Project preparation and gap analysis in Costa Rica

Analyzing a recently launched school

Polar Partners conducted a project preparation and gap analysis that assessed the viability of developing an existing school Finnish International School standards.

Country: Costa Rica
Size of the project:New private school with over 50 students and 8 teachers
Actions:– Studying how to implement the Finnish International School concept in Costa Rica
– Mapping the existing school, infrastructure, teachers & staff, skills, and needs for development
Results:– Clear vision for the future
– Plan for future development
– Clearer curriculum approval process
Period:April 2019 – July 2019

Creating a clear vision for the future 

The goal of the project preparation and gap analysis is to reach a broad understanding of the country and create a project plan for school design and set-up of the desired Finnish International School in Costa Rica.

Our analysis was performed both online and on location. It included a PPEST-analysis with pedagogical, political, social, economic, and technological environment aspects, as well as market and competitor analyses. The analysis was conducted through interviews with a wide range of stakeholders (principals, teachers, parents, national governmental institutions, national education institutions, NGOs, and the private sector), document reviews, and several workshops with the client. Our team also observed the school facilities and the classrooms during lessons.

As a result, our team and the client gained a deeper understanding both in terms of the rationale for setting up the first Finnish International School (FIS) in Costa Rica and the priorities, challenges, and added values for the future school. Our project management team created a timeline and budget framework for the school establishment process for the implementation phase.

Maria presenting Finnish education to school teachers and staff.
Both team Polar Partners and team Costa Rica.