Find Your Fit: International School Culture and Values

Here’s a hot take: Too often, we, as a society, don’t fully address educational values. Many times, the emphasis is more on finding a school that’s close, or convenient, or has made the list of the best international American schools, the top international baccalaureate in Costa Rica, or a similar accolade. 

We’ll start by saying that, at CRIA, we believe in strong academics,...

Post-Pandemic: Private Schools in Costa Rica Focus on Academics

It’s one of life’s great ironies, but there are few things more unchanging than the promise of change. In education, including at many private schools in Costa Rica, this offer has long been on the menu. And yet, isn’t it also true that the more things change, the more they stay the same? It’s the ouroboros of the academic world.

The truth is, for decades, major change to education...

Education in Costa Rica, Considering: IB Diploma, A-Levels & AP/Dual Enrollment

When evaluating education in Costa Rica, you’ve already voted with your feet: As a savvy and globally minded parent, you know what kind of academic experience you seek and you’re drawn to the benefits of international schools with an internationally accredited curriculum. The question is, when considering western-based programs, which is best: AP/Dual Enrollment, the International Baccalaureate...

9 Essential Questions to Ask When Considering International Schools in Costa Rica

You’re a parent and that means you’re absolutely sure that you want the absolute best for your child or children. Defining that “best” is the hard part, especially when considering international schools in Costa Rica: What do all these acronyms mean, does the school align with your priorities and, most importantly, will your kid(s) be happy there?

These nine questions will help.

#1:...

5 Ways a Costa Rica Education Helps Students Stand Out on College Admissions

Ambitious students (and their parents) often ask, what do colleges look for in an application? The good news: Despite the seeming ambiguity that surrounds college admissions, the answer may be more clear-cut than you think. Even better, a Costa Rica education at CRIA, one of the top international schools in Costa Rica, can give your student a leg up.

We know that this veil around the college...

When Choosing an International School, Vote with Your Feet

What do you care so deeply about that you’re willing to actually do something about it?

Schooling is likely one of those things. The best Costa Rica international schools offer more than academics: Your choice of private school reinforces how you will raise your children – how you will shape their formative years.

There’s an old maxim: “If you want to know what people...

3 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Accredited International School

Hey, parents – you have a big job ahead of you! Raising a good human is fulfilling but hard work. Choosing the school where they’ll spend 5, 8, even 13 years… well, that’s a big component to the journey.

International accreditation is the first element to look for in the best private schools in Costa Rica. Why accreditation? The short answer is quality assurance.

Of...

Special Education in Costa Rica International Schools: Learning Differences, Second Language-Learners, High Abilities, and Inclusion at CRIA

Special education in Costa Rica is more than a checklist: It’s a fundamental element of a well-balanced and diverse international school.

At Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA), our incredible student body is impressive, in part, due to our diversity: One-third Costa Rican, one-third U.S., and one-third from 22 other countries – in total, students from 24 nationalities and...

3 Essential Attributes of an International College Preparatory Program: A Parent’s Guide to the Best International Schools in Costa Rica

Looking for a strong international college preparatory program, at one of the best international schools in Costa Rica? Then you’ll be happy to know that yes, there is such a thing as a Costa Rica-based international school with a college preparatory experience, beginning in Pre-Kindergarten.

At Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA), we firmly believe – and know, based on...