Choosing a school for your child in Costa Rica is a big decision – especially with so many options, from local public schools to private international academies. To help make the process easier, here’s a list of key questions to ask when looking at both public and private schools.

Questions to Ask Public and Private Schools in Costa Rica

School Hours & Schedule

• What are the school hours?
• If classes are only in the morning or afternoon, do the schedules alternate, or is it consistent?

Instruction Time

• How many actual hours of instruction do students receive per day (excluding meals and breaks)?

Classroom Structure

• Does every grade have its own dedicated classroom and teacher?
• What is the maximum number of students per class?
• If enrollment exceeds the limit, are new classrooms created, or do class sizes increase?

Classroom Environment

• Are there fans or air conditioning in the classrooms?

Physical Education & Extracurricular Activities

• Is physical education part of the daily schedule?
• How long are PE sessions, and what types of activities are included?

Religious Education

• Is religious instruction mandatory?
• Can parents opt their children out? If so, what alternative activities are available?

Books & Supplies

• Are textbooks provided by the school, or do parents need to purchase paper copies from a bookstore/copy shop?

Teacher Availability & Substitutes

• If a teacher is out sick, on vacation, or on maternity leave, does the school provide a substitute?
• If not, are classes canceled, or are multiple grades merged with one teacher handling different lessons simultaneously?

Meals & Nutrition

• What type of food and beverages are provided at school meals?
• Are parents allowed to send meals from home?

Student Well-Being & Safety

• What is the school’s policy on bullying?
• How are bullying incidents handled?

Health & Vaccinations:

• What are the school’s vaccine requirements?

Support for Diverse Learning Needs

• What options are available for children who need additional support?
• Are there specialized teachers, support staff, or accommodations for different learning abilities?