Dominican Republic begins the 2026-2027 school year with more than two million students
This Monday, August 24, the public education system of the Dominican Republic formally begins the 2026-2027 school year. More than two million students have been called to the classrooms in a day that combines the enthusiasm for the return to academic training with the expectations and union demands that mark the current educational landscape.
President Luis Abinader has made a formal call to the entire educational community, including fathers, mothers, and teachers, to ensure massive attendance from the first day. For their part, the authorities of the Ministry of Education reaffirmed their commitment to strict compliance with the school calendar and normalcy in teaching.
Preparations and strengthening of the system
To ensure an efficient start to classes, the Ministry of Education has implemented a series of strategic measures focused on pedagogical quality and infrastructure. Among the highlights are:
- The renewal of contracts for approximately 10,000 teachers.
- Technical and pedagogical training for more than 90,000 teachers during the summer period.
- The incorporation of more than 1,200 new classrooms into the national system.
- Corrective maintenance work in 1,342 schools, benefiting nearly 9,831 classrooms.
Challenges and demands of the teaching sector
Despite official efforts, the teachers’ union, led by the Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP), keeps pending issues on the table. Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the organization, has pointed out that, following surveys conducted, some educational centers present deficiencies in their facilities, such as problems with leaks, sanitation, and a lack of basic services.
Despite the difficulties noted in certain schools, we have urged our members to join their duties in those centers that have the minimum conditions necessary to receive the student body.
Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the ADP
Another point of debate is the availability of spots. While the union has expressed concern about the responsiveness to student demand, the Ministry of Education maintains that the number of students pending placement is significantly lower and that immediate solutions are being managed to ensure that no student is left out of the system.
With this outlook, the nation is focusing on the development of this new academic term, seeking to balance infrastructure and educational quality goals with constant dialogue between authorities and the teaching staff.
Despite the difficulties noted in certain schools, we have urged our members to return to their duties in those centers that have the minimum necessary conditions to receive the student body.
Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the ADP
Another point of debate is the availability of spots. While the union has expressed concern about the responsiveness to student demand, the Ministry of Education maintains that the number of students pending placement is significantly lower and that immediate solutions are being managed to ensure that no student is left out of the system.
With this outlook, the nation focuses on the development of this new academic term, seeking to balance infrastructure and educational quality goals with constant dialogue between authorities and the teaching staff.
