Early Years Program
🌴 Early Years at CRIA: Where Curiosity and Bilingual Learning Begin Nurturing Young Minds in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
At Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA), our Early Years Program lays the foundation for lifelong learning in a warm, bilingual, and play-based environment. Designed for children ages 2–5, our program combines the latest research-based early childhood practices with the joyful spirit of discovery that defines the Costa Rican Gold Coast.
Our curriculum aligns with internationally recognized standards — including those from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) — ensuring our youngest learners thrive within a framework trusted by top American and international schools worldwide.
🌈 A Dual-Language Learning Environment
From the start, children at CRIA are immersed in both English and Spanish, developing natural communication skills and cultural confidence in two languages. Teachers model and reinforce both languages throughout the day, helping students become bilingual learners ready for a globally connected future.
👶 Developmentally Appropriate Early Years Groups
Our programs are tailored to match each child’s stage of growth and independence:
- Toddler 2 & 3 (Ages 2–3)
Multi-age setting encouraging curiosity, socialization, and sensory play.
(Must be 2 or 3 years old on or before August 15.) - Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4)
Expanding independence, language development, and early literacy.
(Must be 4 years old on or before August 15 and toilet trained.) - Kindergarten (Age 5)
Inquiry-based learning in reading, math, science, and the arts.
(Must be 5 years old on or before August 15 and toilet trained.)
🌿 Toddler Program: Learning Through Play and Exploration
Our Toddler Program encourages curiosity, imagination, and hands-on discovery. In safe, engaging spaces filled with age-appropriate materials, children explore language, early math, and social interaction through parallel learning and play.
Experienced teachers guide every moment, helping children build motor skills, emotional awareness, and self-confidence — the essential foundations for success in school and life.
✨ Pre-Kindergarten: Building Independence and Imagination
In Pre-K, children begin connecting their expanding world to real experiences. Through interactive, play-based lessons, they develop early literacy, numeracy, and collaboration skills. Our teachers cultivate curiosity and empathy while fostering independence and creativity.
Specialist classes in art, music, physical education, and library enrich their day and support a balanced approach to early childhood education.
🚀 Kindergarten: Inspiring Discovery and Growth
Our Kindergarten classrooms emphasize inquiry, experimentation, and discovery. Students explore big ideas through thematic, interdisciplinary units that connect science, math, art, and social studies.
Hands-on projects — such as exploring life cycles or teamwork — build problem-solving, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
Children continue specialist classes in art, music, P.E., and library, supporting their creativity, coordination, and love of learning.
❤️ Why Families Choose CRIA Early Years
- Bilingual English–Spanish immersion
- Small class sizes with nurturing, qualified teachers
- Safe, purpose-built early learning environment
- Curriculum aligned with American and international standards
- Located in beautiful Brasilito, Guanacaste — near Reserva Conchal
- Strong sense of community and connection
At CRIA, young children learn with joy, confidence, and curiosity — setting the stage for a lifetime of academic and personal growth.