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Costa Rica International Academy

Costa Rica, Guanacaste

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 425
Type Co-educational
Opened 1963
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 11
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA) is a private day school in Guanacaste serving the international community from PreK through 12. The school teaches a U.S.-based curriculum with AP courses and dual-enrollment university partnerships. It is fully accredited KG–12 by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education. The 32-acre campus features 41 classrooms, science labs, a STEM Lab, two fine arts suites, a performing arts stage, a multipurpose court, soccer and beach volleyball facilities, a swimming pool, a cafeteria, and a library. The program is bilingual in English and Spanish and integrates Spanish language and culture across the curriculum; AP Spanish Language & Composition is offered. Extracurriculars include National Honor Society, Model UN, leadership councils, and service learning, with a Community Service requirement for grades 9–12, plus dual-enrollment with Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University.

Reserva Conchal 500 Meters South of, Provincia de Guanacaste, Brasilito, 50308, Costa Rica

The Essentials

Costa Rica International Academy has 425 pupils, typical class sizes of 11, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Located in Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, CRIA sits on the Gold Coast near Reserva Conchal. The campus is 500 meters south of Reserva Conchal in Brasilito. It is accessible from nearby beach towns such as Flamingo, Conchal, and Tamarindo. The purpose-built campus spans 32 acres with 41 air-conditioned classrooms and extensive facilities to support a K–12 program.

Stages
Early Years; Primary; Secondary (High School).

Type
Private day school; bilingual (English and Spanish); US-accredited and Costa Rica MEP-accredited.

Additional learning support
Learning Support (LSP) and English Language Learner (ELL) programs are offered. Approximately 15% of students in Grades KG–8 receive ELL and/or LSP support; push-in and pull-out services; specialized math support in middle school; integrated into mainstream classrooms with individualized teacher support.

Country affiliation
US accreditation (MSA) and Costa Rica MEP accreditation; dual accreditation.

Religious affiliation
Secular; no religious instruction.

Bus service
CRIA operates bus service for the 2025-2026 school year with two routes: Ventanas and Playas del Coco. The service is prepaid per semester and follows a fixed schedule and assigned routes; students must ride their assigned bus; private contractors may operate some routes; rules emphasize punctuality, assigned seats, and conduct on the bus.
Fees
*Tuition — annual, early-bird, semester and monthly options*

- Toddler (Half day)
- Annual (Option #1, due 15 July): USD 6,800.
- Early Bird (Option #2, due 15 April): USD 6,120.
- 70/30 Semester Plan (Option #3): 70% = USD 4,760 (due 15 July); 30% = USD 2,040 (due 15 Nov).
- 9 Monthly Installments (Option #4, 15 July–15 March): USD 756 per month.

- Toddler (Full day)
- Annual: USD 8,040.
- Early Bird: USD 7,236.
- 70/30 Semester Plan: 70% = USD 5,628; 30% = USD 2,412.
- 9 Monthly Installments: USD 894 per month.

- Pre-K (Half day)
- Annual: USD 6,800; Early Bird: USD 6,120; 70/30: 70% = USD 4,760 and 30% = USD 2,040; 9 monthly: USD 756/month.

- Pre-K (Full day)
- Annual: USD 8,040; Early Bird: USD 7,236; 70/30: 70% = USD 5,628 and 30% = USD 2,412; 9 monthly: USD 894/month.

- Kindergarten (KG)
- Annual: USD 8,620.
- Early Bird: USD 7,758.
- 70/30 Semester Plan: 70% = USD 6,034; 30% = USD 2,586.
- 9 Monthly Installments: USD 958 per month.

- Primary (Grades 1–5)
- Annual: USD 10,950.
- Early Bird: USD 9,855.
- 70/30 Semester Plan: 70% = USD 7,665; 30% = USD 3,285.
- 9 Monthly Installments: USD 1,217 per month.

- Secondary (Grades 6–12)
- Annual: USD 12,950.
- Early Bird: USD 11,655.
- 70/30 Semester Plan: 70% = USD 9,065; 30% = USD 3,885.
- 9 Monthly Installments: USD 1,439 per month.

