WILLEMSTAD – Schools across Curaçao are preparing for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, with the government placing greater emphasis on school safety, student attendance and early intervention when children are frequently absent from class.
Classes begin on August 20 for students at RKCS and VPCO schools, although parents are advised to check with their individual school or school board because starting dates may differ.
One of the major areas of attention this school year will be compulsory education. In Curaçao, children are required to attend school from the age of four until their 18th birthday, unless they obtain a recognized PKL, TKL, HAVO or VWO diploma earlier.
Parents and guardians are legally responsible for ensuring that their children are enrolled and regularly attend school.
The Compulsory Education Unit has been strengthened ahead of the new school year. The unit expanded from three to six employees in 2026 and, for the first time, has a formally appointed coordinator.
Its role is not limited to taking action against unauthorized absenteeism. The government wants the unit to identify problems at an earlier stage and provide guidance to families before prolonged absenteeism develops into a more serious problem.
Schools are required to keep attendance records and report unauthorized absences.
School safety will also receive increased attention. In July, the Council of Ministers approved a Psychosocial School Safety Plan covering all schools in Curaçao. The Ministry of Education is responsible for implementing the plan in cooperation with other organizations.
At the same time, the Ministry of Education, police, school boards, social workers and the Compulsory Education Unit are strengthening their cooperation through the Safe Schools Platform.
The objective is to identify social, behavioral and safety problems earlier so that students and families can receive assistance before situations escalate.
Students in foundation and secondary education at recognized school boards officially receive 61 vacation days during the school year. Outside these designated periods, compulsory education rules remain in effect and parents cannot simply keep their children home for additional vacation without permission.
For RKCS and VPCO schools, students have been on summer vacation since July 13. After classes resume on August 20, the first school break is scheduled for October 12 through 16. Christmas vacation runs from December 21 through January 1, followed by the Carnival break from February 8 through 10.