★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Le NSA a sauvé notre fils (et nous)
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
★★★★★
Une expérience qui a changé ma vie et qui m'a appris beaucoup de gratitude envers la NSA
Le NSA a changé la vie de notre famille. Notre fils mène une vie sobre, heureuse et saine, en partie grâce aux compétences qu'il a acquises et à l'attention qu'il a reçue à la NSA, ainsi qu'au travail acharné qu'il a accompli seul depuis son retour de la NSA. Nous sommes à jamais reconnaissants au destin de nous avoir orientés vers NSA pour obtenir un soutien pendant une période difficile. Hautement recommandé !
September 2025
★★★★★
Excellente expérience
NSA est une école extraordinaire qui a sauvé la vie de mon fils. C'est un endroit où l'on peut envoyer son fils en sachant qu'il sera bien traité et aimé. Depuis la minute où nous avons visité l'école jusqu'à la remise des diplômes à mon fils, nous avons toujours été accueillis par de grands sourires et des embrassades. Le personnel est très compétent et a une patience d'ange. L'endroit est magnifique et facile d'accès depuis San Jose. Je recommande vivement NSA.
September 2025
★★★★★
Une expérience merveilleuse pour mon fils !
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
★★★★★
Une expérience fantastique
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
★★★★★
Une expérience qui change la vie à l'ASN
NSA est une école extraordinaire qui a sauvé la vie de mon fils. C'est un endroit où l'on peut envoyer son fils en sachant qu'il sera bien traité et aimé. Depuis la minute où nous avons visité l'école jusqu'à la remise des diplômes à mon fils, nous avons toujours été accueillis par de grands sourires et des embrassades. Le personnel est très compétent et a une patience d'ange. L'endroit est magnifique et facile d'accès depuis San Jose. Je recommande vivement NSA.
August 2025
★★★★★
Une expérience qui change la vie à l'ASN
Le NSA a changé la vie de notre famille. Notre fils mène une vie sobre, heureuse et saine, en partie grâce aux compétences qu'il a acquises et à l'attention qu'il a reçue à la NSA, ainsi qu'au travail acharné qu'il a accompli seul depuis son retour de la NSA. Nous sommes à jamais reconnaissants au destin de nous avoir orientés vers NSA pour obtenir un soutien pendant une période difficile. Hautement recommandé !
August 2025
★★★★★
Expérience éducative transformatrice au Costa Rica
NSA est une formidable opportunité de développement, d'apprentissage et d'aventure. Sa situation géographique au Costa Rica en fait une expérience d'études à l'étranger, avec une certaine immersion culturelle et linguistique. Pour le restant de ses jours, lorsque notre fils parlera de son expérience au lycée, il en sera fier. Le Costa Rica est une destination prisée, et y avoir passé près d'un an est unique et spécial. Aventuras et les composantes éducatives expérientielles permettent aux garçons d'assimiler le contenu avec tous leurs sens, de créer des souvenirs impérissables et d'intégrer bien plus d'apprentissages qu'en classe. Ils acquièrent des compétences sociales et émotionnelles, et de plus, leurs thérapeutes les accompagnent pour leur apporter du recul, ce qui constitue un soutien bien plus réaliste pour un adolescent. En prenant conscience de la réalité, l'équipe acquiert une compréhension qui aurait pu prendre des années à se développer autrement. Cette approche collaborative est unique, profonde et extrêmement utile pour amener les garçons à une plus grande conscience de soi. L'éducation à NSA est de premier ordre. Les élèves sont mis au défi selon leurs capacités, mais l'environnement intégré leur permet de progresser dans les domaines où ils ont besoin de soutien, comme les fonctions exécutives. Mon fils a bénéficié de l'esprit d'équipe et de l'encadrement que cela lui a apporté. Nous avons apprécié qu'on lui ait proposé un travail de niveau « Mention Très Bien », dont nous savions tous qu'il était à la hauteur, mais qu'il ait néanmoins pu se sentir performant même lorsque les efforts se sont avérés parfois trop importants. Le milieu social était l'un des aspects qui a d'abord frustré notre fils, mais après son départ, il a confié que la communauté lui manquerait le plus. Vivre en communauté est difficile, mais cela favorise assurément l'épanouissement et la conscience de soi ! Nous sommes profondément reconnaissants pour le temps passé par notre fils à la NSA et ne regrettons pas notre décision d'investir. Il bénéficiera toute sa vie des outils, des ressources et des expériences d'apprentissage qu'il y a acquises.
