Exploring Educational Systems: A Comparative Systematic Review of Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Singapore

This study systematically reviews the educational systems of Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Singapore, focusing on governance and management, curriculum development, learner development, teacher development, pedagogical approaches, community engagement, support systems, and the role of private schools. Utilizing a qualitative thematic approach, the paper synthesizes scholarly research, government publications, and policy reports to evaluate how these nations manage structural challenges and educational reforms. Findings indicate that while Costa Rica demonstrates relatively stable governance and proactive policy responses, the Philippines faces systemic constraints, and Singapore exemplifies how strategic investments and coherent policy alignment produce world-class outcomes. Comparative PISA scores from 2018 and 2022 reveal significant disparities in student achievement, with Singapore consistently excelling, Costa Rica achieving moderate results, and the Philippines demonstrating critical challenges. These insights contribute to the development of equity-driven and resilient education policy frameworks for developing and middle-income countries.