consider the whole person, not just grades or behavior. They meet each student where they are and help them build the skills they need for lifelong learning. The team at New Summit Academy recognizes that no two students are alike, and they don’t expect them to be. Whether a student is managing anxiety, struggling with time management, or trying to build social confidence, the approach is the same: tailored support rooted in trust, patience, and consistency.
“We practice what we call humanistic individualization. That means we adapt our strategies and activities to meet the unique needs and strengths of each student,” shares Dr. Tracy. At the same time, students are encouraged to understand the importance of community. They learn how to build strong relationships, take responsibility, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Throughout all programming, the school focuses on developing core 21st-century skills. These include self-governance, collaboration, communication, resilience, creative problem-solving, and global citizenship.
What sets New Summit Academy apart is its model of Supportive Immersion. Students are encouraged to fully engage in every experience, whether it’s a science class, a group discussion, a service project, or a cultural exchange. But they are never expected to do it alone. Trusted adults are there to guide, support, and challenge them in ways that help them grow at their own pace. “Each experience is carefully scaffolded to move students forward. We build in opportunities that support emotional, social, and academic development, all at the same time,” adds Dr. Tracy.
In practice, this means that even routine parts of a student’s day are approached with intention. A classroom discussion is not just about content; it’s about practicing communication and critical thinking. A homestay visit isn’t only about cultural exchange; it’s a chance to build empathy, flexibility, and independence.
Everything at New Summit Academy is designed to serve a greater purpose. Whether it’s a lesson plan or an Aventura, each part of the experience is aligned with the school’s core mission. It’s this level of integration and consistency that creates meaningful change for students, especially those navigating complex personal challenges.
Meeting Students Where They Are
New Summit Academy serves bright, capable young men, ages 14 to 18, who may have struggled to thrive in more traditional school settings. These students aren’t failing. They’re often overwhelmed, anxious, or burned out. Many carry the weight of perfectionism, mood challenges, executive functioning difficulties, or social stress that interferes with learning and growth. “Our students are curious, creative, and full of potential. They just need the right environment to reconnect with their strengths and practice new strategies for moving forward,” says Dr. Tracy.
Most students come from across the United States, though recent enrollments include students from Canada and Europe as well. While each brings a unique story, many share common traits such as attention and learning differences, anxiety, depression, or a history of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some are navigating family stress, while others are seeking relief from highly competitive school cultures. What draws them together is a desire for something better. They may not know what it looks like yet, but they want to regain momentum. They often show strengths in leadership, empathy, athletics, or the arts. They have values and a sense of purpose waiting to be rediscovered.
With a maximum of 26 students on campus at any time, New Summit Academy is able to provide an experience that is both structured and highly individualized. Students follow a shared schedule, but no two experiences are exactly the same. The small size allows for deep relationships, tailored support, and a close-knit community that sees and values each student for who they are.
Teachers are more than instructors. They serve as advisors, mentors, club sponsors, and trip leaders. Staff across all departments, from therapists and student life mentors to kitchen and facilities teams, know each student personally. This level of connection builds trust, accountability, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere. Dr. Tracy states, “We create space for students to reflect, re-engage, and grow at their own pace. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. We focus on helping students reconnect with themselves, develop healthy routines and practice skills they can take into the next stage of life.”
Students typically stay for one academic year, though the minimum enrollment is six months. During this time, they’re immersed in academics, experiential learning, personal development, and the therapeutic benefits of life in Costa Rica. They learn how to manage challenges and take ownership of their growth. The goal is not to “fix” them, but to help them build the mindset, skills, and confidence needed for their future.
When they leave New Summit Academy, students transition in many directions; some return home to finish high school, others move on to traditional boarding schools, take gap years, or head directly to university. Wherever they go, they leave with a clearer understanding of themselves and with tools they know how to use.
