The 2026 public school year will begin Monday, Feb. 23, for more than 1 million students enrolled in over 5,000 public elementary and high schools, according to the Ministry of Public Education (MEP).

Students are returning to classrooms following the official two-month academic break that began in December 2025.

The ministry has published the official school calendar online, outlining key dates and education-related activities for the year.

Teachers and administrative staff returned to work Monday, Feb. 9, to participate in training sessions and prepare to implement academic guidelines for the new year.

Although schools were closed during the vacation period, education officials reported that approximately 230 public schools in socially vulnerable communities kept their cafeterias open. The schools provided daily lunches to about 160,000 students from low-income families.

The meal program is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to support students living in poverty and to improve student well-being, academic performance and school retention.

Authorities said the school year will conclude Dec. 9, 2026.

While public schools follow Costa Rica’s national academic calendar, some private schools operate on a U.S.-based schedule. Those institutions began classes in September 2025 and will finish the school year in June 2026.

The MEP oversees the public education system and implements policies and programs to ensure access to free, basic public education nationwide.