The EPB Hato reopening for students is scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026, according to school director Erwin Lopez, who clarified that the school will not reopen for students earlier in the week.
Lopez said students are expected at school early Monday morning, while teachers will return on Thursday, August 20, for preparation and professional-development activities before classes begin.
The director said EPB-Oranjestad ended the previous academic year with positive results and hopes to achieve even better outcomes during the new school year.
He thanked teachers for their work during the previous year and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
First-Year Classes Already Full
Lopez said the school’s first-year classes are already full, while second-year classes are nearly at capacity.
Parents who have not yet registered their children are being urged to visit the school as soon as possible so administrators can determine whether space can still be arranged.
According to Lopez, adding additional classes is difficult because Aruba continues to experience a shortage of teachers.
Finding new teaching staff in August is particularly challenging because many qualified teachers have already secured positions.
Teacher Shortage Remains a Concern
Lopez said several factors are contributing to the shortage.
Some teachers have left education for other employment opportunities, while others have moved to Bonaire or the Netherlands.
Others have transferred to Colegio EPI or retired.
He warned that more teachers are leaving the profession than entering it.
The increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65 has temporarily kept some experienced teachers in the system, but Lopez noted that many are now approaching 65 and will eventually retire.
Around 600 Students Expected
EPB-Hato expects to begin the new school year with approximately 600 students.
Lopez said enrollment has fallen by nearly 50 students compared with the previous year, reflecting a broader decline in the number of school-age children in Aruba.
For now, the lower student population provides some flexibility, but the director warned that teacher shortages could eventually become more difficult to manage.
The EPB Hato reopening will take place on Monday, August 24, 2026, while parents who still need to arrange enrollment are encouraged to contact the school promptly.
