Enrolling your children in school in Curaçao: a guide for migrant families
Securing a school place for your children is one of the biggest challenges of migrating as a family. Curaçao's system follows the Dutch model, has its own rules and, for families without papers, some concrete obstacles. This is what you should know.
School is compulsory from 4 to 18
The compulsory education law (Leerplicht) says every child must attend school from 1 August of the school year that starts after they turn 4, until the end of the school year in which they turn 18 or until they obtain a recognised diploma. The law makes no distinction based on residence permits, and children's right to education is also protected by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which applies in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In practice, each school has its own places and enrollment requirements, and some families without papers are asked for a sédula they do not have. If that happens to you, do not leave it there: further down you will find who to turn to.
What it costs
- Public and subsidised schools: they are state-funded, but almost all ask parents for an annual contribution (ouderbijdrage) for materials and activities. Ask the amount when you enroll.
- Private schools: they charge a monthly fee that varies a lot from one to another.
- International schools: they teach in English and are aimed at expatriate families; their fees are much higher.
Which language children study in
Spanish is not a language of instruction in Curaçao's public schools. Children study in Dutch and Papiamentu, depending on the school: Dutch is the language of the national exams and Papiamentu is used mainly in the first years of primary school. English and Spanish are taught as subjects. For a child who arrives speaking only Spanish, the first months are the hardest; ask the school whether it offers support for newcomers.
If you are refused a place for lack of papers
Ask for help before you give up. Human Rights Defense Curaçao (HRDC) gives migrants free legal guidance, and Venex Curaçao supports the Venezuelan community; both appear in UNHCR's help guide. Our support networks page lists more organisations.
Sources: the Government of Curaçao's information bulletin on the Leerplicht (gobiernu.cw, 2021), the Convention on the Rights of the Child and UNHCR's help guide for Curaçao. Reviewed on September 21, 2026. Fees and enrollment requirements are set by each school: confirm them with the one you choose.