Education

Elementary school is divided in 6 year grades and kindergarten. Basics such as mathematics, language (Spanish and English), science, social studies, religion and physical education are covered in elementary school. Students are required to pass tests to move to the next level.
High school in Costa Rica consists of 5 year levels, finishing at 11th grade. High School students must pass the Bachillerato Tests to receive a high school diploma and to gain admission to universities. Students are able to begin college at the age of 15.
There are private schools in Costa Rica. Students attending the private schools have much the same curriculum as public school students but also have the chance to take SAT exams and can also receive the IB diploma through special studies in their Junior and Senior years.

Grade levels:

People of Costa Rica place high value on obtaining an education. In 1869,Costa Rica was one of the first countries to offer free and mandatory education to everyone.

Literacy:

Costa Rica boasts a literacy rate of 96 percent.
It is the most literate population in Central America.
Elementary and high schools are found in practically every community.
The first president of Costa Rica, Jose Maria Castro (and many other early leaders), were former teachers who made education in Costa Rica a priority.
Public school tend to be regarded as the best in the country, as stated in the interview with the 33 year old Costa Rican woman. Students go to private schools when they do not pass their entry tests.

Teacher and Students:

Teachers are regarded as being in a successful profession and dress professionally.
Teachers are "looked up to" in Costa Rica.
Teachers and students are naturally affectionate towards one another.
The interview with the 33 year old woman said, "teachers hug their students and our students kiss their teachers. That would never happen here (in the United States).
Students wear uniforms in each school.