★★★★★
A Transformational Journey for Our Entire Family
<div><div><div><div><div><div><div>When our son attended <strong>Nova Academia Summit</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
★★★★★
A ANS salvou o nosso filho (e nós)
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
★★★★★
Experiência transformadora e aprendizado, cheio de gratidão pela NSA
A NSA foi uma experiência que mudou a vida da nossa família. O nosso filho está a viver uma vida sóbria, feliz e saudável, graças, em parte, às competências que aprendeu e ao apoio que recebeu na NSA, bem como ao trabalho árduo que tem feito sozinho desde que regressou da NSA. Estamos eternamente gratos pelo facto de o destino nos ter encaminhado para a NSA para obter apoio durante um período difícil. Recomendo vivamente!
September 2025
★★★★★
Ótima experiência
A NSA é uma escola fantástica e salvou a vida do meu filho. É um lugar para onde se pode mandar o filho e saber que ele será bem tratado e amado. Desde o momento em que visitámos a escola até ao momento em que o meu filho se formou, fomos sempre recebidos com grandes sorrisos e abraços. O pessoal é de primeira qualidade e tem a paciência de santos. O local é lindo e de fácil acesso a partir de San Jose. Recomendo vivamente a NSA.
September 2025
★★★★★
Uma experiência maravilhosa para o meu filho!
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
★★★★★
Experiência 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
★★★★★
Experiência de mudança de vida na NSA
A NSA é uma escola fantástica e salvou a vida do meu filho. É um lugar para onde se pode mandar o filho e saber que ele será bem tratado e amado. Desde o momento em que visitámos a escola até ao momento em que o meu filho se formou, fomos sempre recebidos com grandes sorrisos e abraços. O pessoal é de primeira qualidade e tem a paciência de santos. O local é lindo e de fácil acesso a partir de San Jose. Recomendo vivamente a NSA.
August 2025
★★★★★
Experiência de mudança de vida na NSA
A NSA foi uma experiência que mudou a vida da nossa família. O nosso filho está a viver uma vida sóbria, feliz e saudável, graças, em parte, às competências que aprendeu e ao apoio que recebeu na NSA, bem como ao trabalho árduo que tem feito sozinho desde que regressou da NSA. Estamos eternamente gratos pelo facto de o destino nos ter encaminhado para a NSA para obter apoio durante um período difícil. Recomendo vivamente!
August 2025
★★★★★
Experiência educativa transformadora na Costa Rica
A NSA é uma excelente oportunidade de crescimento, aprendizagem e aventura. A localização na Costa Rica torna esta experiência mais do tipo estudo no estrangeiro, com um grau de imersão cultural e linguística. Para o resto da sua vida, quando o nosso filho falar sobre a sua experiência no liceu, terá uma dose de orgulho. A Costa Rica é um lugar desejável para visitar e o facto de ele ter passado quase um ano da sua vida lá é único e especial. A Aventuras e as componentes educativas experimentais permitem que os rapazes absorvam o conteúdo com todos os seus sentidos, criem memórias que duram uma vida inteira e incorporem muito mais aprendizagem do que alguma vez aconteceria numa sala de aula. Adquirem competências sociais e emocionais e, além disso, os seus terapeutas acompanham-nos para lhes oferecerem uma perspetiva no meio de uma situação, o que é um apoio muito mais realista para um adolescente. À medida que as coisas se tornam reais, a equipa tem uma visão que, de outra forma, poderia levar anos a desenvolver. Esta abordagem de colaboração é única, profunda e extremamente útil para levar os rapazes a uma maior consciência de si próprios. Os alunos são desafiados até ao limite das suas capacidades, mas o ambiente integrado dá-lhes espaço para crescerem nas áreas em que precisam de apoio, como é o caso das competências de função executiva. O meu filho beneficiou de uma abordagem de equipa e dos andaimes que esta lhe proporcionou. Apreciámos o facto de lhe ter sido oferecido trabalho de nível de Honra, que todos sabíamos estar dentro das suas capacidades, mas que, mesmo assim, ele podia sentir-se bem-sucedido quando o esforço se revelava, por vezes, mais difícil do que ele conseguia fazer. Estamos profundamente gratos pelo tempo que o nosso filho passou na NSA e não nos arrependemos da nossa decisão de fazer este investimento. Ele beneficiará das ferramentas, recursos e experiências de aprendizagem que adquiriu na NSA para o resto da sua vida.
