ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Aruba School Fees should not result in children being prevented from entering school because of outstanding payments, Education Minister Gerlien Croes said as the government closely monitored the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year.
Most students across Aruba returned to school last Thursday with expectations of beginning a productive and successful academic year. Croes said the Ministry of Education paid particular attention to the first days of classes, including possible problems involving school-fee payments.
The minister said she received several indirect reports concerning announcements made by a school foundation regarding unpaid fees and the possible consequences for students.
Aruba School Fees Raise Access Concerns
Croes said she met with the school foundation on Wednesday, one day before schools reopened, to discuss the concerns.
During the meeting, she reminded the organization that the Government of Aruba already provides funding that covers students as well as expenses related to teachers and school facilities.
According to Croes, preventing a child from entering school because of unpaid fees is not a realistic or responsible approach when the consequences for the student are considered.
At the same time, the minister acknowledged the frustration school foundations may experience when parents or guardians fail to meet their obligations regarding Aruba School Fees.
She recognized that school foundations may charge separate school fees in addition to the funding they receive from the government and may take steps to collect outstanding payments.
However, Croes said she does not agree with handling unpaid fees in a way that prevents a child from attending school.
Ministry Receives List of Unplaced Students
Following Wednesday’s meeting, the Ministry of Education received a list of children whom the foundation had reportedly been unable to place in school, mainly because of outstanding school-fee payments.
Croes said the list was provided too late for the ministry to immediately arrange places for all of the affected children at public schools before the beginning of classes.
The minister emphasized that ensuring every child has access to education remains an important responsibility.
She pointed to several reasons why children should not face exclusion from school over payment problems.
First, the Government of Aruba already provides funding for students attending school. Second, Aruba has compulsory education requirements. Third, Croes expressed concern about the emotional effect on a child who arrives for the first day of school only to be told that they cannot enter.
Ministry Working to Get Students Into School
Croes said some affected children have already been able to start attending classes.
The Ministry of Education has also been contacting schools regarding additional cases so that other students can begin classes as quickly as possible.
For the ministry, disputes involving Aruba School Fees should be addressed without placing children in a situation where they bear the immediate consequences of an outstanding payment.
Croes stressed that the ministry understands the financial concerns faced by school foundations, but believes solutions should protect students’ access to education and consider their emotional well-being.
As the new school year continues, the Ministry of Education is monitoring the situation and working with schools to ensure affected students can participate in their education.
