Tucked into the lush folds of highland hills, dairy country, and Monteverde’s cloud forest, where misty tendrils weave through the trees and howler monkeys echo in the canopy, there’s a small school quietly shaping the world – or, at least, individual worlds – one curious, compassionate student at a time.
Monteverde Friends School (MFS) isn’t your typical school. It’s a nonprofit whose foundation is rooted in boldness and belief, founded in the early 1950s by a group of eleven Quaker families from Alabama who chose peace over conflict, nature over noise, and values over convenience.
They came seeking a country without an army, and in Monteverde, they found more than a new home – they found purpose. A purpose our entire community still embodies today.
In a time when the world was leaning into militarization, these founding families charted a different course. They left behind comfort and certainty, arriving in Costa Rica with tents, tools, and a vision for a life built around integrity, simplicity, and peace. Together with local Costa Rican farmers, they raised homes, cultivated land, and opened a small school to educate their children – a quiet act of hope that would ripple outward for generations.
From that humble beginning, Monteverde Friends School was born.
Over seventy years later, the school continues to thrive, still placing a strong emphasis on pacifism and nonviolence, and guided by many of the same values: respect for nature, belief in community, and a commitment to nurturing every child’s full potential. While today most of the students are Costa Rican and non-Quaker – and many receive scholarships to attend the not-for-profit school – the spirit of curiosity, service, and peace still runs through every lesson.
Imagine going to school where your walk to class includes glimpses of bellbirds and coatis. Where recess might mean spotting an agouti near the trees. Where nature is not just scenery – it’s part of the curriculum.
Perched within our biodiverse cloud forest, MFS is more than a school; it’s an immersive experience and a community hub with a deep-rooted legacy.
Small, multi-grade classrooms create an intimate, collaborative learning space where every student is seen and heard. Bilingual education and a focus on critical thinking prepare students for life beyond the classroom, while outdoor learning fosters a deep love for the natural world.
This is a place where students don’t just memorize answers – they ask questions, explore, and reflect. Whether they’re solving math problems, writing poetry, participating in conservation activities, or engaging in community service, the lessons are holistic and grounded in both intellect and heart.
At the core of MFS is a belief that education should be more than an academic achievement – it should cultivate character, empathy, and a sense of shared responsibility, while encouraging dialogue and listening skills.
Emphasizing social responsibility, inner reflection, and peace-centered education, the school encourages students to think critically, act with integrity, and care for others and the environment. They welcome families from all backgrounds, blending local Costa Rican and international perspectives in a bilingual, inclusive setting.
Its “peace is central” philosophy is woven into everyday life and mission, and so, rooted in an enduring commitment to nonviolence, MFS holds regular “Meeting for Worship” sessions – quiet classroom gatherings for reflection and shared insight. Conflicts are addressed through respectful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, guided by Quaker-inspired values.
This is education built on action and reflection, where students clean their own classrooms, help in the gardens, and grow into leaders who value service over status.
Monteverde Friends School is more than a place for learning – it’s a cornerstone of our local community. From handmade Christmas craft sales to the occasional Coffee House – a community event with a talent show and food sales, designed to raise funds for a variety of causes – the school opens its doors to everyone.
These events are joyful, meaningful ways for travelers to connect with local families, support student scholarships, and take home souvenirs made with care. If your visit to Monteverde falls near the holidays, a stop at the school’s artisan fair is a must. It’s a beautiful way to give back while celebrating the creativity and spirit of the region.
As a not-for-profit, the school’s ability to serve its community – particularly through its generous financial aid program – depends in part on the support of people who believe in its mission. Here are a few simple ways you can make a difference:
Attend a School Fundraiser Event: Ask our team at Ocotea Boutique Hotel about upcoming events.
Come to a Quaker “Meeting”: This meditative worship service is primarily a time for silence, except for when a person feels inspired to share a thought or short message. It takes place on the MFS campus on Wednesdays at 9:00 am and Sundays at 10:30 am.
Share the Story: Let others know about this extraordinary place that’s making a quiet, powerful impact.
Donate or Sponsor a Student: Visit the school’s website to give directly (including via Paypal to carolmfs5655@gmail.com) or learn more about scholarships.
At Ocotea Boutique Hotel, we believe that travel can be transformational – and so can education. Monteverde Friends School is a living testament to both. It’s a place where generations have learned to listen deeply, live consciously, and grow into thoughtful stewards of the world around them.
We invite you to discover its story, visit when you can, and join us in supporting a school that reflects the heart of Monteverde: peaceful, rooted, and full of possibility.