Official 2026 enrollment and education-center totals.
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Education in Costa Rica
DATA2026
1.089m enrollment 路 5,315 education centers 路 two compulsory pre-school years
Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Education reported 1,088,959 students enrolled across 5,315 education centers at the start of the 2026 school year. The Ministry also states that the final two pre-school levels are compulsory before first grade, while primary education is organized into two three-year cycles.
Enrollment
1,088,959*
Education centers
5,315*
Pre-school
2 years
Primary
6 years
Costa Rica Education System
| Stage / measure | Structure or value | Current interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-school | 2 compulsory final levels | Interactivo II and Transici贸n |
| Primary, Cycle I | Grades 1-3 | First half of primary |
| Primary, Cycle II | Grades 4-6 | Second half of primary |
| System enrollment | 1,088,959* | 2026 school year |
* Reference period and estimate status are shown with the figure.
Two compulsory pre-school levels
The Ministry states that pre-school includes two compulsory years immediately before primary school: Materno Infantil, Interactivo II, and Transici贸n. For 2027 pre-enrollment, children entering Interactivo II must be four by the stated February cutoff.
Six years of primary education
Primary education is divided into Cycle I, covering first through third year, and Cycle II, covering fourth through sixth year. The Ministry's school-material guidance uses the same two-cycle structure.
2026 enrollment
At the opening of the 2026 school year, the Ministry reported enrollment of 1,088,959 students across 5,315 education centers. The value is a static school-year count, not a live population figure.
Secondary education follows primary
The Ministry organizes secondary schooling as Third Cycle and Educaci贸n Diversificada. This page keeps those stages separate from the primary-cycle structure and does not infer a duration beyond what the cited guidance establishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students were enrolled at the start of 2026?
1,088,959.
How many education centers were reported?
5,315.
How many compulsory pre-school years are identified by the Ministry?
Two final pre-school levels.
How is primary education divided?
Into Cycle I, Grades 1-3, and Cycle II, Grades 4-6.
What follows primary education?
Third Cycle and Educaci贸n Diversificada at secondary level.
Are the 2026 enrollment figures live?
No. They are static figures for the 2026 school year.
Sources and Methodology
Official statement that the two final pre-school levels are compulsory.
Official current structure showing primary Cycles I and II and secondary education.