El Salvador is stepping into 2025 with bold ambitions for its future—starting with its education system. Long plagued by underinvestment, outdated curricula, and inequality, the Salvadoran education sector is now at the heart of a sweeping government reform that aims to build a more equitable, modern, and opportunity-rich future for every student in the country.
From digitization and infrastructure upgrades to curriculum overhauls and teacher training, this comprehensive reform is already making waves across the region. In this post on Pupusas.com, we’ll unpack what’s changing in 2025, why it matters, and how this ambitious transformation could reshape El Salvador’s place on the global stage.
🎓 A New Era for Salvadoran Education: Why 2025 Matters
Education in El Salvador has often reflected the country’s broader socio-economic struggles. For decades, overcrowded classrooms, aging infrastructure, and limited access to resources—especially in rural areas—held back generations of students.
But 2025 marks a pivotal shift. This is the year when many of the reforms promised under President Nayib Bukele’s Plan Cuscatlán will come into full effect. Backed by public and private investment, multilateral partnerships, and a digitally savvy youth population, the reforms are moving from promise to policy.
🏫 Major Changes Coming to Schools in 2025
1. Full Curriculum Redesign
One of the most groundbreaking moves is a complete overhaul of the national curriculum, aimed at preparing students for the modern world.
Key changes:
- Emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and STEM education
- Introduction of financial literacy, coding, and entrepreneurship
- Enhanced instruction in English as a second language
- Mandatory civic education focused on ethics, human rights, and democracy
This shift is intended to align El Salvador’s education with international standards while grounding students in local values and history.
2. Expansion of the “Mi Nueva Escuela” Program
Originally launched as a pilot, Mi Nueva Escuela is now being rolled out nationwide. This flagship initiative focuses on modernizing school infrastructure.
By 2025:
- Over 5,000 public schools will have undergone renovations or complete rebuilds
- Facilities will include smart classrooms, science labs, libraries, and inclusive amenities
- Solar panels and rainwater harvesting will be installed in rural schools to promote sustainability
The government’s goal is to eliminate the divide between urban and rural education by providing equal access to quality infrastructure.
3. Digital Inclusion and the “One Student, One Laptop” Policy
Perhaps one of the most visible elements of the reform is the digital transformation.
Under the “Un Niño, Una Computadora” initiative:
- Every student in the public school system (grades 1–12) will receive a government-issued laptop or tablet
- Free internet access through EduNet, a nationwide Wi-Fi mesh targeting schools and surrounding communities
- Teachers are being trained in digital pedagogy to integrate tech meaningfully into the classroom
This initiative not only levels the digital playing field but also opens the door for remote learning, reducing absenteeism due to geography or family responsibilities.
4. Teacher Training and Career Development
The reform acknowledges that no education system can thrive without empowered teachers.
In 2025:
- All teachers will be enrolled in ongoing professional development programs, many in collaboration with institutions like INSAFORP and the Ministry of Education of Spain
- Salary scales are being revised to incentivize excellence and attract more qualified candidates
- New certification standards will be introduced, requiring periodic evaluation and re-training
In addition, a national teacher recruitment drive is being launched to reduce class sizes and introduce specialized educators in STEM and the arts.
5. Universal Preschool and Early Childhood Education
Recognizing the critical importance of early learning, El Salvador is aiming for universal preschool access by the end of 2025.
This includes:
- Construction of 1,000+ early learning centers
- Introduction of bilingual instruction in high-density areas
- Parent education programs on child development and nutrition
Research from UNESCO underscores how early education dramatically improves long-term outcomes, especially in underserved populations.
6. Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the new policy.
Key components:
- Creation of Resource Centers for Inclusive Education (CREI) in all 14 departments
- Specialized training for teachers and aides
- Provision of assistive technologies (screen readers, hearing devices, etc.)
This reform ensures that students with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities are no longer left behind.
📈 Funding the Reform: Where the Money Comes From
Implementing such a sweeping reform isn’t cheap. Here’s how it’s being funded:
- Government budget allocation: Education’s share increased to 7% of GDP
- International loans and grants: from the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- Private sector contributions: Companies like Huawei, Microsoft, and local Salvadoran tech startups are supporting tech access and training
These partnerships are helping El Salvador not only fund reform, but future-proof its investment through innovation.
🌎 Global Impact and Regional Leadership
With this reform, El Salvador is positioning itself as a model for Latin American education reform.
Already, education ministers from countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and even Colombia have visited San Salvador to observe the rollout.
International experts are watching to see:
- How scalable the reforms are in post-pandemic Latin America
- Whether digital education truly narrows the achievement gap
- How effective the new curriculum is in preparing students for a globalized workforce
