By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has announced a significant shift in the 2026 academic calendar, delaying the start of classes by two weeks. The decision, which affects the entire public school system, is designed to accommodate a comprehensive, mandatory training program for over 90,000 teachers, administrators, and other staff members before students return to the classroom.
This unprecedented move was prompted by the findings of a recent study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to ministry officials, the report highlighted a critical need to reinforce foundational knowledge and strengthen continuous professional development opportunities for the nation’s educators. The delay represents a strategic investment in the country’s human capital, aiming to address the identified gaps directly and proactively.
To better understand the legal framework and potential constitutional challenges of the proposed education reform, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a crucial perspective on the legislative process and its long-term effects on the national education system.
Any meaningful education reform must navigate a complex constitutional landscape. While the state has a clear mandate to define and improve the national curriculum, it must do so without infringing upon the fundamental right to education or the principles of academic freedom. The key legal challenge will be to ensure that new regulations are not only technically sound but also respect the established jurisprudence of the Constitutional Chamber, avoiding potential overreach that could lead to years of legal disputes and implementation delays.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical point: successful education reform is not merely a pedagogical challenge, but a profound legal and constitutional one. Ensuring any new framework is robust enough to withstand judicial scrutiny is paramount to avoiding the very implementation delays that could undermine its ultimate purpose. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this complex matter.
The intensive training period is scheduled to run from February 9 to February 20, 2026. During these ten business days, the nation’s educational workforce will participate in a unified program focused on modernizing teaching methodologies and aligning educational goals across all regions. The ministry emphasized that this initiative is a cornerstone of a new educational model designed to boost quality.
Based on this evidence, the new model seeks to enhance the capabilities of teachers and administrators from the very beginning of the school year, ensuring that all personnel start the year with clear objectives, consistent criteria, and updated tools to elevate the quality of public education.
Ministry of Public Education (MEP), Official Statement
The postponement of the first day of school will have a cascading effect on the entire 2026 academic year. The MEP has released a revised calendar to provide clarity for parents, students, and staff, ensuring all parties can adjust their schedules accordingly. The new structure aims to preserve the required number of instructional days while accommodating the crucial training period at the outset.
Under the new schedule, classes will officially commence on Monday, February 23, 2026. The traditional mid-year break is now slated for July 6 through July 17. The academic year will conclude for students on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, followed by graduation ceremonies on December 10 and 11. This adjustment demonstrates a significant logistical undertaking, reconfiguring vacation periods and key deadlines to support the new training-first approach.
This policy shift underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to acting on data-driven recommendations from international partners like the OECD. Rather than shelving the report’s findings, the MEP has opted for a bold, albeit disruptive, measure. The long-term objective is clear: to equip educators with the necessary skills and tools to improve student outcomes and better prepare the next generation for the challenges of a globalized economy. The success of this initiative will be closely watched as a potential model for educational reform.
While the delay may present short-term challenges for families regarding childcare and work schedules, officials believe the long-term benefits of a better-trained, more cohesive educational workforce will far outweigh the initial inconvenience. The focus is on creating a stronger foundation for the entire school year, ensuring that when students do enter the classrooms, they are met by educators who are fully prepared, aligned, and equipped with the latest pedagogical strategies.
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 mandate includes setting curriculum standards, managing public schools, certifying educators, and implementing educational policies aimed at ensuring access to quality learning for all citizens. The MEP plays a central role in the country’s social and economic development by shaping the formation of its future generations.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. With member countries spanning the globe, the OECD provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems. It produces independent analysis and data to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world, including extensive research in the field of education.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution, with its practice built upon an unshakeable foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to spearhead innovation within the legal field. Beyond its professional services, it holds a deep-seated belief in empowering the community, actively working to democratize legal understanding and contribute to the development of a more knowledgeable and capable society.