Students also play an active role in shaping their school experience. Through student council, clubs, and peer mentorship, they propose ideas, co-create projects, and help guide school culture. Weekly meetings with school leadership ensure that their voices are heard in real time. In the classroom, small group sizes allow for personalized learning that supports diverse learning styles and helps rebuild academic confidence. Teachers design lessons with Multiple Intelligences in mind and meet students where they are to scaffold skill development, while encouraging curiosity and ownership of one’s learning process.
Beyond academics, students take part in activities like sports, surfing, filmmaking, music, service learning, and leadership opportunities, all without the pressure or competition often found in larger schools. Every student is encouraged to participate and grow. The community’s small size also allows for a more relational approach to structure and supervision. Staff guide students through real-world situations in a way that encourages independence while offering consistent support. This balance of freedom and responsibility is a key part of the school’s culture.
Finally, the all-male setting creates space for students to focus inward to explore identity, build confidence, and engage with others without the distractions or pressures sometimes present in co-ed environments. “Our size allows us to know each student’s personality, interests, and growth process. That’s what makes it possible to meet them where they are and help them move forward with more optimism and confidence,” affirms Dr. Tracy.
Designing an Education That Works
New Summit Academy offers a fully accredited U.S. college preparatory curriculum for grades 9 through 12. As an independent school accredited by Cognia, the academy grants high school diplomas and supports students in earning core academic credits alongside a wide selection of elective courses. These include psychology, music production, documentary filmmaking, culinary arts, and cultural immersion studies.
The academic model is built on one clear principle: students learn best when they feel engaged and supported. The team uses the framework of Multiple Intelligences to teach to engage various learning profiles. Whether a student learns best through movement, visual tools, language, or social interaction, teachers co-create strategies that work for them. “Our students aren’t here for passive learning. They’re part of a process that helps them understand what works best for them and guides them to build competence which leads to more confidence and resourcefulness,” says Dr. Tracy.
Small class sizes, typically averaging six students, make it possible to personalize the experience. Lessons are designed to spark curiosity and connect learning to real-life goals. In this setting, beyond completing assignments, students are participating in thoughtful discussions, collaborating on projects, and learning how to think critically.
Academic support is integrated throughout the day. Students are paired with a team of advisors who meet with them weekly to review academic progress, set goals, and identify next steps. Teachers coach students in note-taking, time management, organization, and study strategies. Daily study halls are a safety net that provides structure and accountability without the need for micromanagement. Through this model, students develop the executive functioning and self-direction needed for success beyond high school. For many, the shift is significant. They move from feeling overwhelmed and discouraged to becoming more independent and capable of managing their academic responsibilities.
“We’re not just focused on helping students catch up. We’re preparing them to move forward, with skills that matter in college, in careers, and in life,” says Dr. Tracy. Students graduate from New Summit Academy with more than academic credits. Their portfolios often include 75 or more hours of community service, Spanish language proficiency, and hands-on experience through cross-cultural travel. Many also earn SCUBA and Wilderness First Aid certifications and complete projects in film, music, and research that reflect real intellectual and creative growth.
College planning is handled with the same individual focus. Families and students work with staff to explore post-secondary options that reflect the student’s goals, whether that means enrolling in a university, taking a gap year, or pursuing other meaningful experiences. The flexible academic model supports credit recovery, graduation planning, and even acceleration when appropriate.
Learning Through Real-World Experience
Experiential education is the backbone of New Summit Academy. Through cultural immersion, adventure travel, and service learning, students connect with the world beyond the classroom. Each experience is intentionally designed to support academic, emotional, and social development.
The setting of Costa Rica provides natural opportunities for learning across cultures. Students live and learn within a diverse community of faculty and staff from countries including Costa Rica, the United States, Nicaragua, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic. Spanish is part of the daily culture with bilingual mentors, and local holidays such as Día de las Culturas and Día Nacional de las Mascaradas are celebrated together.
Cultural immersion goes beyond campus. For a few hours every Sunday, students can join Costa Rican host families who open their homes and share meals, routines, and family traditions. These homestay experiences help students build real relationships while practicing the language in a natural setting. It also helps them gain perspective and understand how different people live and think. “These are the kinds of experiences that shape our students’ worldviews. They learn how to listen, connect, and adapt when outside of their comfort zones. That’s what real learning looks like,” explains Dr. Tracy.