July 2025
PA
Parent à la New Summit Academy
★★★★★
Expérience positive avec 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
★★★★★
Une expérience transformatrice à la NSA pour mon fils
Mon fils traversait une période très sombre, avec une anxiété intense, une dépression et des pensées suicidaires. Il a entrepris une odyssée thérapeutique en pleine nature, dans les froides altitudes de l'Utah, et a connu un changement de vie incroyable. Nous espérions le ramener immédiatement à la maison, mais on lui a recommandé un internat thérapeutique et nous avons opté pour NSA. L'emprise sur lui s'est relâchée par rapport à son expérience en pleine nature. Cependant, il était toujours entouré de nombreux adultes bienveillants, expérimentés en thérapie émotionnelle pour adolescents, ainsi que de professeurs et d'amis. Bien que cette expérience n'ait pas été facile pour lui, elle l'a mis sur la voie du rétablissement. Il a pu rattraper son retard scolaire et ne pas manquer une année scolaire malgré toutes ses épreuves. Aujourd'hui, tout en travaillant sur plusieurs processus émotionnels, il est différent, plus heureux et plus sûr de lui. Merci NSA !
July 2025
★★★★★
Expérience transformatrice à la NSA au Costa Rica
Mon fils a participé à la NSA en 2019 et ce fut une expérience qui a changé sa vie et celle de notre famille. La ville où nous vivions créait un environnement où les facteurs favorisants et échappatoires étaient trop nombreux, ce qui favorisait continuellement des comportements destructeurs. L'attrait de pouvoir résoudre nos problèmes localement en quelques mois était évident au départ, mais pour surmonter ce mirage, il fallait savoir que mon fils avait besoin de bien plus. L'envoyer dans un endroit sûr à l'étranger lui a non seulement offert un environnement thérapeutique, mais aussi une culture nouvelle et enrichissante. Son séjour au Costa Rica lui a beaucoup appris sur la discipline, l'autorégulation, le contrôle des impulsions et la santé mentale et physique en général. Il a pu apprendre ce qu'il fallait pour être en bonne santé, heureux et indépendant, ce qui l'a aidé à être plus responsable et plus mature. La NSA a également encouragé la thérapie familiale, ce qui a fait une énorme différence dans le processus de mon fils. Nous avons pu parler de problèmes passés et trouver des solutions pour les surmonter. Aujourd'hui, en 2025, mon fils a obtenu son diplôme universitaire et a débuté sa carrière. Il vit seul depuis sa première année et a trouvé son propre emploi pendant plus de trois ans. Il s'investit dans sa communauté et prend soin de son meilleur ami (le chien), Bear.
Nous sommes reconnaissants pour ce que ce programme a appris à notre famille et à nos amis et nous espérons qu'il aura un impact considérable sur les vôtres. Nous sommes également ravis de ne pas avoir commis l'erreur de penser que nos problèmes seraient résolus en quelques mois, dans le confort de notre maison et de notre ville. NSA est un endroit privilégié où les miracles se produisent.
July 2025
FA
Father at New Summit Academy
★★★★★
Expérience transformatrice à la 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
★★★★★
Un personnel hautement qualifié et des programmes réussis
NSA est une organisation de renommée mondiale pour les adolescents et les jeunes adultes. Son personnel est hautement qualifié dans son domaine et dévoué à sa mission. Ses programmes répondent aux besoins d'un large éventail d'élèves et offrent d'excellents résultats. Nous adorons NSA !
July 2025
HS
High School Parent at NSA
★★★★★
Une expérience transformatrice en dernière année à 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
★★★★★
Une expérience qui change la vie à la New Summit Academy pour adolescents en difficulté
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
★★★★★
Une expérience qui change la vie à la New Summit Academy
Nouvelle Summit Academy au 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
★★★★★
Une expérience culturelle et éducative inoubliable
NSA est une école incroyable et une expérience d'immersion culturelle encore plus incroyable. Les enseignants et toute l'équipe sont encourageants, accessibles, impliqués et encouragent les élèves à donner le meilleur d'eux-mêmes. Étudier au Costa Rica offre également une perspective du monde qu'il est impossible d'atteindre en restant dans sa zone de confort.
July 2025