Costa Rica International Academy

Costa Rica International Academy, also known as CRIA, is a bilingual U.S. and MEP accredited school on the Gold Coast of Guanacaste. According to its official site, the school has served families in the region since 2000 and describes itself as a long-standing leader in bilingual education focused on academic excellence, character, and citizenship. CRIA emphasizes a purpose-built 32 acre campus designed to support learning and student wellbeing across age levels, with facilities that include science labs, a STEM lab, arts spaces, sports areas, a library, and a performing arts stage. The school’s official materials also present a broad educational environment intended to inspire passionate learners while supporting creativity, athletics, and community life in one integrated campus. For families in Guanacaste who want an established international option, CRIA stands out for its dual accreditation, sizable campus, and explicit commitment to pairing strong academics with values-based student development in a coastal region that continues to attract both local and international communities.