Allegations of an improper sexual tryst between a high school teacher and a student are shaking up the Country Day School (CDS) community, a prestigious private academy in Costa Rica where children of well-to-do expats and powerful Ticos are predominantly enrolled. According to a report by Ariel Chaves Gonzalez of daily tabloid Diario Extra, the United States Embassy and more than 20 parents are extremely alarmed by this situation.

 

In his news report, Mr. Chaves quoted paragraphs from a very stern letter sent by the U.S. Embassy to CDS. The quotes make it clear that the Embassy is aware of the reports about sexual relationship between a female teacher and a 15-year old student currently enrolled in the 11^th grade.  Moreover, the Embassy was at one point prepared to withdraw support and benefits extended to CDS due to the apparent poor handling of the situation.

 

The situation is exacerbated by the statements that Mr. Chaves was able to obtain from CDS stakeholders familiar with the matter. Ostensibly, the alleged sexual encounters took place in a bathroom at the school, which is something that some students, educators and administrators were aware of. A group of very concerned, and very powerful, parents are dismayed by what they believe has been an attempt by CDS to cover up this sordid state of affairs.

 

Mr. Chaves quoted a statement from the parents:

 

“We, Costa Rican and expat families who intend to settle here, do not want our children to grow in this type of environment. We pay more than enough (tuition) so that our children are not exposed to indecency and immorality. If this means that we must find other options, CDS can be certain that we will.”

 

Mr. Chaves followed up with the U.S. Embassy, which stated that officials have met with CDS to ensure that the proper course of action will be taken. A letter sent to CDS parents indicated that their internal investigation concluded that the alleged sexual relationship was a rumor; nonetheless, some of the above-mentioned parents are not convinced.

 

It is important to note that CDS is the first choice for U.S. Embassy staff to enroll their children. CDS is located in the affluent municipality of Escazu, not far from the capital city of Costa Rica, and an additional campus was once located in Guanacaste.