The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) in Costa Rica has announced changes to the enrollment ranges across all levels of the public education system. This update is aimed at reducing class sizes by 40% to 60%, a move intended to improve learning conditions and teaching quality.
According to the MEP, this is the first adjustment in nine years, despite significant demographic changes in the country. The decision seeks to enhance pedagogical mediation, allow for more personalized student support, and increase learning opportunities for each student. The ministry notes that a sustained decline in birth rates and overall enrollment prompted this revision, which had not been updated since 2017.
The MEP clarified that the reduction in group sizes will not lead to teacher layoffs. Instead, “the Ministry bets on making the most of human talent through smaller groups and strategic reassignment of personnel when necessary to strengthen other educational centers.”
The ministry also highlighted that these changes represent progress toward inclusive education by enabling better attention for students with disabilities or special educational needs without affecting other students’ learning processes.
With these measures, Costa Rica aligns itself with international best practices where smaller classes are linked to improved learning outcomes, greater teacher well-being, and a more equitable education system.
The start of the 2026 academic year was also marked by new details from the MEP under the motto: “School shapes us, writing drives us, and values guide us.”
In addition, February 11 marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science—a date established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015—to highlight women’s roles in science and technology and encourage girls’ participation in STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics).
Applications for post-secondary scholarships will be available online starting February 5 through the Digital Regionalization Module (ReDi), replacing previously announced dates. Further information on requirements can be found on the MEP website.
Every year Costa Rica celebrates Poetry Day nationally on January 31—the birthday of poet Jorge Debravo—under executive decree Nº 25134-C since 1996. The International Day of Education is also observed annually to recognize education’s role in promoting peace and development.