Adventure travel is another signature part of the program. Through a series of Aventura expeditions, students explore rainforests, rivers, mountains, and coastlines across Costa Rica. Each trip has a specific learning focus, and students progress through four core journeys, ending with a multi-day hike to the country’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó. Along the way, they build resilience and leadership while earning certifications such as Wilderness Advanced First Aid and SCUBA.
These experiences are not only about challenge and exploration. They are carefully designed to help students reach academic and therapeutic goals. Skills like teamwork, adaptability, respect of our environment and problem-solving are practiced in real situations where students are fully engaged and supported.
The school’s service learning program brings students into the heart of local communities. Projects range from teaching English and preparing meals to environmental cleanups and building repairs. Some are one-time events, others are ongoing partnerships. Each experience helps students take on meaningful roles and see the value of contributing to a greater good.
“Our motto is: Connect with what is in you to contribute to the world beyond you. That’s exactly what we want our students to walk away with,” shares Dr. Tracy. Experiential education is not a break from academics but a vital part of it. Each trip, project, or cultural experience is aligned with classroom goals, personal growth objectives, and skill-building milestones. Students are asked not just to participate, but to reflect on what they’ve learned, how they’ve changed, and what comes next. Through this approach, students don’t just build memories. They develop a stronger sense of identity, confidence, and global awareness. The impact lasts well beyond their time at New Summit Academy.
Supporting Growth Beyond the Classroom
At New Summit Academy, personal growth is seen as an ongoing process that happens in real time through daily interactions, shared experiences, and a strong, supportive community. Emotional wellness is not treated as a separate track. Instead, it is integrated into every part of a student’s experience. The school’s approach is rooted in a strengths-based, holistic perspective. Staff focus on helping students build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence. Dr. Tracy says, “We’re not here to fix students. We’re here to help them understand themselves and develop the tools they need to succeed on their own terms.”
Each student works with a team of academic advisors, licensed therapists, and student life mentors. Together, they co-create a Healthy Lifestyle Plan that reflects personal goals and strategies for growth. This plan focuses on emotional awareness, executive functioning, healthy routines, and relationship-building skills.
One of the most valuable tools for growth is the community itself. Students live and learn together. Through structured activities like Community Council Meetings, they practice open communication, give and receive feedback, take responsibility for their actions, and develop creative growth strategies. These forums encourage empathy and accountability, problem-solving, and help students feel seen and heard.
The school’s clinical team includes six masters-level therapists who are closely involved in every aspect of student life. They don’t stay behind office doors. Instead, they participate in academic support sessions, outdoor expeditions, service learning, and recreational activities. This direct engagement allows them to build trust and provide support that is both timely and personal.
Daily life at New Summit Academy also includes a strong emphasis on physical wellness. Students are guided in building healthy routines that include balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. A wide range of activities—from surfing and soccer to yoga and CrossFit—are available each day, giving students plenty of options to stay active and grounded. These healthy habits form the foundation for emotional regulation and long-term well-being. “We teach students how to take care of themselves. Not just academically, but emotionally and physically as well,” affirms Dr. Tracy.
Experiential learning continues to play the central role here. Each Aventura, service trip, cultural activity or sports game is designed to push students slightly out of their comfort zones. These experiences are paired with therapeutic goals and regular reflection, helping students understand what they’re learning about themselves and how they’re growing.
The result is a deeper, more lasting form of personal development. Students begin to recognize their patterns, adjust their mindset, and take ownership of their choices. They leave with a clearer sense of who they are and how to move forward.
A Day in the Life of a Student
At New Summit Academy, no two students follow exactly the same schedule. The daily structure is built around the idea that the school’s job is to structure healthy routines, provide interesting options, and set expectations for participation. On their own side of the equation, students thrive when they have the agency to choose how to meet expectations based on their interests and personal goals.
