Our Elementary School in Costa Rica

🏫 Primary Years at CRIA: Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning Academic Excellence in a Bilingual, International Setting – Guanacaste, Costa Rica

At Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA), our Primary Program (Grades 1–5) provides a balanced, standards-based curriculum designed to prepare students for success in both American and international schools.

Grounded in the Virginia State Standards of Learning (VSoL), our program ensures a seamless transition for families moving between Costa Rica, the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other international schools worldwide.

Our diverse student body enjoys the vibrant, rich culture of the Guanacaste Gold Coast. Each classroom provides a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to think critically, communicate confidently, and grow with curiosity.

📘 A Day in the CRIA Primary School

Students experience seven 45-minute periods per day with two healthy breaks — one mid-morning and one mid-day for lunch.

The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by engaging after-school activities that promote creativity, teamwork, and fun.

Every week, students participate in a wide range of special classes that enrich their core studies and expand their interests:

• Library (English & Spanish dual language sessions)
• Visual Arts
• STEM Lab (Grades 2–5)
• Music
• Physical Education & Swimming
• Costa Rica Social Studies

Technology is fully integrated into the curriculum — students use Chromebooks and mobile computer labs for research, projects, and creative learning experiences. Teachers also plan co-curricular field trips that make the most of Costa Rica’s extraordinary natural environment, from beaches to rainforests.

🌍 Bilingual Education: English and Spanish for Global Readiness

CRIA’s bilingual model grows with each child’s development:

• Toddler–Grade 2: A 50/50 dual-language model — students learn equally in English and Spanish, building a strong foundation in both languages.
• Grades 3–5: Core subjects — Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts — are taught in English.

Students also attend a daily leveled Spanish class, tailored to their proficiency (beginner through bilingual/native).

Art, Music, P.E., Swimming, and Costa Rican Social Studies are taught in Spanish, providing 90–120 minutes of immersive Spanish instruction each day.

This approach ensures students have the opportunity to develop true bilingual literacy, cultural appreciation, and the communication skills to thrive anywhere in the world.

💡 Character Education and Social Growth

At CRIA, we believe that academic excellence and character development go hand in hand.

Our small, close-knit school community allows teachers, the School Counselor, and the homeroom faculty to work collaboratively to support every child’s social, emotional, and moral growth.

Students learn values such as respect, responsibility, honesty, and compassion, preparing them to become thoughtful citizens.

📊 Assessment and Reporting

Our assessment system is designed to reflect growth, mastery, and effort appropriate to each child’s stage of learning.

Lower Primary (Pre-K – Grade 2):

• 4 – Consistently and independently demonstrates thorough understanding
• 3 – Demonstrates solid understanding with minimal support
• 2 – Developing understanding with frequent support
• 1 – Limited understanding; requires ongoing one-on-one guidance

Upper Primary (Grades 3–5):

Grade	Range	Description
A	100–90	Excellent
B	89–80	Good
C	79–70	Satisfactory
D	69–60	Needs Improvement
F	Below 60	Not Meeting Expectations

This transparent system helps families and teachers celebrate achievements while identifying areas for continued growth.

🌟 Why Families Choose CRIA Primary

• American-based curriculum aligned with international standards
• Bilingual English–Spanish instruction for real-world fluency
• Experienced, certified teachers who know every child personally
• Safe, inclusive classrooms that encourage confidence and curiosity
• STEM, Arts, and Physical Education integrated weekly
• Located near Reserva Conchal, Playa Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
• Strong focus on character, citizenship, and lifelong learning

 

We’re confident you’ll find the CRIA Primary Program to be an academically stimulating, joyful, and community-centered experience — the ideal foundation for your child’s educational journey.