Moving to Curaçao with your family: growing up and international education

Moving to the Caribbean is a significant step. When you emigrate with a family, factors such as education, healthcare, accessibility, and the day-to-day living environment play an important role alongside the choice of housing.

How is the school system organized in Curaçao, and what does growing up on the island actually entail? In this edition of Burbach Roycroft Insights, we explore educational opportunities and a few practical considerations for families considering a move to Curaçao.

Growing up in Curaçao offers many opportunities for an active lifestyle. The warm climate makes outdoor sports and activities on and around the water appealing year-round. Think of sailing on the Spaanse Water, tennis, golf, or other sports activities. Thanks to the international makeup of the population, children are also exposed to different languages and cultures.

For many families, safety, privacy, and freedom of movement are key factors in choosing a place to live. That’s why they often opt for a home in a gated community or a quiet residential neighborhood. Areas such as Jan Thiel, Jan Sofat, Blue Bay, and the vicinity of the Spaanse Water offer a variety of housing options, each with its own character and level of amenities.

For many parents, a good education is a key consideration when moving abroad. The Curaçaoan education system includes elementary school and various forms of secondary education. The specific choice of school depends on the child’s age, the preferred language of instruction, the curriculum, and plans for potential further education in the Netherlands, the United States, or elsewhere.

• (Voluntary) daycare
• Preschool
• Elementary education
• Secondary education, including VSBO, HAVO, and VWO

Curaçao has schools with different languages of instruction and educational profiles. Within primary and secondary education, there are options taught in Dutch and Papiamento, among others. Local education is governed by Curaçao’s education laws, and the Education Inspectorate oversees the quality of education.

In addition, there are private and international schools. The International School of Curaçao (ISC) is an accredited private school where instruction is conducted in English and International Baccalaureate programs are offered. For families considering international secondary education in the future, such a curriculum may be an attractive option.

Please note that private and international schools may charge tuition, and that admission requirements, available spots, and any waiting lists vary by school. It is therefore advisable to contact your preferred school directly well in advance of your move to inquire about current requirements and availability.

Once the children are enrolled, the daily school routine may differ from what you’re used to in the Netherlands. School hours, uniform policies, and enrollment periods vary by school. Therefore, always check the most up-to-date information directly with the school.

Many schools start relatively early in the day. However, the exact start and end times vary by school and age group. As a result, afternoons are often spent on sports, homework, extracurricular activities, or after-school care.

At various schools, a school uniform is part of the policy. Whether this is mandatory and what dress code applies varies by institution.

Elementary education in Curaçao is intended for children ages four and up. The specific enrollment dates and registration procedures are organized by schools in accordance with applicable regulations. Therefore, if your child turns four during the school year, be sure to contact the school of your choice well in advance.

For parents, health and development are naturally a top priority. Curaçao is home to the Curaçao Medical Center and several other medical care providers. Which healthcare provider is the best fit depends on your personal situation and the specialties you need. It’s wise to make sure you have health insurance and access to medical care properly arranged before moving to Curaçao.

Outside of school, there are a wide variety of options for sports, music, horseback riding, water sports, and other activities. The offerings vary by location and season. When choosing a home, it can therefore be helpful to consider not only the distance to school but also sports clubs, childcare, and other amenities that are important to the family.

For foreign buyers, residence arrangements may be available under certain conditions, with a substantial investment playing a role. However, purchasing real estate does not automatically mean that the entire family will receive a residence permit. The conditions, amounts, and procedures are subject to change and depend on your personal situation. Therefore, before purchasing a home or emigrating, have a specialized immigration advisor or attorney review the current residence regulations.

The choice of a school is often closely tied to the location of one’s home. Especially during the morning rush hour, travel times on busy routes can be lengthy. A strategic residential location can therefore make a big difference in a family’s daily schedule.

Residential areas such as Blue Bay, Jan Thiel, Jan Sofat, and the area around the Spaanse Water are popular among families because of the combination of housing, recreational opportunities, and local amenities. Which location is the best fit depends heavily on the chosen school, workplace, and lifestyle. The layout of the property can also play a role: for example, some larger villas feature a separate guest house or extra space for staff.

This can be practical for families who, when moving, plan to accommodate guests, family visits, a nanny, or an au pair.

Are you considering moving to Curaçao with your family? Feel free to browse the available properties in Burbach Roycroft’s portfolio to get an idea of the options in various locations.

See a property that catches your eye? Then schedule a tour or a detailed consultation. One of our experienced real estate agents will be happy to help you find a living environment that meets your needs and is conveniently located near schools and other amenities.

Would you also like to be among the first to hear about new listings? Then sign up for the exclusive Burbach Roycroft updates. This way, you’ll receive information about properties available exclusively through us, sometimes even before they’re widely listed on the market.