History & Background
🏛️ History & Background of Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA)
25 Years of Academic Excellence on the Gold Coast of Guanacaste
Established in 2000, Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA) began as a small, English-language, co-educational, non-sectarian school near Playa Flamingo. From its earliest days, CRIA has upheld standards and values comparable to selective U.S. independent and college-preparatory schools, emphasizing excellence, character, and citizenship.
In 2002, CRIA moved to its current location on the Huacas–Brasilito road near Reserva Conchal, marking the start of its long-term growth and community impact.
Over the past 25 years, CRIA has grown from just 40 students to over 400 in 2025, with campus capacity for more than 800 students. This steady growth reflects our strong reputation across Costa Rica and beyond — for academic rigor, bilingual education, and college preparation that rival top international schools worldwide.
🎓 Accreditation & Academic Recognition
CRIA is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education (MEP).
Our students earn a U.S. high school diploma and may choose from a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with the opportunity to earn the AP Diploma.
Through dual-enrollment partnerships with Grand Canyon University and Arizona State University, CRIA juniors and seniors can earn college credits while still enrolled in high school — an opportunity that sets them apart in university admissions both locally and internationally.
Our graduates are accepted into top universities in Costa Rica, the U.S., and around the world, continuing CRIA’s legacy of academic excellence and global readiness.
👩🏫 Our Faculty and Learning Philosophy
CRIA’s faculty represents a blend of academically qualified educators from the United States, Costa Rica, and other countries — all united by a shared commitment to student growth and well-being.
Our small class sizes (averaging 18 students in Primary and 22 in Secondary) allow for personalized instruction and strong teacher-student relationships.Teachers at CRIA are guided by a philosophy that challenges students to think independently, communicate effectively, and act with integrity — nurturing both intellectual curiosity and responsible citizenship.
🌎 Values and Ethos
CRIA proudly welcomes students and families of all creeds, religions, and perspectives.
While the school does not offer religious instruction, we believe in teaching and modeling universal moral values such as fairness, justice, compassion, honesty, and the timeless Golden Rule.
Faculty and staff exemplify these principles in daily practice, ensuring that character education is woven naturally into every part of the CRIA experience.
🏫 A Place for Learning, Growth, and Belonging
Today, CRIA stands as one of Costa Rica’s most respected international schools — a bilingual, U.S.-accredited institution serving the Guanacaste and greater Costa Rica community.
Our campus near Reserva Conchal offers modern facilities, a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, and a spirit of innovation rooted in 25 years of success.
We continue to grow, adapt, and inspire — preparing future generations to
Think. Aspire. Achieve.