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 then 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 curriculum.