Curaçao (CW)
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island of approximately 160,000 people situated 65km north of Venezuela, outside the Atlantic hurricane belt.
Education & Schools
Schools, universities, and language courses in Curaçao.
👶 Childcare & Kindergarten
Government-subsidised public kleuterschool attached to primary schools. Income-related contributions apply; the administering body is the Curaçao Social Insurance Bank (SVB).
Contact individual schools directly. No centralised registration system. Register early as popular schools have waiting lists.
Apply directly to the preschool. Many require application 3–6 months in advance.
🏫 Schools
Register at the school office with proof of Curaçao address, birth certificate, and VVA permit. Some popular schools have waiting lists — register early. International schools offer alternative English-language programmes.
Placement based on primary school exit test and teacher recommendation. Four tracks: VSO (special needs), VSBO (vocational, 4 years), HAVO (general secondary, 5 years), VWO (pre-university, 6 years). International schools: apply directly with prior school records.
🌍 International Schools
The International School of Curaçao (ISC — iscuracao.net) and the Curaçao International School (CIS) are the main English-medium international school options. ISC offers the IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum from primary through to the IB Diploma (grades 11–12). CIS follows a US-accredited curriculum. Both schools serve the expat community and are significantly more expensive than public schools. Applications should be submitted 1–3 months before the school year. Entrance assessments may be required.
🎓 University
Apply directly to the University of Curaçao (uoc.cw) or Hogeschool Curaçao. VWO diploma (or equivalent) required for degree programmes. HAVO diploma for HBO (applied sciences bachelor). Proof of Dutch language proficiency required for most UoC programmes.
🗣️ Language Courses
Strongly recommended for integration. Spanish speakers have a significant advantage — approximately 40% of Papiamentu derives from Portuguese/Spanish. Duolingo offers a basic Papiamento (Aruban variant) course as a free supplement.
Required for naturalisation (A2 minimum). Expats working in government, education, or healthcare benefit most. Dutch is required for most government services and many professional contexts.
Education & Schools
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