*Application, matriculation and new-student fees*

- Matriculation Fee (annual): USD 1,250 for returning students if paid by April 15; if paid after April 15 the Matriculation Fee increases to USD 1,500 to guarantee a seat. Matriculation Fee is required prior to acceptance each year.

- New Student Fee (one-time, billed upon acceptance):
- Toddler to Grade 5, local students: USD 750.
- Grades 6 to 12, local students: USD 1,250.
- All international new students (Toddler–Grade 12): USD 2,500.

*Billing schedule and payment terms*

- Annual payment due date (Option #1): 15 July. Early Bird Discount payment deadline (Option #2): 15 April. 70/30 Semester Plan payments due: 15 July (70%) and 15 November (30%). 9 monthly installments run 15 July through 15 March.

- One quarter term = 30% of the annual tuition rate (minimum enrollment). One semester = 55% of the annual tuition rate. Students enrolled between one full semester and one full year are required to pay the annual tuition in full. Grade 12 students must pay full year tuition and attend the full academic year; no partial payments accepted.

- Late payments incur a 1.5% monthly penalty and unpaid balances may lead to de-enrollment if any portion is unpaid by the last day of each quarter term. All tuition and mandatory fees are required and are non-transferable.

*Boarding fees*

- Boarding fees: not applicable. No boarding fee schedule is provided in the CRIA 2026–27 Tuition and Fees Policy; the published fee schedule covers day-student tuition and associated mandatory fees only.

*Other costs and regular additional fees*

- Parents are responsible for additional charges such as:
- regular school-to-home transportation and optional bus service; food services; instrument rentals and consumable materials; official P.E., House Team and CRIA uniforms; some after-school activities; field trips and club/team trips; a copy of the yearbook and school photos; and personal reference texts when required. A school supplies list is provided by grade for purchase.

- Special-education tuition surcharges may apply for services or programs (ELL, remedial learning, specialized arts, tutoring, ASAs, IEP supports, online courses, etc.) and are required for enrollment in those supports. The school covers MAP (KG–Grade 8) and PSAT (Grades 9–11) at approved times; any additional external testing beyond that must be paid by the student. Half-day Early Years students who stay beyond noon are charged a USD 30 per day surcharge (billed monthly).

*Refunds and transferability*

- All tuition and fee payments, including the Matriculation Fee, New Student Fee, and Early Bird payments, are non-refundable and non-transferable. Partial-year and partial-term invoicing rules apply (quarter = 30%, semester = 55%) and all fees for partial-year students must be paid in full prior to entry; no payment plans are available for partial-year enrollments.

*Fee payment options and instructions*

- Currency and methods accepted: school fees are quoted in USD and payment can be made in USD or in Costa Rican colones at the official Banco Central sell-rate used for conversion. International checks are not accepted. All bank-transfer fees are the responsibility of the sender. Cryptocurrency payments (Bitcoin and Ethereum) are accepted under specified terms; contact the Business Manager–Accounts Receivable for instructions. Cash payment by deposit is accepted at designated local bank branches. For international wire transfers add USD 70 to the invoice total for bank fees.

- Specific local bank deposit and international wire details (account name, banks, IBANs and SWIFT) are provided on the school's billing information for use when making wire transfers or deposits. All deposits must be identified with the student's name and a copy of the deposit sent to the School Business Office to ensure proper crediting.

*Discounts and sibling reductions*

- Early Bird Discount: 10% off the tuition fee (excludes Matriculation Fee and New Student Fee). Eligibility includes returning students with two full years completed at CRIA or new students who have a sibling with two full years completed; Early Bird must be paid by April 15 and is not combinable with other discounts.

- Sibling discount: 10% for the third child and 20% for the fourth child and above; applies to the youngest child(ren) enrolled full-time and applies to tuition fees only.
Academics

Costa Rica International Academy teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum
CRIA is a private college-preparatory PreK–12 school serving the international community in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Students pursue a U.S.-based curriculum. The school is fully accredited KG–12 by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education (MEP). CRIA emphasizes numeracy and literacy improvement, offers an Advanced Placement (AP) program, and provides dual-enrollment university partnerships.

