American International School of Costa Rica
Web: www.aiscr.com
2008-2009
The American International School of Costa Rica (formerly the Costa Rica Academy) is a private, coeducational day school which offers an educational program from preschool through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. Founded in 1970, the school year comprises 2 semesters extending approximately from August 11 to December 12 and from January 12 to June 10.
Organization: The School is sponsored by the Pro-Escuela Academica de Costa Rica, a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization registered under Costa Rican law. It is governed by a 8-member Board of Directors elected from and by the members of the Association, who are all parents or guardians of children currently enrolled in the School.
Curriculum: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, AIS is an excellent example of a U.S. style education. It offers special education services to a number of its students, including ESL training for host nationals and third-country students who wish to attain a U.S. High School Diploma. Through a controlled admissions policy, the School encourages siblings to study in the same school even though their needs and abilities are different. The School offers Advanced Placements courses for U.S. college credit; the curriculum is aligned with California standards, and standardized exams such as the Terra Nova, the PSAT and SAT measure students against their peers in the U.S. The School also provides opportunities for students to complete the National Costa Rican Baccalaureate, following the curriculum of the Ministry of Education of Costa Rica.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year, there are 30 full-time and 2 part-time faculty members, including 11 U.S. citizens, 14 host-country nationals, and 7 third-country nationals. The School makes an effort to hire teachers with U.S. training and certification. The administrators are U.S. citizens, U.S.-trained and educated.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment was 187 (PS-grade 5: 86; grades 6-8: 48; and grades 9-12: 53). Of the total, 52 were U.S. citizens, 64 were host-country nationals, and 71 were third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 5 were dependents of U.S. government direct-hire or contract employees, 29 of U.S. business and foundation employees, and 18 of other private U.S. citizens.
Facilities: The School is located on a beautiful campus in Cariari (a suburb of San Jose). The classroom buildings are modern and built around open courtyards and tropical gardens. Sports facilities are maintained for kickball, soccer, basketball, ping-pong, and volleyball. The computer lab contains Pentium computers and access to Internet and e-mail for students.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, 100% of the School's income derives from tuition. Tuition rates are as follows: PS (half-day): $2,810; PS (full day): $3,420; PK (half-day): $3,050; PK (full day): $4,130; Kdg. (full day): $4,130; grades 1-12: $6,910. There is a one-time matriculation fee of $1,500 per student, an annual registration fee of $550, an activity fee of $100 per student per year, and a family yearbook fee of $40. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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