ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Stichting Avondonderwijs Aruba (SAA – AvondMAVO) has announced a major structural change for the 2026–2027 academic year with the introduction of an innovative “Start Program” designed to help students earn their MAVO diploma within two years.
The school, which provides adults and young people with a second opportunity to obtain a MAVO diploma, introduced the new approach following evaluations and data analysis that revealed a consistently high dropout rate in the second year of study. Traditionally, only about one-third of students progressed to the next level after the transition period and student withdrawals.
The new Start Program will begin at the start of the academic year and continue through the end of November. During this period, students will receive instruction at the third-year MAVO level while also benefiting from structured remedial support integrated into their schedules.
Under the new system, admission will no longer depend on an entrance test. Instead, students only need to be at least 16 years old to enroll.
Students who meet promotion requirements by December—including academic performance standards, an information technology certificate, at least 80 percent attendance, and a positive recommendation from teachers—will advance officially to Year 3.
Those who do not meet the requirements will have the opportunity to participate in a special remedial program between January and April to improve their chances of continuing as regular students in the following school year.
AvondMAVO has set a goal of having at least 40 percent of Start Program participants successfully advance to Year 3 during the first year of implementation.
The school is also revising its exemption policy. Previously, students needed a grade of 7 or higher to qualify for an exemption in a subject. Under the new policy, students who achieve a grade of 6 will qualify for an exemption that remains valid for ten years.
According to the school, the changes are intended to create a more realistic, motivating, and results-oriented educational pathway while reducing dropout rates and maintaining high educational standards.