Exam Results
CRIA offers AP courses in addition to regular courses. On average, CRIA students take 3–4 AP courses during high school. AP exam results: 2023: 67 AP exams with 91% scoring 3–5; 2024: 147 exams with 82.3% scoring 3–5; 2025: 116 AP exams with 90% scoring 3–5.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Costa Rica. The 2025–2026 profile lists a College Counselor and a long list of destinations, including American University (DC), Duke University, University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Washington, and many others; about 80% of graduates attend college.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
CRIA prioritizes social and emotional learning through a School Counseling Program that strengthens minds and supports hearts. It provides individual and small‑group sessions for emotional regulation and self‑management, and offers lessons on how emotions influence learning and relationships. The program includes conflict‑resolution and anti‑bullying strategies, and collaborates with parents to support behavioral or social‑emotional needs, with outside counseling referrals when appropriate. The program maintains confidentiality in compliance with MEP and PANI regulations.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
CRIA provides Learning Support (LS) in collaboration with English Language Learners (ELL). Approximately 15% of students in Grades KG–8 receive ELL and/or LSP support. Services include push‑in and pull‑out instruction to strengthen English proficiency and core academic skills, with integration into mainstream classrooms and individualized teacher support. The Learning Support policy describes a two‑tier system (Monitor; Learning Support Level‑1 non‑significant adaptations) and Level‑2 significant adaptations is not offered; the CRIA Learning Support Plan (LSP) serves as the equivalent of an IEP, with a Child Support Team reviewing requests and external assessments sometimes required.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
CRIA offers English Language Learner (ELL) support as part of its Learning Support program. About 15% of KG–8 students receive ELL and/or LSP support; services include push‑in and pull‑out instruction to strengthen English proficiency and core academic skills; students are integrated into mainstream classrooms with individualized teacher support; the school operates a bilingual community.

Mental Wellbeing
CRIA promotes mental wellbeing as part of its Health & Wellness program. It emphasizes balanced nutrition, physical activity, and positive mental health education, teaching that health underpins resilience, confidence, and lifelong success.

Safeguarding
CRIA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All staff and volunteers working directly with students must present a police clearance document. The Family Handbook includes a Child Protection Policy and Harassment & Bullying policies with procedures to report concerns and to intervene, and CRIA follows MEP protocols for bullying and safeguarding, including safety and emergency procedures and official communications protocols.
Parent Experience

History
Established in 2000, Costa Rica International Academy began as a small, English-language, co-educational, non-sectarian school near Playa Flamingo. In 2002, CRIA moved to the Huacas–Brasilito road near Reserva Conchal, marking its growth. Over 25 years, it expanded from about 40 students to over 400 in 2025, with capacity for more than 800. CRIA is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education (MEP). It offers a U.S. high school diploma with AP courses and dual-enrollment with Grand Canyon University and Arizona State University, with graduates gaining admission to top universities worldwide.

Community
CRIA fosters a vibrant, multicultural community on the Guanacaste coast. The school calendar features field trips, house events, assemblies, and cultural activities throughout the year. Examples on the current calendar include Grade 8 Field Trip to Diamante (March 18, 2026), Primary House Event (March 19, 2026), and a 4th-grade field trip to Rincon de la Vieja National Park (March 20, 2026), plus PS PBIS Assembly (March 23, 2026) and World Book Day (April 22, 2026). The calendar also includes a Career Fair (April 23, 2026) and a Talent Show, reflecting a broad range of student life experiences.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
CRIA has a CRIA Parents Association, an auxiliary organization under the School Director and/or School Board of Directors. Membership includes all parents of students currently enrolled. The PA elects leadership—President or Co-Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretary—and may establish committees such as Room Parent, Teacher Appreciation, and event committees. The PA leaders meet monthly with the School Director to plan and coordinate activities. All projects are self-funded, with funds used for school welfare and operational needs, and communications pass through the Director. By May 15 each year, the PA submits a financial report, a summary of events and activities, and a review of successes and challenges.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
CRIA's campus spans 32 acres with a built-up area of 6,500 sqm. The school has 41 air-conditioned classrooms and three primary playgrounds. A multipurpose play court, a soccer field, a beach volleyball court, and a swimming pool are on site, along with a covered sports complex housing three teaching stations. The campus includes two fine arts suites, a music suite, a performing arts stage, a cafeteria, a primary library, two science labs, a STEM Lab, and two outdoor commons areas with gazebos.

