American International School of Costa Rica is a American Curriculum / Advanced Placement (AP) school in San Jose, Costa Rica. Founded in 1970. Annual tuition ranges from $6,630 to $10,520 USD.
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Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Key facts
About
American International School of Costa Rica (AIS) is a private, co-educational, non-profit day school in Heredia, near San José, serving students aged 3 to 18. The school follows an American curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and awards both U.S. and Costa Rican high school diplomas, enabling students to pursue higher education domestically or abroad. Accredited by AdvancedED Cognia, AIS emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and global mindedness within a small, internationally diverse community.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
AIS offers both U.S. and Costa Rican high school diplomas and has more native English-speaking teachers than any other U.S. diploma school in Costa Rica. It provides AP courses, college counseling through IACAC membership, and a College Preparation class starting in 10th grade. The school operates as a non-profit with a service-minded culture and a small, internationally diverse community.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Grades 1-12 | CRC 10,520 |
| Preschool/PK/K | CRC 6,630 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: CRC 6,630 - 10,520.
Admissions Process
- 1Download and complete the AIS Admission Form. 2) Submit required documents (transcripts, cognitive report if applicable, standardized test scores, passport/ID copies, passport photos, recommendation letter, birth certificate, financial solvency letter, vaccination record, and audiometry/eye screening for preschool to Grade 1) to [email protected] or in person to the Admissions Coordinator. 3) Sit entrance exams and participate in an interview (interview may be conducted virtually). 4) Receive admission decision within 15 working days of the interview.
Admissions Details
School Day
Calendar follows the U.S. academic year (August–December and mid-January–June); two semesters; school day 8:00am–3:00pm; after-school activities 3:10pm–4:10pm.
Student Life
All students must wear a polo shirt with the AIS logo and khaki or navy-blue pants, shorts, or a skirt. The physical education uniform consists of an athletic shirt with the AIS logo and shorts or leggings.
A hot breakfast and lunch are offered daily in the AIS cafeteria by EM Delicias, with drinks and snacks also available. Microwaves are available for students who bring their own food. Meals can be paid via bank transfer to each child's account or in cash.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
AIS addresses students' social, emotional, and intellectual needs through its mission, emphasizing character building, respect, and leadership. The school provides a safe learning environment as a core value.
Student Demographics
School Background
Non-profit school founded in 1970, led by Executive Director Kattya Alvarado.