The Education System in Costa Rica

Preschool and general fundamental educations are mandatory but not imposed. Every day the time-span that is spent in school is 3.5 hours. There are 2 sessions in school timetable class in order to have room for students.

The primary education is taken for 6 years. It deals with all the fundamental knowledge in Spanish language, science, social studies, and mathematics, in addition to some minor topics as arts, music, physical health and religion.

High school education may last 5 or 6 years. It consists of mandatory subjects and tenders some electives. Both primary and high school student are permitted to study free but a small amount is charged which is $20 for every students. There are only some schools in the country that go further the 12th grade. Those schools that complete the 11th grade obtain a Costa Rican Bachillerato Diploma certified by the Ministry of Education of Costa Rican. The International Baccalaureate Diploma and USA High School Diploma are offered by schools that have classes to the 12th grade. Along with the programs offered to students considering private schools is the opportunity to acquire the SAT exams and achieve the IB diploma.

Private schools in the country tender a vigorous education to meet the international criteria which help out the student to go on with studies abroad or obtaining work in the global market. Some foreign private schools include Country Day, International Christian, Marian Baker School, Franco Costarricense (French), Humboldt (German), and Escuela Japonesa (Japanese).