Sports Facilities
Onsite facilities include a soccer field, a beach volleyball court, and a swimming pool. A covered sports complex supports physical education and other sports programs.

Academic Facilities
Academic spaces include two science labs and a STEM lab for science and technology instruction, plus two fine arts suites, a music suite, and a performing arts stage for arts education. The campus also houses a cafeteria and a primary library to support daily learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular programs include Visual & Performing Arts, Physical Education, National Honor Society, After School Activities, STEM & Artificial Intelligence, and a Student Leadership & House System.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
CRIA offers a Secondary Program for Grades 6–12 with a rigorous, standards-based curriculum that culminates in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-enrollment university opportunities. The curriculum draws on Virginia State Standards of Learning (English, Math, and Social Studies), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) for Spanish language and culture. AP offerings include English Language & Composition, Calculus AB, Comparative Government & Politics, Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, Spanish Language & Culture, Macroeconomics, Pre-Calculus, and Statistics. Grade 6 and Grade 11 programs prepare students for Costa Rica's FARO and MEP exams, aligning with U.S. high school and national standards. Online electives are available for Grades 11–12, and dual-enrollment university courses with Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University enable university credit.

Arts & Creative
The Visual and Performing Arts Department nurtures creativity, self-expression, and collaboration across grade levels. All Visual and Performing Arts courses are taught in Spanish, in a bilingual environment, with Music (Toddler–G7), Visual Arts (Toddler–G10), Advanced Visual Arts (G11–12), and Performing Arts featuring annual showcases. A Fine Arts credit is required to graduate, and annual showcases include the Costa Rican Independence Day Celebration, the Holiday of the Arts Show, and the CRIA Talent Show. CRIA emphasizes bilingual instruction in the arts and cultural integration.

Cultural & Language
The Spanish Program connects students to Costa Rica's language, culture, and traditions while aligning with U.S. college-preparatory and MEP standards. Daily Spanish instruction is integrated across the curriculum, with Spanish used in Music, PE, and Art, and AP Spanish Language & Composition offered. The program includes Spanish proficiency development across 2–3 classes daily, four proficiency levels, and onsite MEP testing and preparation for Grades 6 and 11.

Social & Hobbies
CRIA offers After School Activities with separate programs for secondary and primary students; online sign-ups occur on specific dates each semester. After-school options supplement regular academics with sports, clubs, and leadership opportunities, and the arts program features ASA in the Arts. The school day also includes after-school sports, clubs, and leadership activities for secondary students.

Community & Service
Community Service is a graduation requirement for Grades 9–12, with additional service and leadership opportunities such as Student Government & Leadership Council, National Honor Society (U.S. Chapter), Model United Nations (MUN), SCUBA & Marine Ecology Club, Yearbook & Drama Productions, Environmental and Social Impact Projects, and other service-learning initiatives. These programs foster empathy, teamwork, and civic responsibility as part of CRIA's broader learning experience.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership is fostered through Student Government & Leadership Council, with National Honor Society (U.S. Chapter), Model United Nations, and other clubs. The College Counseling program supports university readiness with college fairs on campus, SAT preparation, and guidance for applications to U.S., EU, and Canada universities, including dual-enrollment options for early college credit. AP coursework and Advanced Placement opportunities are encouraged to challenge high-ability learners.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
CRIA provides Counseling, Health & Support services, including a School Counseling Program that offers emotional regulation, resilience-building, and confidential support for students. CRIA also promotes Health & Wellness through balanced nutrition, physical activity, and mental health education, recognizing the link between wellbeing and academic success.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches English and Spanish. The Dual Language Program aims for bilingualism and biliteracy, using a CUP model to connect language proficiency across languages. Spanish language courses run from Spanish 1 (beginner) through Spanish 4, with AP Spanish Language and Culture offered in Grades 10–12, aligned with Costa Rican MEP standards. English-language support for multilingual students is provided through ELL services and standardized assessments.

