Sojourn Academy (Kinder - 12)

Sojourn Academy is a bilingual, Christian elementary and secondary school administered by the Spanish Language Institute and located on its campus.  Enrollment in the Academy is open to the children of students at missionary language schools and others with ties to the Institute.  All children must be enrolled full time.

For more information about The Sojourn Academy 

visit their website at:

The aim of the school is "to help children adjust to a new culture, acquire a new language and advance academically, guided by a competent, international staff of teachers in a secure, spiritually nourishing environment."

Academic Program

Kindergarten through 12th grade classes begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.  the Summer Program is held from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  After school sports are staggered throughout the afternoon by age group.

Each day at Sojourn begins with an all-student assembly for prayer, worship, and the singing of the Costa Rican national anthem.  In the hours that follow, using Christ-centered teaching, language arts, math, science, history, computers, music, Bible, and physical education are taught in English.  In addition, every student receives daily a course of Spanish study from a native speaker of the language.  Spanish teachers use a variety of means to help children feel comfortable in their new language and culture; these methods include field trips, art,  social studies, and classroom activities.  Also taught in Spanish is vocal music and an optional after-school program of gymnastics on Mondays and Wednesdays, and soccer on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  

Sojourn Academy’s calendar partially coincides with the Language Institute’s.  Children may enter at the beginning of first semester, second semester, or "M" term (Electives Program); or at anytime during the summer program.  For specific Sojourn calendar dates please visit the Sojourn Website.

A summer day camp program is held during June, July, and August.  This program has a strong emphasis on Spanish language acquisition and also includes Bible study, music, sports, and other educational electives.  Since children may enter the Summer Program at any time, it is an attractive option for families whose parents are enrolled in the June or July Intensive Course.

 (See "Fees" for Sojourn expenses.)

Checks for fees related to children in the MK school should be made payable to CEBILE (Centro Educativo Bilingue del Instituto de Lengua Española).

The overwhelming success of Sojourn Academy is a tribute to the Lord’s faithfulness and the able administration of its founding Director, Olive Reppeto (1993-1996), her successor Barbara Carter (1997-2004), Acting Director Dr. Paul Jones (1996, 2000), Interim Director Karen Shogren (2005), and current Director Kevin M. Reilly, who took office in August, 2005.

Sojourn Academy is guided and advised by the Sojourn Academy Advisory Committee  and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Contact Information

    Phone: 011-506-2227-7366

    Fax: 011-506-2227-0211

For scheduling and admissions information contact:

    Irma Castillo   mimi@thespanishinstitute.com

For policy and administration questions contact:

    Kevin Reilly, Sojourn Academy Director    kevin@thespanishinstitute.com