High School information

Costa Rica prides itself in being one of the first countries in the world to make education free and obligatory. This long tradition and constant investment in education has resulted in a high literacy level and schooling standards comparable to those of Western European countries.

Primary school lasts six years, while high school is either five or six years long. At the end of high school, the student will receive a title in "Letras" (similar to "Arts") or in "Ciencias" (“Sciences”).

All high schools have a number of compulsory subjects and offer some electives. Expect to take math, science, foreign language, social studies, and Spanish, among other subjects. A normal school day starts at 7:00am and can finish between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Lessons are in Spanish. Classes are delivered in the form of lectures.