Hi There,
I know This question has been posted before, but I just want to make sure I get all information I can have.
Probably, and just probably, we will have to move to Bonaire (Wife/husband and 2 kids)weŽre from Venezuela, I do speak Dutch but not my family, so, as far as I understand, there are 4 elementary schools for my kids at Bonaire (they are 11 and 8 years old both females)is that still true? or are there more. Also, since the official language is Dutch, where can they learn it? is there a Language institute or has to be private tutors? Can anyone send me more information about the schools and where to learn the Dutch?
IŽll be going to Bonaire on April 7th and have the meetings to see if moving to Bonaire itŽs a go, with the current political/economical situation at Venezuela, we have to move out.
If everything goes OK ( and I do believe they will) IŽll go again with the family to search homes, schools etc.. before they make the final move (July/Aug probably, after schools here are over), meanwhile, IŽll be there working and waiting for them.
So, if anyone can give me more information about the issues I said before, it will be highly appreciate, my email: antoron@cantv.net
Also, please excuse my lack of proper English and hope to meet you guys at Bonaire
Best Regards
Ronald

I'm sorry I can't help you with most of the info you are looking for, however, I do know that kids usually return to school here in early August, around the 10th. I'm not sure of the date this year (may even be Aug 9). Also, keep in mind that schools close for Easter April 9-18, so do your "homework" about schools as soon as you land, as you might not be able to get much info after April 8.

Had you not mentioned you were from Venezuela, I would not have known (your last name is not exactly Latin; like mine--the only thing Dutch about me is my last name, and that's only by marriage; I'm American, but living on Bonaire 14 years)--your English is very good.

Thanks Ruth for your kind information, I donŽt think IŽll have much time this trip to look for information about schools or many other things IŽd love to find out, all depends on the business schedules meetings we have, but at least IŽll have a short glimpse of what Bonaire is about, if I can do the deal, then shortly I will go back again with the whole family for a week or so to seek information about schools, homes, cars, paper work etc. BTW, my family is Dutch but I was born in Venezuela.
Also, we will have to find how my wife can do to work there, she is a dentist and even we know she wonŽt be able to work by her own, maybe she can work with a stablish dentist as an assistance or so.
Once more, thanks for your info and hope to meet you one day at Bonaire
Ronald Hoogesteyn Bergkamp

This year schools are closed April 7th through April 16th. School ends for the year on July 2nd.
Reina Beatrix is scheduled to open the new school year on August 10th this summer.

Other than school there is not an official place to learn Dutch. There are several private tutors that you can hire. Miriam Piek comes to mind as a person I have heard good things about.

Thanks Linda for your help, will try to reach Linda once we get there
Best regards
RHB

Hello, I am actually doing a paper for a college class on the education system of Bonaire. My aunt used to live there so that is why I chose it. I know the system is undergoing many reforms. Are all schools free to the public, including universities (if within N.A.) ? There is only one high school on the island, correct? Are all of the vocational institutions attached to the high school? I am sure I will have more questions throughout the night. I am doing my paper as we speak. I would appreciate the help. -Kristy

Hello Kristy,

There are no vocational schools in BON but students can go to CUR for technical and college. It appears it is also paid for by the govt.

If anyone wants first hand knowledge of what my personal experience has been placing an 11/12 year old into grade 6 year (having no Dutch background) please feel free to email me.

I STRONGLY suggest if you are moving here, do it when the kids are VERY VERY young.

Maggie is a very bright child having been a honor student in the US. She entered grade 6 here in Dec. She has an intensive private Dutch tutoring outside of school. Our experience has been very interesting. Please contact me anytime..

Annie