PRINCIPLES

How it Works

The OJA vision is achieved through creating a hub of quality OJA educators, teaching a wide range of colourful content on a rotating basis, to students from diverse backgrounds with equally diverse aspirations. Enabling exceptional education is the ultimate goal. It is also firmly acknowledged that education goes beyond the classroom experience, extending to the home and wider community. The understanding is that in order to secure a consistent, quality and relevant learning experience, a holistic view of the environment in which any learning model operates has to be considered and accounted for.

Imagine a triangular-based pyramid. The Osa Jungle Academy model has three vital supporting verticals: flexibility, choice and focus.

At the pyramid apex are the students who with their parents choose how they interact with the Academy, selecting the full time, part-time or class-by-class programs and what are preferred core and elective classes. Children are able to craft their personal educational journey thanks to clear choices offered consistently. This freedom of choice leads to feelings of greater engagement and ownership.

As the students are responsible for and attentive to maximising their learning time in chosen classes, educators are left to fully focus on creating and delivering engaging and rich content, on sharing their passion and excelling at their craft. Administrative needs and out-of-classroom management are taken care of by OJA.

Global families need flexibility that responds to the variety of home-country curriculums, fluid calendars, and different learning needs, as well as the any number of uncertainties in the current world that may demand urgent travel or changes in plans. A flexible model also embraces the ever changing flow of talent that travels through Costa Rica, welcoming educators to align and integrate with OJA families for whatever periods they can fully commit to.

At the base of the triangular pyramids and the foundation that holds all parties together (students, educations, families) is the Community. This is the bedrock that holds the model together. A dedicated Founders Circle are from the community who have a passion and personal stake in nurturing the Costa Ballena community and broader environment.

The themes of focus, flexibility and choice and how they work with all stakeholders are also weaved into the business model.

Decentralisation means acknowledging we’re all part of the same organism, with common over-arching goals, while each cell is focused on a specific and specialised area. FOCUS means that specialists are devoted to their craft without distraction and the model works to one core goal. Efforts are not dispersed by engaging in other side projects. OJA is focused first and foremost on providing exemplary secondary education to children ages 11+.

Symbiosis means there is CHOICE. This approach welcomes collaboration with other learning models and platforms. Families do not have to choose either / or, but can pick a blended approach and even adjust choices within each term.

FLEXIBILITY is reflected in this model's ability to contract and expand. Its ability to scale up and down in response to enrolment numbers safeguards investments made. This means the business is less likely to over-extend itself, thereby being truly sustainable.