Education

Education plays a key role in the development of Aruba. More than 80 schools cater to over 22,000 students.

The education system of Aruba, which is organized along similar lines as the system in the Netherlands, provides for education at all levels. The Government finances the national education system almost entirely, except for private schools, which finance their own activities.

See the List of Schools in Aruba

At present the educational system consists of the following:

Primary Education

In Aruba there are three types of primary education.

Kindergarten, for children from 4 to 6 years;
Basic education for children from 6 to 12 years;
Special education is kindergarten and / or primary education for children who need special care.

Seven different school boards offer primary Education in Aruba. As in the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the parent is free to choose in terms of education or educational principles they believe best fits their family.

General Secondary Education

In Aruba there are three types of general secondary education.

MAVO, (Secondary General Secondary Education) with a duration of 4 years.
HAVO (Higher General Secondary Education) with a duration of 5 years.
VWO (Pre-University Education) with a duration of 6 years.

After primary school, and after having reached the age of 12, children continue their development in the General Secondary Education level. General Secondary Education prepares students for their future and further study.

Vocational

In Aruba there are two types of general secondary education.

EPB, (lower vocational education) having a duration of 4 years or a period of 3 years for the special practical training for students who have difficulty learning from books.
EPI, (secondary vocational) with a duration of four years.

After primary education children can go over to lower level education and vocational education, also after the MAVO or EPB they can go to the secondary vocational level 1. It prepares students and vocational students for various professions and combines vocational learning at school with hands-on practice.

Higher Education

Higher education in Aruba offers several courses. Young people with a HAVO, VWO or MBO-diploma may continue into higher education.