In Santa Teresa, 274 students are attending school for only four hours per day because there are not enough classrooms to support a full school schedule. Limited physical space forces schools to divide students into shifts, leaving children with reduced instructional time and fewer opportunities for complete curriculum coverage.
Shortened school days mean students miss out on key subjects and experiences that are part of a standard full-day education — including extended literacy, mathematics, arts, physical education, and social learning activities. Nationally, research shows that schools operating in multishift or shortened schedules often deliver significantly fewer hours of instruction than full-day schools, and students may not complete the full curriculum effectively. (OECD)
Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Education (MEP) normally expects schools to provide a full schedule of lessons throughout the academic year, but in overcrowded or resource-limited schools, students may receive far less instructional time than intended due to classroom shortages. (OECD)
The “Build Classrooms, Build Futures” Initiative
To address this, the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral (ADI) of Mal País and Santa Teresa is sharing a community campaign called “Build Classrooms, Build Futures.” The initiative aims to support efforts to expand classroom space, enabling schools in Santa Teresa to move toward full-day schedules that give students the time and environment they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Expanding classrooms can help students access a more complete education, enable schools to offer a full curriculum, and make it easier for families who depend on consistent school schedules for work and child care.
Why This Matters
Full-day schooling supports:
- Broader curriculum coverage
- Time for subjects beyond basics (arts, science, physical education)
- Greater instructional continuity
- Less disruption in learning routines
- Better alignment with national education standards
When students are limited to shift-only schedules, it becomes harder for teachers to cover all required materials and for students to stay engaged throughout the year. (OECD)
Get Involved — Contact & Follow
To support the Build Classrooms, Build Futures effort:
Connect with ADI Mal País & Santa Teresa
Facebook: facebook.com/ADIMalPaisSantaTeresa
Instagram: @adi_malpaissantateresa
Email/DM for updates, events, and ways to contribute
Whether by sharing, donating, or joining community discussions, local engagement is an important step toward full-day education for all students in Santa Teresa. Please help and make a donation.. Any size of donation is much appreciated.
