Our Elementary School in Costa Rica
Dear Primary Parents,
The Primary Program is a balanced, standards-based curriculum adapted from the Virginia State Standards of Learning (SoL). The intent is to make transitions into our school and back to the U.S., to other American international schools, and from other elementary schools in Costa Rica, as smooth as possible.
Our student body represents the diverse community found in this area of Costa Rica. Primary classrooms are self-contained and foster a safe learning environment.
In the 2024-25 school year, the school day consists of seven 45-minute periods and two breaks, one mid-morning and one mid-day for lunch. The day begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:00pm, followed by after school activities.
The weekly schedule includes a variety of special classes. Every class visits the library at least once a week which is offered as a dual language class (Spanish and English). The library has a wide selection of children’s literature and general research materials that support the primary curriculum. Other specials including Visual Arts, STEM Lab (for grades 2-5), Music, P.E., Swimming, and Costa Rica Social Studies are an integral part of the program. Primary teachers also schedule times to use the mobile computer lab and Chromebooks within their classroom, integrating technology into the curriculum.
Teachers are required to plan curricular field trips to enhance the learning experience and take advantage of the rich, natural environment of Costa Rica.
Toddler - Grade 2 Program: This is a dual language program where students are exposed equally to instruction in English and Spanish (50/50 model).
Grades 3 - 5 Program: Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts are taught in English. Students attend a daily leveled Spanish language class, ranging from beginner level to native/bilingual level. PE/swimming, art, music, Costa Rican Social Studies are all taught in Spanish. Lessons in Spanish are between 90 - 120 minutes per day.
Character development is an important part of primary education. Teachers work together to support student growth. Due to the nature of a small school, students receive guidance not only from the School Counselor, but also form their homeroom teacher the entire primary faculty.
Evaluation for lower primary grades (Pre K- Grade 2) uses the following scale:
4 The student consistently and independently demonstrates and applies a proficient level of understanding the required knowledge, concepts and skills. Understanding is accurate and thorough.
3 The student consistently demonstrates a considerable level of understanding of the required knowledge, concepts, and skills. The student requires minimal support to demonstrate this understanding.
2 The student is developing a greater understanding of the required knowledge, concepts, and skills. The student requires frequent support to demonstrate understanding.
1 The student has limited understanding of the required knowledge, concepts, and skills. The student requires continual one-on-one support to demonstrate this understanding.
Evaluation for upper primary students (Grades 3 to 5) uses the following scale:
100-90 89-80 79-70 69-60 Below 60
We are confident you will find the CRIA Primary program to be an academically stimulating and fun environment!
