Education in Costa Rica

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Second graders working in Centro Educativo Linda Vista de Santa Rosa, Guanacaste.

The education system in Costa Rica consists of three main levels. It is a duty of every citizen and an obligation to receive education, as such it is free and obligatory by law.

1 Education in the CostaRican Constitution
2 History of education in Costa Rica
3 School
4 High School
5 University
6 External links

[edit] Education in the CostaRican Constitution

The literacy rate in Costa Rica is of 96% (CIA World Fact Book, Feb 2007), one of the highest in Latin America, and both elementary and high schools are found throughout the country in practically every community. According to art. 78 of the Constitution:

"Preschool education and general basic education are compulsory. These levels and the diversified education level are, in the public system, free and supported by the Nation. Public expenditure in State education, including higher education, shall not be less than six percent (6%) per annum of the gross domestic product, in accordance with the law, without detriment to the provisions of Articles 84 and 85 of this Constitution. The State shall facilitate the pursuit of higher studies by persons who lack monetary resources. The Ministry of Public Education, through the organization established by law, shall be in charge of awarding scholarships and assistance."

[edit] History of education in Costa Rica

Since the 1840's, it was clearly expressed in the Constitution and by various presidents, such as Dr José María Castro Madriz, that education was the means by which the democratic culture would be fostered, and that it was the duty of the state to provide those means.

The greatest impulse was given under Mauro Fernández, minister of Education, in the years 1887 and 1888, in favor of free schooling. Fernández continued the effort throughout the rest of that century.

[edit] School

Divided in six year grades. It covers all the basic knowledge in mathematics, social studies, language (spanish) and science, as well as some minor topics as music, religion, physical health and arts.

[edit] High School

There are only a few of schools in Costa Rica that go beyond the 11th grade. Those schools that finish at 11th grade receive a Costa Rican Bachillerato Diploma accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education. Schools that offer classes to the 12th grade offer either the International Baccalaureate Diploma, accredited by the IBO in Geneva, Switzerland or USA High School Diploma, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).