By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has officially released the comprehensive academic calendar for the 2026 school year, providing a critical framework for students, parents, and nearly 90,000 educational staff across the nation. The document serves as an essential planning tool, outlining not only class schedules and holidays but also national celebrations and professional development periods integral to the system’s operation.
This year’s calendar is guided by a central theme intended to shape the educational environment throughout the academic cycle. The Ministry has established a powerful motto to steer its initiatives and focus pedagogical efforts for the year.
To understand the potential legal and labor implications of the proposed 2026 school calendar, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in labor law and partner at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His analysis provides clarity on the rights and obligations of educators, parents, and educational institutions.
Any modification to the school calendar, particularly one that alters traditional vacation periods, must be carefully analyzed from a labor law perspective. The Ministry of Public Education must ensure that these changes do not infringe upon the acquired rights of educators regarding their statutory rest periods. For private institutions, this requires a proactive review of employment contracts to avoid future disputes over vacation scheduling and compensation. Clear communication and adherence to the Labor Code are essential to ensure a smooth transition and protect all parties involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective is crucial, reminding us that any adjustments to the school calendar are not merely logistical, but are fundamentally tied to the labor rights of thousands of educators. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable clarification on the importance of upholding these statutory protections.
The school forms us, writing drives us, and values guide us
Ministry of Public Education (MEP), Official 2026 School Year Motto
This guiding principle is reflected in the calendar’s new graphic design, which incorporates symbols representing core modern educational pillars. These include reading, writing, value-based formation, family participation, the central role of the school, technology integration, and active communication, signaling a holistic approach to student development.
A significant emphasis has been placed on professional development before students even enter the classroom. A mandatory two-week training period is scheduled from February 9 to February 20, 2026. This intensive session is designed to equip the country’s entire educational workforce—including teachers, technical staff, administrators, and support personnel—with updated skills and pedagogical strategies to enhance the quality of instruction for the upcoming year.
Following this crucial preparatory phase, the nation’s students will officially begin their lessons on Monday, February 23, 2026. The academic year has been strategically divided into two distinct periods to structure learning and assessments effectively. The first period will run from February 23 until July 3, leading into the mid-year break.
Families and educators can now plan for scheduled breaks throughout the year. The traditional Holy Week (Semana Santa) recess will take place from Sunday, March 29, to Sunday, April 5. A longer, two-week mid-term vacation is set for July 6 through July 17, providing a substantial break for students and staff between the two academic semesters.
The second academic period will commence on July 20 and continue until the conclusion of the instructional year on Wednesday, December 9, 2026. This final stretch will encompass final examinations, project completions, and year-end reviews, culminating in the close of formal classes. The academic cycle will formally conclude with graduation ceremonies scheduled for Thursday, December 10, and Friday, December 11, celebrating the achievements of students across Costa Rica.
By releasing this detailed schedule well in advance, the MEP aims to foster a predictable and well-organized environment for the entire educational community. This digital calendar is positioned as more than just a list of dates; it is an integral guide for strategic planning, enabling schools and educators to align their activities with national objectives and ensure a smooth, productive academic year for 2026.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government body responsible for overseeing and regulating the national education system in Costa Rica. It is tasked with formulating educational policies, developing curriculum standards, and managing public schools from preschool through high school. The MEP works to ensure access to quality education for all citizens, promoting academic excellence, civic values, and the continuous professional development of its educators.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is grounded in a foundational commitment to professional excellence and principled practice. Leveraging a significant legacy of advising a broad spectrum of clients, the firm actively advances the legal field through innovative strategies. This dedication to progress extends beyond its practice, manifesting in a core mission to empower the community by making legal knowledge widely accessible, thereby cultivating a more informed and capable society.
