When most kids in the U.S. think of summer, they envision a break from structure—no teachers, no homework, and no blackboards. But at Casa Sulà in Costa Rica, that’s not just summer; it’s the essence of learning year-round.
Casa Sulà, a private institution inspired by the Centro Experimental Pestalozzi in Ecuador, was established about a year and a half ago. This school artfully blends Montessori principles, Jean Piaget’s research, and contemporary child psychology with the extensive experience of its three core guides, who prefer the term “guides” over “teachers.”
The school is housed in a vibrant yellow-and-pink building adorned with terra cotta tiles, surrounded by a lush riverside forest. Inside, children have access to an array of resources, from art supplies and cooking utensils to science equipment and books. It’s a paradise for young explorers.
Reflecting on my own parenting journey, I remember the joy my children found in simple, outdoor activities—digging in sand, examining rocks, and creating art with whatever they could find. I allowed them the freedom to choose their playthings, often finding them happily engaged in transforming an Amazon box into a colorful fort. Although I wasn’t worried about structured learning, I did sometimes wonder if they were falling behind their peers in more conventional educational settings.
Casa Sulà offers a refreshing approach. The focus is on self-directed learning, where children can explore their interests at their own pace. The classroom is divided into various environments—home, art, science, and reading—filled with creative materials. Outdoors, they can climb, play with water, or simply run around. With about 45 students aged 3 to 15 from 29 different countries, the school fosters a truly diverse community.
I spoke with Jake Morales, a parent whose two children attend Casa Sulà. He shared that his 6-year-old son, inspired by an adult crafting a ukulele, embarked on his own ukulele project. With no formal instructions or interruptions for snacks, the boy worked alongside a peer for over two months, ultimately creating a beautiful instrument. This kind of uninterrupted exploration highlights the school’s philosophy: when children are motivated, they learn. There are no grades or deadlines—just a pure love for learning.
Casa Sulà also values parental involvement, organizing monthly meetings to discuss each child’s progress and hosting bi-monthly sessions focused on parenting within the community. The school seeks families who embrace unconventional education and trust their children to learn instinctively through play. This resonates deeply with me as a mother; it’s the ideal environment I wish for my children, yet our educational experiences have never quite aligned with this model.
Our society often leans towards structured environments, concerned that without a rigid framework, children might miss out on essential learning. This can lead to an overemphasis on academic success rather than nurturing well-rounded, happy individuals. We tend to prioritize test scores and homework over our children’s natural inclinations and unique learning styles.
Casa Sulà champions values like love, joy, respect, and independence. As one of the school’s founders, Clara Jimenez, said, “Children are inherently good. Instead of believing they need to be taught everything, we view them as naturally curious and capable of learning.” Each child’s desire to learn varies, but it exists within them all. We need more places like Casa Sulà that cultivate curiosity—not dictated by standardized curricula or potential earnings, but through a genuine passion for learning.
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In summary, Casa Sulà exemplifies a groundbreaking approach to education that prioritizes child-led learning and emotional growth. It’s a model that more schools should aspire to replicate.
Keyphrase: Innovative education in Costa Rica
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