Education in Costa Rica

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.

Education in the Costa Rican Constitution

The literacy rate in Costa Rica is of 96% (CIA World Fact Book, February 2007), one of the highest in Latin America, and both elementary and high schools are found throughout the country in practically every community. This literacy rate is based on "The percentage of people aged 15+ who can, with understanding, both read and write a short, simple statement related to their everyday life (UN Common Database (UNESCO))."

According to art. 78 of the Constitution:

"Preschool education and general basic education are compulsory but not enforced. Though the system is said to be free, many cannot afford the required uniforms and rural schools have no books for students. The length of time daily spent in school is 3.5 hours since the school class schedule is divided into two sessions in order to accommodate the students. 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."

History of education in Costa Rica

Since the 1840s, 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.

chool

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.

High School

There are only a few of schools in Costa Rica that go beyond the 12th 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).

Private School

Private schools in Costa Rica offer a robust education meeting international standards which help increase student opportunity at continuing studies abroad or finding work in the international market. Amongst the programs available to students studying in private schools is the chance to take the SAT exams or partake and receive the IB diploma through special studies in their Junior and Senior years.

There are several private schools that cater from kinder to high school:

* American International School
* Blue Valley School
* European School
* Lincoln School

University

Depends on specialty. There are four public universities in Costa Rica:

* Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR)
* Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR)
* Universidad Nacional Autónoma (UNA)
* Universidad Nacional Estatal a Distancia (UNED)

There are also several private universities:

* Instituto Centroamericano de Administracion de Empresas (INCAE)
* United Nations University for Peace
* Universidad de EARTH
* Universidad de Iberoamerica (UNIBE)
* Universidad Autónoma de Centroamérica (UACA)
* Universidad Católica de Costa Rica
* Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
* Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT)

External links

* [http://www.oei.es/quipu/costarica/index.html Sistemas educativos en Costa Rica]
* [http://www.mep.go.cr/ Ministerio de Educación] -Government portal
* [http://www.ucr.ac.cr/ Universidad de Costa Rica]
* [http://www.uaca.ac.cr/ Universidad Autónoma de Centroamérica]
* [http://www.ulacit.ac.cr/ Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología - ULACIT]