“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”
— Gustav Mahler
At Costa Rica International Academy, we believe traditions are more than memories — they are the living sparks that keep our community united and purposeful. Over the years, the CRIA House System has grown into one of our most cherished traditions, a vibrant part of student life that celebrates teamwork, leadership, and school spirit across all grade levels.
🏠 A Tradition that Connects and Inspires
Every student from Grades 1–12 belongs to one of six Houses, each symbolizing a unique strength and identity within our CRIA family:
🦜 Toucans — Creativity & Collaboration
🦈 Sharks — Courage & Determination
🐆 Jaguars — Agility & Excellence
🦂 Scorpions — Resilience & Integrity
🐬 Dolphins — Teamwork & Joy
🐍 Vipers — Focus & Leadership
Much like the enduring institutions that first inspired the house system in the late 1800s, CRIA’s version brings individuality and unity together — a dynamic blend of friendly competition, mentorship, and community pride.
🤝 What the House System Promotes
- Cross-grade collaboration: Students from different age groups work together toward shared goals.
- Leadership development: Older students mentor younger peers, passing on skills and school spirit.
- Healthy competition: Houses earn points through academic, athletic, and service achievements.
- School spirit and joy: Rallies, sports days, and cultural celebrations create lasting memories.
These experiences help students practice empathy, perseverance, and cooperation — qualities essential not only for school success, but for life.
🔥 Tradition as the Foundation of Growth
Traditions like the CRIA House System strengthen the social fabric of our community. They remind us, as Edmund Burke observed, that
“Society is indeed a contract … between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born.”
By building on the wisdom of past classes and mentors, CRIA students learn that progress and tradition can thrive together. Each year, our Houses evolve — new ideas, new challenges, new champions — yet the values remain constant.
🌟 Carrying the Flame Forward
Each chant, rally, and team victory keeps alive the energy of those who came before and the promise of those yet to come. Our Houses are more than teams — they are families united by purpose.
At CRIA, students continue to Think. Aspire. Achieve. — proving every day that teamwork truly leads to success.