★★★★★
A Transformational Journey for Our Entire Family
<div><div><div><div><div><div><div>When our son attended <strong>New Summit Academy</strong>, we knew we were making a significant decision. What we didn’t fully understand at the time was that the experience would require growth, humility, and commitment from every single member of our family — not just the child attending.The setting in <strong>Costa Rica</strong> created the space for deep work to happen. Removed from old patterns and immersed in a structured, therapeutic environment, our son began to rebuild his confidence, resilience, and sense of direction. The staff invested in him as a whole person — emotionally, academically, and socially — and challenged him to take ownership of his future.Today, at 20 years old, he is working in his dream field. He is earning a paid stipend, has secured guaranteed employment, and is launching into adulthood with strong starting pay and real purpose. We are incredibly proud of the young man he has become.But this transformation did not happen in isolation.As parents — and as siblings — we were required to participate, reflect, and grow as well. The program made it clear that meaningful change demands investment from everyone. We had to examine our communication patterns, boundaries, expectations, and roles within the family system. That process was not always easy, but it was essential. Each of us had to be open to doing our own work.One of the most lasting gifts has been the relationships formed during that time. Our son continues to have a strong community of mentors and peers who feel like family. When he celebrates his birthday far from home, he is surrounded by people who genuinely care for him — a testament to the depth of connection fostered during his time there.As parents, we also gained an extraordinary support network. The friendships built with other families who walked this road alongside us remain some of our most valued relationships. We understand one another in ways few others can, and that shared experience continues to strengthen us.When people ask about the financial investment, we are clear: although one child physically attended, all five members of our family benefited. The growth, healing, accountability, and structural changes reshaped our entire family dynamic. The investment should not be viewed as being spent on one individual — it was an investment in our collective future.
New Summit Academy helped catalyze change, but it required openness, participation, and commitment from all of us. Because we were willing to invest — emotionally, relationally, and financially — our family is stronger, more connected, and more resilient today. For that, we are deeply grateful.</div></div></div></div><div></div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div><div></div>
February 2026
★★★★★
Forever grateful to New Summit Academy!
I could not be more grateful to NSA; their program helped my son regain his motivation and interest in life. Their therapy program is outstanding, helping both my son and each of us (as his parents) gain greater self-awareness, awareness of our needs, strengths, and weaknesses, and awareness of our relationship dynamics--all of which supported us in choosing whether and how to make changes that best supported ourselves and our relationship. Thanks to NSA, our relationship with our son is better than it's ever been, and our marriage is also stronger and happier than it's ever been. NSA was able to help my son better understand and find coping strategies for his unusual learning disability--which FINALLY allowed him to understand his needs, have more compassion for himself, and improve his relationships with himself and with his peers. I could not be more grateful to NSA, and would highly recommend this program to others; NSA is an amazing, supportive place that provides outstanding assistance to students and families. Thanks to NSA, my son is in college and on track to become a commercial pilot--a lifelong dream he'd all but given up. Thank you, New Summit!
February 2026
★★★★★
La NSA salvó a nuestro hijo (y a nosotros)
Our son attended New Summit Academy following a three month reset in wilderness therapy. NSA was recommended by our educational consultant as a much needed next step and we are forever grateful. NSA helped our son in so many important ways. The structured, therapeutic environment and amazing therapists gave him a safe place to practice the tools and life skills necessary to grow into a confident, empathetic, and emotionally mature individual. His immersion into Costa Rican culture and community service opened his eyes onto an entirely different world than the "bubble" in which he had grown up. All the teachers (and numerous staff) tapped into his natural potential, encouraged him and helped him realize the importance education plays on the journey to becoming a self sufficient young adult. He turned 18 at NSA and stayed! A huge testament to the school's ability to prove to him that he was on the right path and could realize his true potential. He graduated from high school at NSA; he learned how to be a true friend and developed meaningful, long term friendships; he became a leader and matured light years ahead of his peers at home. Martin N. served as his college counselor/advisor; his guidance was invaluable in helping our son with standardized testing, apply to multiple schools and ultimately get into a quality University. NSA also helped us develop into the type of parents we wanted to be for our son. We learned how to truly listen to him without reacting or trying to "fix" everything, and we became more empathetic and less judgmental through their coaching. They taught us to meet our son where he is and to redefine our idea of success and happiness for him. That the journey is all about progress (and connection), not perfection! They truly saved our family and we wholeheartedly believe that they saved our son. His experience at NSA (and ours) is a blessing that will stay with us always. We are extremely thankful for what NSA provides for their students and families - an incredibly safe and nurturing place to grow and heal.