Bilingual Teaching
Dual Language Program for Toddler through Grade 2. Students spend roughly half of learning time in Spanish and half in English. In Toddler–Grade 1 a single bilingual teacher leads the class; in Grade 2 a two-teacher model is used, with the Spanish lead instructing Spanish language arts and science and the English lead instructing English language arts and social studies. All students in the dual language program learn Spanish in art, physical education, music, and Costa Rican social studies.

Immersion Programs
Immersion is provided through daily Spanish instruction for all students and integration of Spanish across daily life. Spanish is used in Music, Physical Education, and Art, and Costa Rican culture is highlighted via annual field trips. From Grade 3–12, a Spanish Language Program offers 3–4 levels of Spanish to accommodate varying proficiency, including AP Spanish Language and Culture for upper grades.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
The school has dual accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) in the United States and the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) in Costa Rica.
The school is a College Board partner and authorized testing center for AP, PSAT, and SAT.
The school partners with the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) to administer the MAP assessments.
Admissions

Admissions
1. CRIA accepts applications from students of all nationalities who would benefit from the program and whose parents share the school's philosophy and objectives. Admission is granted when it has been determined that the school has the appropriate program and resources to meet the learner's needs. Applications for both immediate and future entry are considered at any time throughout the year. If a waiting list for any grade is necessary, qualified applicants will be admitted according to established policies on priority.

2. High School students (grades 9–12) can enroll for a minimum of one semester, while students in Toddler–Grade 8 may enroll for a minimum of one quarter. Applications are accepted year-round, with rolling admissions for Toddler–Grade 8 and waitlists may be used for any grade. Enrollment priority on the waitlist is based on criteria including: child of full-time teaching faculty member; sibling of a currently enrolled student; previously enrolled student, in good standing; full-year enrollment; and order of receipt of a completed application.

3. As a US-accredited college-preparatory school, the primary language of instruction is English for students in Grades 3 and up (dual language Toddler–Grade 2). Basic beginner English Language Learners shall not exceed 25% of any grade level from Grade 3–8. In Grades 9–12, students must be proficient in English to succeed in mainstream classroom subjects. A proficiency English test may be used to determine ELL support eligibility for students needing it.

4. By enrolling, families agree to abide by the policies and procedures explained in the Family Handbook. A seat is not guaranteed until the application is approved by a Division Principal AND the Tuition Fee Deposit and New Student Fee are both paid in full. The school does not discriminate based on religion, ethnicity, race, color, nationality, sex, disability, marriage status, gender, or sexual orientation.

5. Applicants should apply as early as possible; August enrollment requires submission by March 1, and January enrollment requires submission by October 1. Rolling admissions exist for Toddler–Grade 8; High School admissions occur at the beginning of fall or spring semesters. A placement review by the Child Study Team, inclusive of school counselors, division principals, and Learning Support and ELL teachers, is required for students who declare a need for ELL or Learning Support services. The process includes documentation submission, placement decisions by the division principal, and start-date notification. Enrollment is contractual for one year and is not guaranteed in subsequent years.

Waitlist
CRIA may maintain a waitlist for all grade levels when classes are full. Enrollment priorities determine waitlist order: 1) child of a full-time teaching faculty member; 2) sibling of a currently enrolled student; 3) previously enrolled student in good standing; 4) students enrolling for a full year; 5) in the order of receipt of a completed application. Qualified applicants are admitted to available seats according to these priority policies.
School Events
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