Discovering Costa Rica

Page 45

Education

Since 1870, the government began allocating about 8% of the national budget to education.

Education in Costa Rica is both free and mandatory until the 11th grade. A focus on education

has continued to grow over the years, making it very competitive worldwide. Costa Rica now

has the highest literacy rate in Central and Latin America, and its educational system is ranked

21st in the world. Education in Costa Rica places strong emphasis on teaching computer skills

and the English language early on.

Today there are 9,300 educational institutions in Costa Rica. There are more than 200 private

schools registered at the Ministry of Education, most of which are bilingual (being English the

most common; there are also schools offering German, French, or Hebrew) and offer world-

renowned programs such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB).

The educational system is divided into three main sections: primary, high school, and university.

Primary schools are mandatory, and the public ones are free; high schools are roughly 70%

public and 30% private. In 1941 the Universidad de Costa Rica was established, the country’s

largest university. Twenty years later, more public universities were established. The first private

university, INCAE, was established in 1964.

For those relocating to Costa Rica and in need of an internationally certified school, there are

six schools that will provide international diplomas certified by organizations such as the SACS,

NEASC, and MSA. Those schools are: American International School, Blue Valley School,

British School, Country Day School, Lincoln School, and Marian Baker School.

Additionally, the National Training Institute (INA) offers free technical training in many fields.

Several technical schools and universities prepare professionals with the highest international

standards. These institutions offer various levels in electronics, electric, mechanical, process

engineering and all scientific and liberal professions.

Schooling

School placement is competitive with no guarantees. Information about all international and

local schools is available online a

Many school systems in Costa Rica run the same way.

Requirements may vary, but at a minimum, all schools will require birth certificates, proof of

citizenship, transcripts, immunization records, academic records, and references among other

documentation. Per Costa Rican government regulations, all students must wear a uniform.

Schools offer these uniforms at the beginning of the school year and usually have a small store

for parents to purchase extra pieces. Schools, in general, offer transportation service and in

some cases, lunch and snacks are available at school.