About Us

The Curacao-American Preparatory School was founded on September 1, 1994 as a “proprietorship” by Thomas & Helga Budish. They wanted an educational environment where their children could blossom and discover in a small group setting.

On April 4, 2000 the “proprietorship” was changed to a foundation and the name became Stichting Curaçao American Preparatory School. The deed of incorporation of the foundation is registered by a Notary public.

The founders of the school, who are both educators who studied and specialized in the USA, were disillusioned with the choices of education available on the island.  They began a small school for their children which focused on discovery learning. Other parents heard about the school through word of mouth and the school grew from what it was then to what it is today.

To this day the main difference between CAPS (Curacao American Preparatory School) and other schools on the Island, is small group instruction (maximum class size is 18 students per adult) where each student can be personally attended to in an environment that promotes individual success and family involvement.

Currently the school boasts a student body of 105 students ranging in age from 3 to 18 years, a faculty of 8 full-time and 1 part-time members, two administrators and a secretary. For students in grades 9-12 there is a virtual high school in conjunction with the Florida Virtual School. It is fully accredited and students take their courses on line at school.

Enrollment is possible throughout the year.  Students are  accepted on a "first come, first serve" basis. A student spot is saved once the non-refundable inscription fee is paid.