The Ministry of Education announced on March 14 the observance of the International Day of High Abilities, highlighting ongoing efforts to support students with high potential through specialized programs and legal frameworks.
This day draws attention to the importance of identifying and nurturing students’ creativity, critical thinking, leadership, social sensitivity, and capacity for innovation. The ministry said that national laws such as Law No. 8899, Law No. 10080, and Executive Decree No. 38808-MEP provide a regulatory foundation for education tailored to the characteristics, interests, and learning pace of high-potential students.
One highlighted initiative is STEM Racing Costa Rica, which presented its progress and future plans for 2026. Inspired by an international model promoted by Formula 1, this program has reached more than 14,000 Costa Rican students since its introduction in 2023 through educational tours, regional competitions, semifinals, national finals, and training activities within schools.
The Ministry’s Unit for Educational Permanence and Reincorporation (UPRE) invited the educational community to share best practices that promote student retention and reintegration in schools. Communities are encouraged to submit their strategies using a provided QR code.
Other recent events include the administration of National Standardized Diagnostic Tests from March 10 to March 13 for over 65,000 final-year primary students across more than 3,400 public and private schools. Additionally, March 8 marked both International Women’s Day—recognizing women’s historical struggle for equality—and the Day of School Cafeteria Workers in Costa Rica as established by Decree No. 27063-MEP.
In recognition of contributions to national sovereignty and peace during the Campaign of 1856-1857—and as the first woman in Costa Rica’s National Army—Francisca “Pancha” Carrasco Jiménez was declared Benemérita de la Patria in 2025. The Minister of Public Education Leonardo Sánchez also unveiled a commemorative plaque at Colegio Técnico Profesional Uladislao “Lalo” Gámez Solano honoring its namesake as the first Minister of Education in the Second Republic.