Each week, students co-create a personalized schedule with their advising team. This plan includes academic classes, health and wellness activities, creative projects, community events, and therapeutic check-ins. The goal is to help students build practical skills like time management and organization, while also learning how to make choices that align with their personal goals.
A typical day might begin around 6:30 or 7:30 a.m., depending on a student’s natural rhythm. Some students start early with a workout, a morning run, or a visit to the local farmer’s market. Others may ease into the day and schedule their physical activity later. “We give students choices and want them to feel ownership over how they meet their goals,” says Dr. Tracy
After a healthy breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, students move into the academic portion of the day. From 8:30 a.m. to noon, they participate in hands-on, college-prep classes that emphasize active learning. Whether conducting science experiments, filming for a history documentary, or practicing Spanish in conversation with locals, students are engaged in work that feels meaningful and relevant. A mid-morning break with fresh fruit and Costa Rican coffee gives everyone a moment to recharge.
Afternoons include one more class and a study block, which students use for completing assignments, getting tutoring, or working on executive functioning goals. From 3:15 to 6:00 p.m., students take part in interest-based activities like surf club, basketball, guitar lessons, personal fitness, or therapy sessions. These hours are intentionally flexible so that students can pursue both structured and creative outlets.
Evenings are reserved for shared meals, connecting with families, small group therapy sessions, and student-led clubs. Students also have access to a wide range of creative and recreational spaces, including a recording studio, documentary editing stations, a graffiti wall, a teaching kitchen, and athletic facilities. These resources reflect the school’s commitment to supporting students beyond academics.
Weekends offer even more variety. Cultural outings, adventure-based trips, and student-led events like tournaments, beach visits, or service projects are planned with input from the Student Council. On Sundays, newer students explore the region through guided excursions, while others participate in the Homestay Program, spending the day with a local family to practice language and deepen cultural understanding.
This student-centered structure is designed to help young people build confidence in making decisions, taking initiative, and managing their time. It encourages them to live with intention and purpose, not just while at school, but in preparation for the challenges they’ll face after graduation.
Growing Together as Families
At New Summit Academy, student growth is not something that happens in isolation. Lasting change often begins with individual progress, but it strengthens when families grow alongside their child. The school is intentional about creating space for both independence and connection, so students and parents can begin building healthier relationships from a place of mutual understanding.
As students step into a new environment and gain confidence away from home, families engage in a parallel process of reflection and learning. “We believe that meaningful growth happens not only for students, but also within their family systems,” says Dr. Tracy. This dual focus allows students to build autonomy while parents receive guidance and support for their own journey as their child matures.
Each week, students have scheduled video calls with family members. These calls help maintain emotional connection without disrupting the student’s focus on day-to-day growth. In parallel, parents work closely with their child’s personal growth coach or therapist through weekly or bi-weekly coaching sessions. These meetings create opportunities to understand progress, practice communication skills, and work through challenges in real time.
Families are also invited to participate in in-person workshops in Costa Rica throughout the year. These gatherings focus on rebuilding trust, improving communication, and creating plans for what comes next. The family transition workshops are especially important toward the end of the program, helping everyone prepare for a healthy and confident return home. Students also return home between terms to practice applying the skills they’ve learned, giving families a chance to reconnect in a familiar setting.
To offer continued support, the Clinical Director leads a weekly parent support group over Zoom. This gives parents a space to reflect and build community with others who understand what they’re going through. Families are also supported by transition coaches after graduation to make sure the growth doesn’t stop once their child leaves campus.
Over time, these efforts lead to meaningful, lasting change. Parents begin to see their child not through a lens of past struggles, but as someone capable, growing, and ready to move forward into young adulthood. The school’s work with families is guided by the belief that stronger relationships are built through consistent support and understanding, shared goals, and effective communication. The results speak for themselves. As Dr. Tracy shares, “After twenty years, we’ve witnessed countless transformations in the students we serve; it’s genuinely hard to choose just one or two.”
