Schools for ALL

Schools for ALL

Every year many families are emigrating to Curacao, either temporarily for a few years, or permanently. Schooling is a big theme when weighing up all of the options. Fortunately, there are plenty of good schools, meaning a smooth transition is likely for your child. There is a wealth of knowledge on the internet these days to complete your research from far, and you can always set up a visit to any of the schools to get a greater understanding of the campus and atmosphere once you are located on the island.

Most people who relocate to or visit Curacao quickly realize that the multicultural atmosphere extends to all aspects of life, including education.

Zero Dutch language skills? No problem! There are a number of excellent International and private schools to choose from on Curacao that welcome non-Dutch speaking school age children! All of the international schools value individual growth through creative problem solving and critical thinking. The schools all provide a supportive and safe learning space for all children always encouraging welcomeness and respectfulness amongst their multicultural students and staff. Some of the tuition fees are heftier than others - always a good thing to check out when researching schools.

Curacao Advanced International Secondary School (CAISS)

has an affiliation with Cambridge University in England and welcomes primary and secondary aged students to their English taught classrooms. Success at this school will open doors to some of the best universities in the world.

Curacao American Preparatory School (CAPS) is a “multicultural and inclusive learning community.” Kindergarten through High School classes are available with a US-based curriculum with international influences. All classes are taught in English, with the exception of foreign language classes. For those that do not speak English fluently, there is an English Language Learner (ELL) program which helps develop or strengthen these skills.

International School of Curacao (ISC), the oldest English-based school on Curacao, also has an inclusive aim: “to develop future citizens as individuals who are collaborative, involved, respectful and responsible.” Elementary through High School children are welcome. All instruction is in English with the exception of Dutch and Spanish language courses.

Finally, the largest private Foundation Dutch school is Schroederschool. Originally, a school for the children of Shell employees. Now, it is a public private school for all children, provided the large tuition fees are paid! Rather a different school for your children? There are plenty of options that embrace a more religious way of life through their teachings:

Radulphus College provides a Catholic-Christian philosophy of life through their school curriculum. They just celebrated 75 years anniversary in 2023! Based on the Dutch schooling system, this could be an excellent choice to foster a child’s educational needs with a religious aspect.

There’s also Santa Margaretha College, Sint Franciscus College, Santa Famia and Maria Auxilliadora College. These all fall under the RKCS (Roman Catholic Central School Board) and Dutch is the language of instruction.

Additionally, there are more (very) popular schools with the local population that also have all-Dutch language instruction. You might need some inside contacts to get your child enrolled in one of these favored education centers:

Marnix School (Protestant Christian), Johan van Walbeeckschool (public), Dr. Albert Schweizerschool (Protestant Christian) Römer School (public)

Of course, there are many other wonderful local and private schools to choose from where children can get a very good education and they will, of course, be welcomed with open arms and smiling faces.

The evolution of education on Curacao.
As the island of Curacao evolves, so is the education system. By innovating and introducing new teaching methods and curriculum, the children and young people on Curacao are given the opportunity to adapt and immerse themselves in the ever-changing world around them, promoting economic prosperity and a sense of well-being.

The first immersive English language school.

Curacao’s first English Immersion School (EIS) opened in September 2023 at Sint Antonius College in Santa Maria. Children aged 4-6 years old comprise the initial two groups to take part in this newly developed curriculum, all taught in the English language. Initiated in 2020, the course of study has been developed with the needs of Curacao in mind - respecting the island’s history, culture and diversity.

A collaboration between the American Consul, Catholic Schools Board and the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and Sports, the research-based educational program is “proven reliable and designed to be interactive, engaging and versatile”. This new style of education gives these children a basis for developing the cognitive and social skills necessary to become “global citizens”, adapt more easily and gain access to further educational and economic opportunities. An investment in the young children of Curacao, and foreign children, this new curriculum is free and available to all schools, which means if you want your child to learn in the English language, this is available for you and your family too! Are you interested in starting your own EIS (English Immersion School) or do you want more information? Click here. English Language Curriculum - U.S. Consulate General in Curacao (usconsulate.gov)

A shake up coming to Curacao’s hospitality and tourist industry with hybrid learning.

It is old news that the tourism industry is advancing on the island of Curacao. New hotel developments, expansion and redevelopments of beach fronts and growing tourist numbers are some of the telling signs. The question is: what is being done about it and how is the island of Curacao preparing for this expansion?

Together, the UDC (University of Dutch Caribbean) and Saxion University of Applied Sciences Netherlands, will expand their curriculum come September 2024 to prepare prospective students with a new and unique Bachelor’s degree in hotel management and hospitality.

This newly introduced hybrid course will start with year 1 taking place here in Curacao. This will allow students to try out the curriculum and see if it’s what truly motivates them, all from the comfort of their own homeland. If the shoe fits, studies for years 2 and 3 will take place in the Netherlands, with opportunities to immerse oneself in another culture and gain real life experience outside of the island. For the fourth and final year, the student would return back to Curacao to complete a minor/internship/graduation. By returning to the island, the hope is that the newly graduated student will apply the fresh wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm directly to the island’s tourism sector.

By splitting the studies over two locations, with further incentive to do some studies in other countries, the student will gain exceptional international experiences in real life hospitality situations. There are three main themes of the 4-year course: hospitality, business and communication. By learning in real practice with a personal atmosphere, the students will achieve innovative, international and entrepreneurial applications.

Learning the importance of hospitality and how it is experienced in other cultures, a student will be able to effectively manage and innovate business enterprises, using communication as the link across cultures to bring them together.

This degree is recognised by the Minister of Education of Curacao/Netherlands Antilles and accredited by the NVAO (Saxion). It’s possible for the student to receive two degrees from the two separate entities. By applying the course themes to local and international enterprises, using real life situations with personal guidance and support from the tutors, the connection to local labor market in Curacao and in the Netherlands is unmatched bringing unparalleled opportunities to change and shape the future of tourism on this lovely island.

Want more information? Check out the UDC website to read all the details