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Costa Rica, Guanacaste
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The school teaches English and Spanish. The Dual Language Program aims for bilingualism and biliteracy, using a CUP model to connect language proficiency across languages. Spanish language courses run from Spanish 1 (beginner) through Spanish 4, with AP Spanish Language and Culture offered in Grades 10–12, aligned with Costa Rican MEP standards. English-language support for multilingual students is provided through ELL services and standardized assessments.
Dual Language Program for Toddler through Grade 2. Students spend roughly half of learning time in Spanish and half in English. In Toddler–Grade 1 a single bilingual teacher leads the class; in Grade 2 a two-teacher model is used, with the Spanish lead instructing Spanish language arts and science and the English lead instructing English language arts and social studies. All students in the dual language program learn Spanish in art, physical education, music, and Costa Rican social studies.
Immersion is provided through daily Spanish instruction for all students and integration of Spanish across daily life. Spanish is used in Music, Physical Education, and Art, and Costa Rican culture is highlighted via annual field trips. From Grade 3–12, a Spanish Language Program offers 3–4 levels of Spanish to accommodate varying proficiency, including AP Spanish Language and Culture for upper grades.
Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA) is a private day school in Guanacaste serving the international community from PreK through 12. The school teaches a U.S.-based curriculum with AP courses and dual-enrollment university partnerships. It is fully accredited KG–12 by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education. The 32-acre campus features 41 classrooms, science labs, a STEM Lab, two fine arts suites, a performing arts stage, a multipurpose court, soccer and beach volleyball facilities, a swimming pool, a cafeteria, and a library. The program is bilingual in English and Spanish and integrates Spanish language and culture across the curriculum; AP Spanish Language & Composition is offered. Extracurriculars include National Honor Society, Model UN, leadership councils, and service learning, with a Community Service requirement for grades 9–12, plus dual-enrollment with Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University.