Still, the words of alumni families offer a window into what that transformation feels like. One parent described how their son, once struggling to find purpose, returned home with a sense of direction and emotional maturity they had never witnessed before. They attributed this transformation to the school’s unique environment where learning was meaningful, relationships were authentic, and growth was celebrated every step of the way. Another parent shared that what set New Summit Academy apart wasn’t just the academics or therapeutic support, but how the school nurtured a sense of confidence and self-worth in their child. According to them, the program helped their son realize that he was more than his challenges, as he was capable, insightful, and ready to lead his life with integrity.
The most powerful stories often come full circle. Recently, three alumni from the class of 2022 returned to Costa Rica to visit campus. When asked what they wanted to do that day, they answered simply: “We just want to hang out with people.” They spent the afternoon sharing stories, catching up over lunch, and reconnecting with staff and students. One had started his own personal training business. Another was finishing his degree in Biology. The third was entering his second year of university, training to become a social worker.
When asked about his personal transformation, one of them said, “I used to say no to everything. Now I say yes.” These are the kinds of changes that can’t be forced. They’re the result of consistent support, time, challenge, and care. And they remind us of the possibilities when a young person is given the chance to grow and when a family grows right alongside them.
Staying True While Moving Forward
As New Summit Academy marks its twentieth year, the focus remains clear: to keep growing while staying true to the values that shaped the school from the beginning. Long before concepts like student well-being and holistic learning became widespread in education, they were already part of the school’s DNA. Today, these principles still guide every decision, ensuring students are supported, challenged, and prepared for a changing world. “Our vision for the future is rooted in our past and we will continue leading by example, showing that real-world engagement, student wellness, and agency belong at the heart of a meaningful education,” states Dr. Tracy.
The world continues to change rapidly, especially with new technologies reshaping how people live and work. For many schools, this means scrambling to adapt. But at New Summit Academy, that evolution has always been part of the mission. Over the past two decades, the school has built a flexible and future-focused learning model that blends traditional academic structures with more creative and personalized approaches.
This innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Faculty and leadership are regularly invited to share their expertise at conferences like the Small Boarding Schools Association (SBSA), the UK-based Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA), and the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Upcoming speaking engagements include The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) and the Young Adult Transitions Association (YATA), reflecting the school’s growing influence in educational leadership circles.
At its core, New Summit Academy continues to operate as a dynamic community of learners. The academic and experiential programs work together to create a model where students build critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. Each student is encouraged to take part in learning that feels relevant, practical, and deeply personal. With strong mentoring and structured support, they’re developing skills to succeed not only in school, but in life beyond it.
Looking ahead, the school is expanding its focus on meaningful transitions after high school graduation. Students explore a range of pathways, from traditional boarding or day schools to apprenticeships, vocational training, and higher education. The Bridge young adult gap community in Costa Rica is one example of how students can continue their growth process after high school by exploring internships, study abroad university courses, and more autonomy in learning life skills like budgeting, cooking, socializing, and healthy technology management.
Another step forward includes more focus on multimedia portfolios to represent lived experiences and reflections of growth to complement other more traditional products like essays, grades and test scores. These personalized profiles will serve as a valuable resource for future college applications, job searches, or internships.
One of the most anticipated developments is the school’s renewed focus on international travel. While students currently travel to Panama as part of their experiential learning, plans are underway to resume trips to former destinations like Peru, Belize, Guatemala, South Africa, and Cuba. These global experiences deepen cultural understanding and help students see themselves as part of a wider world.
The school is also investing in its Costa Rican campus. Plans are in place to expand athletic facilities and create new interdisciplinary learning spaces. These additions will further enrich student life and learning, making the campus experience even more engaging and supportive.
Finally, staff retention continues to be a point of pride. Nearly 30 percent of the team has been with the school for 15 to 20+ years offering consistency in mission implementation. At the same time, New Summit Academy is welcoming new educators who bring fresh energy and diverse perspectives to the campus.
Two decades in, New Summit Academy remains focused on what matters: giving students the skills, confidence, and clarity to move forward with purpose. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, the school is well-positioned to continue making a difference, for students, families, and education as a whole.
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