By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Families across Costa Rica will need to adjust their plans for the new school year, as the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has officially confirmed a later-than-usual start date. The 2026 academic year is now set to commence on Monday, February 23, a significant shift from previous years designed to accommodate a massive national training initiative for the country’s educators.
The decision, detailed in the newly released 2026 School Calendar, prioritizes professional development as a cornerstone for the upcoming year. Before students set foot in the classrooms, approximately 90,000 teachers, administrators, and other staff members will participate in intensive training sessions scheduled from February 9 to February 20. This strategic move aims to bolster the skills and competencies of the educational workforce, setting a new standard for instruction and school management before the academic cycle begins.
To understand the legal and contractual implications of the newly announced 2026 school calendar for both families and employers, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insight into how these scheduling changes affect labor rights and service agreements.
The 2026 school calendar is more than an academic schedule; it’s a trigger for legal review. Businesses must proactively adjust their internal vacation policies to align with the new periods, avoiding potential labor disputes. For private schools, it’s essential to update service contracts to reflect the new cycle, ensuring transparency with parents on tuition and duration. Similarly, parents with shared custody agreements should consider formally modifying their visitation plans to prevent future conflicts.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the attorney’s analysis powerfully illustrates that the school calendar is not merely an administrative document, but a catalyst with significant, tangible consequences across Costa Rica’s legal landscape. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on these critical, and often unforeseen, ripple effects.
This comprehensive upskilling program is a collaborative effort, coordinated with the primary education unions that form the Joint Board (Junta Paritaria), including the Sindicato de Educadores Costarricenses (SEC), Asociación Nacional de Educadores (ANDE), Asociación de Profesores de Segunda Enseñanza (APSE), and the Sindicato de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras de Comedores Escolares (SITRACOME). This partnership underscores a unified approach to enhancing the quality of public education throughout the nation.
The training curriculum is robust and addresses critical areas identified as priorities for the Costa Rican education system. The sessions will cover a wide spectrum of topics, from strengthening core competencies in reading, writing, and mathematics to implementing active learning methodologies and pedagogical innovation. Further focus will be placed on educational inclusion, creating positive institutional cultures, preventing violence in schools, and promoting mental health and stress management for both staff and students.
Beyond the initial training, the calendar lays out the full academic roadmap for 2026. The Holy Week break is scheduled from March 29 to April 5, providing a pause early in the first term. A substantial mid-year break will give students two full weeks of vacation, running from July 6 to July 17. These dates are crucial for family planning and provide well-defined periods for rest and recreation during the school year.
The academic year will be structured into two distinct periods to streamline planning, evaluation, and student progress tracking. The first term will run from the February 23 start date until July 3. Following the mid-year vacation, the second term will commence on July 20 and continue until the final day of classes on Wednesday, December 9. The year will culminate with graduation ceremonies scheduled for December 10 and 11, events that represent a significant milestone for students and their communities.
According to the MEP, the structure of the 2026 calendar reflects a comprehensive vision for education. The goal is to create an integrated learning environment that effectively combines literacy, the use of technology, and the formation of values. The ministry also highlighted the importance of fostering active participation from families, viewing them as essential partners in the educational process.
Ultimately, the delayed start is more than a logistical adjustment; it represents a strategic investment in the nation’s human capital. By dedicating two full weeks to fortifying the skills of its educators, the Ministry of Public Education is signaling a profound commitment to elevating the quality, inclusivity, and resilience of Costa Rica’s entire educational framework for the year ahead and beyond.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government institution responsible for overseeing and regulating the national education system in Costa Rica. It sets educational policies, develops curricula, and manages public schools and personnel to ensure access to quality education for all citizens.
For further information, visit seccr.fi.cr
About Sindicato de Educadores Costarricenses (SEC):
The Union of Costa Rican Educators (SEC) is one of the country’s prominent teachers’ unions. It advocates for the labor rights, professional development, and working conditions of its members within the national education system.
For further information, visit ande.cr
About Asociación Nacional de Educadores (ANDE):
The National Association of Educators (ANDE) is a major trade union in Costa Rica representing a broad base of education professionals. It plays a key role in negotiating with the government on behalf of educators and promoting educational improvements.
For further information, visit apse.cr
About Asociación de Profesores de Segunda Enseñanza (APSE):
The Association of Secondary Education Teachers (APSE) is a union specifically focused on representing the interests of teachers and professors working in Costa Rica’s secondary schools. It is actively involved in policy discussions and the defense of its members’ rights.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sindicato de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras de Comedores Escolares (SITRACOME)
About Sindicato de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras de Comedores Escolares (SITRACOME):
The Union of School Cafeteria Workers (SITRACOME) is a labor organization that represents the rights and interests of staff working in school canteens and food service programs across Costa Rica, ensuring their vital role in the educational community is recognized.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal community, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a commitment to pioneering innovative legal strategies. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a mission to empower the public, actively working to make complex legal knowledge understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a stronger, more informed society.