October 2025
★★★★★
Una experiencia que cambia la vida y un aprendizaje lleno de gratitud hacia la NSA.
NSA fue una experiencia que cambió la vida de nuestra familia. Nuestro hijo lleva una vida sobria, feliz y sana, gracias en parte a las habilidades que aprendió y a la crianza que recibió en NSA, así como al duro trabajo que ha hecho por su cuenta desde que volvió de NSA. Estamos eternamente agradecidos de que el destino nos dirigiera a NSA en busca de apoyo durante un período difícil. Muy recomendable.
September 2025
★★★★★
Gran experiencia
NSA es una escuela increíble y salvó la vida de mis hijos. Es un lugar donde puedes enviar a tu hijo y saber que será bien cuidado y amado. Desde el momento en que visitamos la escuela hasta que mi hijo se graduó, siempre nos recibieron con grandes sonrisas y abrazos. El personal es de primera clase y tienen la paciencia de los santos. La ubicación es hermosa y fácil de llegar desde San José. Recomiendo encarecidamente NSA.
September 2025
★★★★★
Una experiencia maravillosa para mi hijo.
I really can't say enough great things about New Summit Academy. My son was there 5 years ago and I think the school helped contribute to the happy person he is today. The staff are all so wonderful, the setting is beautiful, and the kids really have fun and at the same time learn a lot about themselves. And, they go to high school too! I have no hesitation in recommending NSA.
September 2025
★★★★★
Una experiencia fantástica
Our son's experience at NSA was transformative in so many ways. The unique setting and culture, healthy lifestyle and routines, *great* therapists, focused academics, and candid peer feedback really helped him to mature and reset as he goes off to high school. The experience also improved our family relations and communication.<br><br>We're grateful!
September 2025
★★★★★
Una experiencia que cambia la vida en la NSA
NSA es una escuela increíble y salvó la vida de mis hijos. Es un lugar donde puedes enviar a tu hijo y saber que será bien cuidado y amado. Desde el momento en que visitamos la escuela hasta que mi hijo se graduó, siempre nos recibieron con grandes sonrisas y abrazos. El personal es de primera clase y tienen la paciencia de los santos. La ubicación es hermosa y fácil de llegar desde San José. Recomiendo encarecidamente NSA.
August 2025
★★★★★
Una experiencia que cambia la vida en la NSA
NSA fue una experiencia que cambió la vida de nuestra familia. Nuestro hijo lleva una vida sobria, feliz y sana, gracias en parte a las habilidades que aprendió y a la crianza que recibió en NSA, así como al duro trabajo que ha hecho por su cuenta desde que volvió de NSA. Estamos eternamente agradecidos de que el destino nos dirigiera a NSA en busca de apoyo durante un período difícil. Muy recomendable.
August 2025
★★★★★
Experiencia educativa transformadora en Costa Rica
NSA es una oportunidad excepcional para crecer, aprender y vivir aventuras. Su ubicación en Costa Rica la convierte en una experiencia similar a la de estudiar en el extranjero, con cierto grado de inmersión cultural y lingüística. Cuando nuestro hijo hable de su experiencia en la secundaria, se sentirá orgulloso el resto de su vida. Costa Rica es un lugar ideal para visitar, y el hecho de haber pasado casi un año de su vida allí es único y especial. Aventuras y los componentes educativos experienciales permiten a los chicos absorber el contenido con todos sus sentidos, crear recuerdos para toda la vida e incorporar mucho más aprendizaje del que jamás aprenderían en un aula. Adquieren habilidades sociales y emocionales, y además, sus terapeutas los acompañan para ofrecerles perspectiva en medio de la situación, lo cual representa un apoyo mucho más realista para un adolescente. A medida que las cosas se tornan más reales, el equipo adquiere una perspectiva que de otro modo podría haber tardado años en desarrollar. Este enfoque colaborativo es único, profundo y sumamente útil para que los chicos adquieran una mayor autoconciencia. La educación en NSA es de primera categoría. Los estudiantes se enfrentan a retos según sus capacidades, pero el entorno integrado les permite crecer en áreas donde necesitan apoyo, como las habilidades de la función ejecutiva. Mi hijo se benefició del trabajo en equipo y del andamiaje que le brindó. Apreciamos que le ofrecieran trabajo de nivel honorario, que todos sabíamos que estaba dentro de sus capacidades, pero que aun así pudiera sentirse exitoso cuando el reto se volvía más difícil de lo que podía manejar. El entorno social fue una de las cosas que más frustraron a nuestro hijo al principio, pero al irse, dijo que extrañaría más la comunidad. Vivir en comunidad es difícil, pero sin duda promueve el crecimiento y la autoconciencia. Estamos profundamente agradecidos por el tiempo que nuestro hijo pasó en NSA y no nos arrepentimos de nuestra decisión de hacer esta inversión. Se beneficiará de las herramientas, los recursos y las experiencias de aprendizaje que adquirió allí por el resto de su vida.
