How We Teach
Every Berkeley Academy student follows a curriculum built on the U.S. Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Costa Rican Ministry of Education — across nine core subject areas.
Program Overview
Two diplomas, one foundation.
Every Berkeley Academy graduate earns both a U.S. high school diploma — based on the UC/CSU “A-G” course requirements — and the Costa Rican National Baccalaureate. Instruction is in English for U.S.-required courses and Spanish for Costa Rican-required courses, taught across the nine subject areas below.
Mathematics
From Integrated Mathematics in Grade 6 through AP Calculus BC and Discrete Mathematics in Grade 12, with Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus building the path between.
English, Language Arts
Honors English in the middle grades leads to Pre-AP and AP English Language and Literature, culminating in Academic Research and Writing and a Senior Honors Thesis in Grade 12.
Science
Honors Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences in Grades 6–8 open into AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, and AP Environmental Science by senior year.
Social Studies
Students progress from Honors Social Studies and Geography to AP World History, AP U.S. History, AP Human Geography, AP Economics, and Introduction to Multicultural Studies.
Spanish
Honors Spanish in Grades 6–8 advances to AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature, preparing students for the Costa Rican Bachillerato in Grade 11.
Health & Physical Education
A dedicated HPE curriculum runs every year from Grade 6 through Grade 11, alongside varsity athletics in soccer, basketball, volleyball, golf, track and field, and cross country.
AP Capstone & Senior Thesis
AP Seminar in Grade 11 leads into AP Research and a 20-page Senior Honors Thesis in Grade 12 — Berkeley Academy's signature culminating project.
Elementary Foundations
Pre-K through Grade 5 build critical reading, writing, mathematics, and science skills through the U.S. Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, alongside Creative Dance and Performance Arts.
Electives & Extracurriculars
From AP Studio Art and AP Psychology to Model United Nations, Debate, and Berkeley Academy Students in Engineering, Computer Science, Film, Law, and Business.
See the Full AP Course Catalog
27 AP courses and 20 Honors courses — explore what's offered at every grade level.
