WILLEMSTAD – The increasing reliance on tutoring and test preparation in Curaçao is raising concerns about growing inequality within the education system.
The Inspectorate of Education reports that the rise of so-called “shadow education” — including private lessons and intensive test preparation — is becoming more common among students preparing for secondary school placement.
While these services may improve individual performance, they are not equally accessible to all families, creating disparities in outcomes. Students from households with more financial resources are often better positioned to benefit from additional support, widening the gap between them and their peers.
The report highlights that the system is gradually shifting toward performance-based competition, rather than equal opportunity. This trend is reinforced by the continued emphasis on testing and selection mechanisms, which place additional pressure on students at a young age.
Parents and educators are increasingly concerned that the system is placing too much emphasis on results, rather than on the overall development and well-being of children.
The Inspectorate warns that without intervention, these trends could undermine fairness and inclusivity in Curaçao’s education system.