July 2025
PA
Padre en New Summit Academy
★★★★★
Experiencia positiva con New Summit Academy
<div>We were happy to find New Summit for our son. NSA felt more open, outdoorsy and less "institutional" than all the other TBS's we visited. And the opportunity for our son (and the whole family) to experience another country was an added bonus. The staff is incredibly attentive, friendly and responsive to all parent inquiries. I would definitely recommend NSA to anyone seeking a TBS.</div><div><br></div>
July 2025
★★★★★
Una experiencia transformadora para mi hijo en la NSA
Mi hijo se encontraba en una situación muy difícil, con tremenda ansiedad, depresión y pensamientos suicidas. Se embarcó en una odisea terapéutica en la naturaleza, en las frías alturas de Utah, y tuvo una transformación radical. Esperábamos que volviera a casa enseguida, pero le recomendaron un internado terapéutico y nos decidimos por NSA. La presión sobre él se aflojó, en comparación con su experiencia en la naturaleza. Sin embargo, seguía rodeado de muchos adultos que lo apoyaban, con experiencia en terapia emocional para adolescentes, así como de profesores y amigos. Aunque su experiencia no fue fácil, lo encaminó hacia la recuperación. Pudo ponerse al día con sus estudios y no perdió ningún año escolar a pesar de todas sus experiencias. Hoy, aunque sigue trabajando en varios procesos emocionales, es una persona diferente, más feliz y más segura de sí misma. ¡Gracias, NSA!
July 2025
★★★★★
Experiencia transformadora en la NSA de Costa Rica
Mi hijo asistió a NSA en 2019 y fue una experiencia transformadora para él y nuestra familia. La ciudad en la que vivíamos estaba creando un entorno con demasiados facilitadores y escapes que continuamente fomentaban comportamientos destructivos. Al principio, la idea de poder abordar nuestros problemas localmente en pocos meses fue evidente, pero superar ese espejismo implicó saber que mi hijo necesitaba mucho más. Poder enviarlo a un lugar seguro fuera del país no solo le ofreció un entorno terapéutico, sino también una cultura nueva y maravillosa. Su tiempo en Costa Rica le enseñó mucho sobre disciplina, autorregulación, control de impulsos y salud mental y física en general. Pudo aprender lo necesario para ser sano, feliz e independiente, lo que a su vez lo ayudó a ser más responsable y maduro. NSA también fomentó la terapia familiar, lo que marcó una gran diferencia en el proceso de mi hijo. Pudimos hablar sobre problemas del pasado y encontrar la manera de superarlos en el futuro. Ahora, en 2025, mi hijo se graduó de la universidad y comenzó una carrera. Ha vivido solo desde su primer año y ha conseguido sus propios trabajos durante más de tres años. Contribuye a su comunidad y cuida de su mejor amigo (el perro) Bear.
Estamos agradecidos por lo que este programa enseñó a nuestra familia y amigos, y esperamos que pueda tener un gran impacto en los suyos. También nos alegra mucho no haber cometido el error de pensar que todos nuestros problemas se resolverían en unos pocos meses desde la comodidad de nuestro hogar y ciudad. NSA es un lugar especial donde los milagros sí ocurren.
