The excellent 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 almost entirely the national
education system, except for the private schools, which finance their own activities.
In the 1994 budget 16.6 percent was earmarked for the recurrent expenses of education and
20 percent for investments. These percentages are higher than the average of the region.
Moreover, in the National Development Plan 1991-1995 an investment budget
of AFL 43.8 million (in constant 1990 prices) has been allocated to education.
At present the educational system consists of the following:
Nursery Schools
In total 23 nursery schools have been established in Aruba. The schools were attended by
some 2,385 pupils in 1994/95.
Primary Education
This is given to children in the age-group of 6-12 years. At present there are 32
primary schools. These schools had more than 7606 pupils in 1994/95. Besides regular
primary education, schools have been established for children with learning difficulties.
Secondary Education
In total 23 schools for secondary education are available in Aruba, offering a
variety of opportunities, such as Lower Technology Education (LTO), Education (HAVO),
University Preparatory Education (VWO), Lower Home Economics Education (LHNO), and Lower
Economic, Tourist Trades and Administrative Education (ETAO). In 1994/95 the schools were
attended by 5608 students.
Middle Level Professional Education (MBO)
This includes the following types of education: Intermediate Technical
Education (MTO), Intermediate Administrative Education (MAO), and Intermediate Tourist
Trades Education (Aruba Hotel School). In total 3 schools for middle level professional
education have been established in Aruba. These schools were attended by 655 students in
1994/95.
Higher Education
In Aruba there are two institutes of higher education: the
University of
Aruba (UA) and the Teacher Trainee College (IPA). The UA offers at the moment only law and
Finance and Economics Faculties. In 1994/95 a total of 137 students attended these
faculties. The IPA is in the process of reorganization. It is the intention that the new
IPA will train teachers, give refresher courses and conduct research. The IPA had 59
students for 1994/95.
Study Abroad
Since the choice for higher education on the island itself is limited, many students are
studying abroad. In 1994 some 72.2% of the students went to the Netherlands, and the rest
mainly to the US.
The following educational possibilities are also available: pre-nursery
education, adult education, various short courses for vocational training, and the
International school. The International School is especially for children of foreign
executives who are working in Aruba on a contract basis. This school has the American
curriculums.
Click
here for a list of schools
