Costa Rica Education
Good to Know
Costa Rica boasts Central America's highest literacy rate at 96%, a testament to its long-standing commitment to education. Since 1869, education has been free and obligatory, with early leaders prioritizing learning. The system includes elementary (6 years plus kindergarten) and high school (5 years), with English now a mandatory subject. Both public and private institutions, including the prominent University of Costa Rica, contribute to a robust educational landscape.
Costa Rica boasts a literacy rate of 96 percent making it the most literate population in Central America. Elementary and high schools are found in practically every community. The first president of Costa Rica, Jose Maria Castro (and many other early leaders), were former teachers who made education in Costa Rica a priority. In 1869, Costa Rica became one of the first countries in the world to make education both free and obligatory.
Costa Rica has continued throughout the twentieth century to make education a priority and especially in the last 20 years. President Figueres (elected in 1994) has promoted a computer in each of Costa Rica's 4000+ schools and has made English obligatory in the ciriculum.
Elementary school is divided in 6 year grades and kindergarten. Basics such as mathematics, language (Spanish and English), science, social studies, religion and physical education are covered in elementary school. Students are required to pass tests to move to the next level.
High school in Costa Rica consists of 5 year levels, finishing at 11th grade. High School students must pass the Bachillerato Tests to receive a high school diploma and to gain admission to universities.
There are private schools in Costa Rica. Students attending the private schools have much the same curriculum as public school students but also have the chance to take SAT exams and can also receive the IB diploma through special studies in their Junior and Senior years.
There are also several private universities in Costa Rica whose numbers are increasing rapidly due to the difficulty of getting into a state- funded university. The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the largest and oldest university and over 35,000 students attend this university – mostly all on scholarships. But even if no scholarship is available to the student, the tuition is only about 200 USD a semester. The main campus is in San Pedro, but there are regional campuses in Alajuela, Turrialba, Puntarenas, and Cartago.
Libraries offer adults a way to continue their education beyond sixth grade. Costa Rica has over 100 libraries, but is in need of books and money to support the additional libraries needed by the country.
Costa Rica Education Statistics:
Years Compulsary:
9
Attendance:
Grades 1 - 6: 99 percent
Grades 7 - 9: 71 percent
Literacy:
96percent
Education expeditures:
4.9percent of GDP (2004)
Public Universities:
Instituto Tecnologico de Costa Rica(ITCR)
Universidad de Costa Rica(UCR)
Universidad Nacional(UNA)
Universidad Nacional Estatal a Distancia (UNED)
Universidad Tecnica Nacional(UTN)
Private Universities:
Universidad Americana (UAM): located in Los Yoses, Montes de Osa
Universidad de Ciencias Medicas (UCIMED): located in San Jose
Universidad EARTH: located in Pocora, Limon
Universidad Hispanoamerica: located in San Jose
Universidad Latina: located in San Pedro
University for Peace: located in Ciudad Colon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of education in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a strong tradition of education, becoming one of the first countries in the world to make education both free and obligatory in 1869. Early leaders, many of whom were former teachers, prioritized education, contributing to the country's high literacy rate.
What are the different levels of schooling in Costa Rica?
Elementary school in Costa Rica is divided into 6 year grades plus kindergarten, covering subjects like mathematics, language (Spanish and English), science, and social studies. High school consists of 5 year levels, finishing at 11th grade, with students needing to pass Bachillerato Tests for a diploma and university admission.
Are there universities in Costa Rica, and what are some examples?
Yes, Costa Rica has both public and private universities. The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the largest and oldest public university, with its main campus in San Pedro. Examples of private universities include Universidad Americana (UAM) and Universidad Latina.
What is Costa Rica's literacy rate and compulsory education period?
Costa Rica boasts a literacy rate of 96 percent, making it the most literate population in Central America. Education is compulsory for 9 years.