The 75th anniversary of Our Lady of Sion School in Turrialba was, above all, a celebration of community, gratitude and shared identity. Students, families, teachers and alumni gathered to give thanks for a history that continues to bear fruit in the present.
The joy, unity and sense of belonging experienced during the celebration reflected something deeper: the living presence of the charism of Sion in everyday school life.
As teacher Dania Alvarado Calderón expressed:
“The charism of Sion was present in each of the activities carried out during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of our school, reflected in the joy, respect, union and commitment of the entire educational community.”
Behind this vibrant present lies a story rooted in faith and commitment. Our Lady of Sion School was officially founded on 1 March 1951 by the Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion, in response to the educational needs of the Turrialba community.
With the support of the Parish of San Buenaventura and the authorisation of Monsignor Sanabria, four sisters – Sr María Imelda, Sr Ana Luisa, Sr Paulina and Sr Pilar – embraced the mission of launching this educational initiative.
In its early years, the school welcomed girls for primary education and also offered practical learning spaces in the afternoons, such as embroidery and weaving – an expression of an education that sought to form the whole person.
The growth of the school was made possible through the generosity and commitment of many. The land was donated by Mr Florentino Castro Soto, and the construction of the first building became a shared effort of the community.
Construction works in 1953.
On 4 November 1952, the first stone was laid. Less than a year later, on 1 September 1953, the school building was solemnly blessed—marking a decisive step in the consolidation of this educational mission.
Over the decades, the school has continued to grow and evolve. In 1972, it opened its doors to boys, becoming a co-educational institution and expanding its reach.
Generations of students have passed through its classrooms and today contribute to the life of Turrialba and beyond. Yet, through all these changes, the essence of the school has remained the same.
Inspired by the spiritual legacy of Father Theodore Ratisbonne, the Sisters have nurtured an education that integrates academic formation with spiritual and human growth.
At Our Lady of Sion School, education is understood as accompaniment: walking with each student in their relationship with God, with themselves, with others and with the world.
Values such as love, justice, peace, hope, respect and honesty are not simply taught—they are lived.
As teacher Dania also reflects:
“Throughout the daily life of the school, it is evident how these values foster a healthy coexistence between students, families and staff. The spirit of Sion is manifested in gestures of companionship, collaboration and mutual respect.”
The history of Our Lady of Sion School is not only found in its founding moments, but in the continuity of a charism that remains alive today.
More than seven decades after its foundation, the school continues to be a place where education is lived as a mission. In every classroom, every encounter and every act of community life, the spirit of Sion endures, forming people of faith, commitment and hope in the service of others.