The Education System of Costa Rica

Abstract

Historically, Costa Rica has put great emphasis on the development and strength of the national education system. Education has been free and compulsory with a humanistic orientation since 1869. The military army was abolished in 1948, and as a result, parts of the released funds were invested in education and health. Today, Costa Rica is investing just under 8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in public education. The country now has one of the best literacy rates in the world, with nearly 100% of the younger population and 96% of the adult population. Since 2016, the country has undergone a powerful education reform oriented toward educating for a new citizenry and considering the twenty-fi rstcentury skills. All major programs being offered from preschool to high school are being changed. The chapter deals with the history and legal framework (administration and governance) of Costa Rican education and points out some important areas related to the current curricular transformations, i.e., early childhood education, education for sustainable development, equity and multiculturalism, technical education, and aspects related to technologies applied in education.