July 2025
FA
Father at New Summit Academy
★★★★★
Experiencia transformadora en New Summit Academy
New Summit Academy in Costa Rica exceeded all expectations as a therapeutic boarding school for our son, George. Costa Rica is a beautiful place and NSA makes the most of its environment. Through hands-on adventures and outdoor learning, George developed resilience and empathy, gaining a new appreciation for the world. Over 16 months, he underwent significant growth that was truly rewarding to witness.The team is exceptional, providing dedicated and compassionate support, and they are trusted experts. They helped George learn how to regulate and openly communicate about his feelings. The friendships he formed there are genuine and lasting, and are still his strong support network.I'm incredibly grateful for the profound impact New Summit Academy has had on our family. It helped transform my son into a confident, well-rounded young adult, and I recommend it wholeheartedly for families in search of a nurturing, effective educational experience.
July 2025
CM
Community Member at NSA
★★★★★
Personal altamente capacitado y programas exitosos
La NSA es una organización de primer nivel para adolescentes y jóvenes adultos. Su personal está altamente capacitado en su campo y comprometido con su misión. Su programación satisface las necesidades de una amplia gama de estudiantes con resultados muy exitosos. ¡Nos encanta la NSA!
July 2025
HS
High School Parent at NSA
★★★★★
Experiencia transformadora de último año en la NSA
<div>My
son spent his senior year at NSA and it was a transformative experience
in the most positive way. His therapist understood him well and was
incredibly supportive all the way through my son's last challenging
months. The parent support group made all the difference to me, and what
I learned in it helped me tremendously when my son returned home. It is
a special place.</div>
July 2025
MA
Mother at New Summit Academy
★★★★★
Una experiencia transformadora en New Summit Academy para adolescentes con problemas
My son attended New Summit Academy in 2019-2020. Prior to attending NSA and a wilderness program, our entire family was in shambles for several years over his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. Things were BAD; to the point where I knew if we didn't take serious action to get him help, we would likely lose him.When our educational consultant suggested New Summit Academy, I was very skeptical about sending him to school in another country, but his dad really liked the idea so I agreed to go visit the school.The moment I walked in and met with the staff and students, I was blown away. Every aspect of the milieu of the program is designed to bring positive growth and change to the lives of not only the students, but the entire family.The time my son spent at New Summit Academy changed the trajectory of his life. His time there was challenging and he certainly hit a few bumps in the road, but instead of being defeated, he learned many valuable lessons about life, integrity, responsibility, family and friendship.While at New Summit Academy, my son was accepted into one of the top three colleges he wanted to attend. Now, 4 1/2 years after leaving New Summit Academy, he is finishing his final semester of college. Prior to attending wilderness and New Summit Academy, I couldn’t have imagined this outcome for him!I cannot recommend this program enough for families of troubled teens. We will be forever grateful for all of the love and support we received at New Summit Academy!
July 2025
FA
Father at New Summit Academy
★★★★★
Una experiencia que cambia la vida en New Summit Academy
Nueva Academia Summit en Costa Rica<div><br></div><div>This program, more specifically the people and culture of the program, saved our son.There is zero doubt these people love what they do and do it as a higher calling....... and because of that are the absolute best.This doesn't happen overnight........this is the accumulation of very hard work and talent.......coming up with the 'recipe' that works.This is not your typical boarding school for troubled kids. This is an environment to heal, learn, and grow for everyone including everyone in the family.They have a strong educational curriculum which is unique among others. We had concerns over his academics during this year. Not only did he keep up with his classmates who were still here at home, he excelled and ultimately was accepted to excellent schools. He is now finishing his junior year in college.I could go on and on and write a book. We are very fortunate and had any option available to us. We spent a lot of time researching and listening to experts. This was 100% the best decision we made and would make it again with no hesitation.Having been a part of the alumni group before, during, and after also adds context as we shared similar outcomes and feelings about the program.I hope peace for you and your son regardless your path. New Summit Academy will lead to that peace.</div>
July 2025
CM
Community Member at NSA
★★★★★
Una experiencia cultural y educativa inolvidable
NSA es una escuela increíble y una experiencia de inmersión cultural aún más increíble. Los profesores, junto con todo el equipo, son comprensivos, accesibles, comprometidos y animan a los estudiantes a ser lo mejor que puedan en todos los sentidos. Estudiar en Costa Rica también ofrece una perspectiva del mundo que no se puede lograr quedándose en la zona de confort.
July 2025