By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has officially announced the concluding dates for the 2025 school year, providing clarity for students, parents, and educators across the nation. The final day of classes for public schools has been set for Wednesday, December 10, marking the formal end of the academic period.
The announcement establishes a clear timeline for the final activities of the year, allowing families and institutions to plan accordingly. This schedule is a critical piece of information not only for the education sector but also for various economic sectors, including tourism and retail, which are heavily influenced by the start of the student vacation period.
To delve into the contractual and labor implications of the new 2025 academic calendar, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Any modification to the school calendar, such as the one planned for 2025, requires private educational centers to proactively review and amend their service contracts and employment agreements. Clearly defining the new dates for instructional periods, holidays, and payment schedules is crucial to prevent future legal conflicts with parents and teaching staff. Legal certainty is the best investment against potential litigation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on contractual clarity serves as a vital reminder that administrative changes have profound legal and relational implications for the entire educational community. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight, which underscores the importance of foresight in preventing future conflicts.
Before the final bell rings, students will participate in one last significant national observance. The MEP calendar specifies that the final civic act of the year will take place on Monday, December 1, to commemorate the Day of the Abolition of the Army. This event serves as a cornerstone of civic education, reinforcing a core tenet of Costa Rica’s national identity and its long-standing commitment to peace and demilitarization.
Following the conclusion of classes, the focus will shift to celebrating student achievements. Graduation ceremonies for primary and secondary schools are scheduled to be held on Thursday, December 11, and Friday, December 12. These dates will also accommodate the commencement exercises for the prestigious national network of Scientific High Schools (Colegios Científicos), recognizing the country’s top young minds in STEM fields.
In the days immediately preceding the end of classes, parents and guardians will need to complete a crucial administrative task. The MEP has designated Monday, December 8, and Tuesday, December 9, for the enrollment confirmation process, known locally as ratificación de matrícula. This two-day window is essential for securing a student’s place in preschool, primary, or secondary education for the upcoming 2026 academic year.
Crucially, ministry officials have emphasized that the closure of academic activities does not mean the complete shutdown of educational facilities. In a move to ensure continued social support, school cafeterias (comedores estudiantiles) will remain operational even after classes have ended. This policy is vital for guaranteeing nutritional security for thousands of children who rely on these meal programs throughout the year.
The specific operating hours for the cafeterias during the vacation period will be determined and communicated by the administration of each individual school. This measure underscores the dual role of educational centers in Costa Rica as hubs for both learning and essential community support services, particularly for the most vulnerable student populations.
With the calendar now set in stone, families can confidently make holiday plans, and businesses can prepare for the annual shift in consumer activity that accompanies the year-end school break. The clear timeline provides the stability needed for the smooth transition from the 2025 academic cycle to the administrative preparations for 2026.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government institution responsible for overseeing and regulating the national education system in Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all students from preschool through secondary school. The MEP develops the national curriculum, manages public school administration, and implements policies aimed at fostering academic excellence and civic values.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice, grounded in an unwavering dedication to professional integrity and superior service. Drawing upon a deep-rooted history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers modern legal strategies while engaging meaningfully with the public. This commitment extends to its fundamental goal of demystifying the law, thereby equipping society with the knowledge necessary for empowerment and civic strength.