July 2025
PA
Pais na New Summit Academy
★★★★★
Experiência positiva com a 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
★★★★★
Experiência transformadora na NSA para meu filho
Meu filho estava em um lugar muito sombrio, com tremenda ansiedade, depressão e pensamentos suicidas. Ele embarcou em uma jornada terapêutica na natureza, nas frias altitudes de Utah, e teve uma reviravolta incrível. Esperávamos que ele voltasse para casa logo depois disso, mas lhe recomendaram um internato terapêutico e optamos pela NSA. A pressão sobre ele diminuiu, em comparação com sua experiência na natureza. No entanto, ele ainda estava cercado por muitos adultos com experiência em terapia emocional para adolescentes, além de professores e amigos. Embora sua experiência não tenha sido fácil para ele, ela o colocou no caminho da recuperação. Ele conseguiu colocar os estudos em dia e não perder um ano letivo, apesar de todas as suas experiências. Hoje, embora ainda esteja trabalhando em vários processos emocionais, ele é uma pessoa diferente, mais feliz e mais segura de si. Obrigado, NSA!
July 2025
★★★★★
Experiência transformadora na NSA na Costa Rica
Meu filho frequentou a NSA em 2019 e foi uma experiência transformadora para ele e nossa família. A cidade em que morávamos estava criando um ambiente com muitos facilitadores e escapes que continuamente apoiavam comportamentos destrutivos. O fascínio de poder resolver nossos problemas localmente em poucos meses era evidente no início, mas superar essa miragem envolveu saber que meu filho precisava de muito mais. Poder mandá-lo para um lugar seguro fora do país não só ofereceu um ambiente terapêutico, mas também uma cultura nova e incrível. Seu tempo na Costa Rica lhe ensinou muito sobre disciplina, autorregulação, controle de impulsos e saúde mental e física em geral. Ele pôde aprender o que era necessário para ser saudável, feliz e independente, o que, por sua vez, o ajudou a ser mais responsável e maduro. A NSA também incentivou o aconselhamento familiar, o que fez uma enorme diferença no processo do meu filho. Pudemos conversar sobre problemas do passado e descobrir como lidar com eles no futuro. Agora, em 2025, meu filho se formou na faculdade e começou uma carreira. Ele mora sozinho desde o primeiro ano e conseguiu seu próprio emprego por mais de 3 anos. Ele retribui à sua comunidade e cuida do seu melhor amigo (cachorro), Bear.
Somos gratos pelo que este programa ensinou à nossa família/amigos e esperamos
que ele possa ter um impacto incrível na sua. Também estamos muito felizes por não termos
cometido o erro de pensar que nossos problemas seriam resolvidos em poucos
meses, no conforto da nossa casa e cidade. A NSA é um lugar especial onde
milagres acontecem.
July 2025
FA
Father at New Summit Academy
★★★★★
Experiência transformadora na 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
★★★★★
Equipe altamente treinada e programas de sucesso
A NSA é uma organização de classe mundial para adolescentes e jovens adultos. A equipe da NSA é altamente treinada em sua área e comprometida com sua missão. A programação atende às necessidades de uma ampla gama de alunos, com resultados muito positivos. Nós amamos a NSA!!!
July 2025
HS
High School Parent at NSA
★★★★★
Experiência transformadora no último ano da 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
★★★★★
Experiência transformadora na New Summit Academy para adolescentes problemáticos
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
★★★★★
Experiência transformadora na New Summit Academy
Nova Summit Academy na 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
★★★★★
Uma experiência cultural e educacional inesquecível
A NSA é uma escola incrível e uma experiência de imersão cultural ainda mais incrível. Os professores e toda a equipe são prestativos, acessíveis, engajados e desafiam os alunos a serem o melhor que podem ser em todos os sentidos. Estudar na Costa Rica também oferece uma perspectiva de mundo que não pode ser alcançada permanecendo na sua zona de conforto.
July 2025