Frequently Asked Questions
About Us
Who are we?
NovaLumi is a student-led school where children drive their own learning through real-world projects, guided by tutors and teachers. It is the evolution of the Lumiar method, refined over more than 20 years and recognized by UNESCO, Microsoft, Stanford, and the OECD.
Age range and grade levels?
NovaLumi schools serve children up to eighth grade, from the early years through lower secondary, in mixed-age groups where children learn with and from one another.
Where are we?
We are located in Santa Ana.
What is the Lumiar methodology?
The Lumiar methodology is an innovative educational approach that places the student at the center of learning. It seeks to develop not only knowledge but also autonomy, creativity, critical thinking, and other essential life skills through practical, meaningful experiences.
Its approach is structured around six pillars:
Mosaic Curriculum · Mixed-Age Groups · Tutor and Teacher · Active Learning · Participatory Management · Comprehensive Assessment
NovaLumi uses these principles as a foundation to create an educational experience that is more active, personalized, and aligned with each student’s needs.
What sets NovaLumi apart from a traditional school?
Instead of rows of desks and exam-oriented instruction, children work on real-world projects connected to today’s world. Learning is personalized, hands-on, and continuous, assessed through the development of real-world competencies rather than just exams.
What skills does NovaLumi seek to develop?
We seek to develop autonomy, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Is NovaLumi officially based on the Lumiar methodology?
NovaLumi is a franchise of the Lumiar methodology in Costa Rica and applies its principles and six fundamental pillars as the foundation of its educational approach. Our school adapts this model to the local context while maintaining its focus on active learning, autonomy, and the holistic development of each student.
Methodology
How did the Lumiar methodology emerge?
Lumiar emerged from Ricardo Semler’s reflections on the limitations of the traditional educational model. Observing that many adults entered the workforce lacking autonomy, creativity, and self-management skills, Semler questioned whether schools were truly preparing people for life.
During the 1990s, he gathered a group of educators and researchers to envision a new way of teaching and learning. The Lumiar methodology was born from these discussions, and the first school was founded in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2003.
Since then, Lumiar has established itself as an innovative educational model, internationally recognized by organizations such as UNESCO and the OECD.
Why do students carry out projects at NovaLumi?
We work with projects because they allow students to learn based on their real interests and needs. Through practical and meaningful experiences, they develop knowledge, skills, and competencies while exploring diverse topics, creating solutions, and constructing their own learning.
Are there teachers at NovaLumi?
Yes. There are two types of educators: tutors, who support and guide students in their day-to-day lives, and teachers—specialists who participate in projects to share their knowledge and experience.
What is the difference between projects, workshops, and modules?
- Projects: integrate content and develop competencies in an interdisciplinary manner, based on real-world experiences and challenges.
- Modules: organize and deepen knowledge or skills that support the projects.
- Workshops: provide practical, flexible spaces for exploring various topics and developing competencies.
Do the children study in the same way as in a traditional school?
We follow the content established by national standards but approach it in a non-linear way. Instead of following a predetermined order, learning unfolds in a contextualized manner through projects, modules, and experiences linked to each student’s interests and needs.
What is the Mosaico platform, and what is its function?
We follow the content established by national standards but approach it in a non-linear way. Instead of following a predetermined order, learning unfolds in a contextualized manner through projects, modules, and experiences linked to each student’s interests and needs.