By now you may have heard Compulsory Education is here to stay and it is the law.- Are you complying with the law?
- Do you know the procedures?
- What if my child is sick?
- If I need to leave the country for an emergency what to do?
We will do our best to provide you with all the information on Compulsory Education you may need. Browse the site and contact us with all questions, suggestions and observations, we are ready to serve you.
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Foundation Catholic Education
For enrollment visit the perspective schools
+1721 542-3858
catholicschoolboard@hotmail.com
www.catholicschoolboard.net
Office hours: 7:00 am - 4:00pm
Time of registration: During Holy Week
Foundation Methodist Agogic Centre
Backstreet #91, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
+1721 542-3490
macedu76@yahoo.com
Executive Offices Hours: 8:00 am - 4: 00pm
Time of registration: February
Protestant Christian Education, WI
25 Grapefruit Rd, St. Peters, St. Maarten
+1721 548 - 4757
hillsidecs@caribserve.net
www.hillsidechristianschools.org
Time of registration: First week in the month of April
SVOBE
15 B Charles E. Vogesstraat, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
+1721 548-3511/ +1721 542-2910
svobe@sintmaarten.net
www.svobe.org
Office hours: 7:30 - 14:30
Time of registration: First day in the month of June
LAW ON COMPULSORY EDUCATION
The Compulsory Education Law (Leerplichtlandsverordering P.B. 1991, no 85) basically states that all children in St. Maarten between the ages of 4 and 18 MUST attend school.
Different groups are responsible under this law:
- Parents are responsible for making sure their children attend school..
- Schools: responsible to ensure that registered students are attending school. If they do not, it must be reported.
- The Government: responsible to control there is compliance of the law by parents and schools.
Government has appointed the Inspectors Education, Culture, Youth & Sports as the authority to ensure that there is compliance with the law.
APPLYING FOR EXEMPTION
A request must be completed at the office of the Inspection Division of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports. Exemption can ONLY be requested by the Parent or Legal Guardian of the student in Question. See below, the necessary documentation needed to complete a request.
- Documentation to apply for exemption
- Identification of Student, Parent / Guardian and Person traveling with student (if traveling).
- Travel Itinerary: reservation (if traveling)
- Proof Documentation
CONSEQUENCES OF TRUANCY
As with all laws there are consequences when responsible parties do not adhere to that law. The consequences for breaking the law on Compulsory Education are clearly defined in the law. See a brief list below:
Warnings (verbal and written)
Fines
- for Parents
- First Offense (up to fls. 500)
- Repeat Offense (up to fls. 2500)
Incarceration
- for Parents (up to maximum 60 days)
Brooks Tower Building
Falcon Drive #7, Harbor View,
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
+1 (721) 542-3479 or +1 (721) 542-3182
truancysxm@gmail.com