Costa Rica EducationCosta Rica education is of a high standard. Over 6.5% of the national budget is spent on education which has been compulsory (for primary school) in Costa Rica since 1869. Their education system has resulted in the highest literacy rate in Latin America which is approximately 97%. All students receive free and compulsory primary schooling for six years followed by three years of secondary schooling which takes them through the 9th grade, roughly to the age of 14. Large numbers of urban children attend pre-school classes. There are close to 3500 primary schools and about 200 secondary schools in Costa Rica. Following secondary school, a two year specialized course completes the high school education program. Students can then continue their education with further studies in university. Costa Rica has 39 universities, if you include it's government supported Open University with 28 regional centers. This Open University located in San Jose enrolls about 28,000 students each year. The main difficulty to continuing education in rural centers is limited access to the education facilities. A number of private universities are also available in mostly located in and around San Jose. In the picture below of the San Jose university area, you see a vibrant and bustling community. 
Costa Rica's high standard of education continues to support the economy and it's educated work force continues to attract new companies in the information economy from microprocessor manufacturing to service and call center operations. The attraction of new companies along with a growing surge in tourism and eco-tourism continues to fuel the economy. Check out more information on the
southern zone development
and a
new luxury resort development
in the southern zone, where the biodiversity of the country is intensified and where eco-tourism thrives.
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