EPE is the formal preschool stage, usually lasting two years for children aged 4 and 5. It is not compulsory. Jardins-de-infância are provided through municipal and other public services, NGOs and private providers. In 2022/23, net enrollment was 86.4% across 602 establishments: 54.7% were public municipal providers, 26.5% were run by NGOs and 18.8% were private. Fees and availability vary, and lower-income households may face greater access barriers. EBO or EBF lasts eight years in two four-year cycles. Children normally enter when they are 6 years old by 31 December. The first cycle uses a mainly integrated curriculum; the second uses a unified curriculum taught by several subject teachers. Attendance is compulsory, and public EBO is free of tuition, school fees and certification charges. The final two years include preparation for the transition to secondary education. Completion gives the learner a certificate and access to ES. ES lasts four years, from grade 9 to grade 12. Students enter after successfully completing EBO. The general pathway supports further study and entry into working life. The technical pathway provides scientific, technical, social and professional specialization while remaining within the school system. Public ES attendance is tuition-free. For 2026/27, the maximum age for remaining in the general pathway is 21 and in the technical pathway 22, with exceptions for learners with special educational needs. The Ministério da Educação sets national policy, curricula, assessment and supervision. Delegações do ME handle local administration. Câmaras Municipais play a major role in EPE and may coordinate transport, while FICASE supports school meals and school kits. A school cluster, called an agrupamento de escolas, groups schools for administration and educational coordination. A Zona de Influência Pedagógica is the local catchment area used when assigning schools, normally based on residence. For 2026/27, normal registration for EPE and grade 1 runs from 1 June to 31 July. Schools set registration dates for grades 5 to 8 and ES, but the deadline is also no later than 31 July. Local exceptional cases and corrections may be handled until 30 September. Renewal is normally automatic. Families can request their preferred school cluster based on residence; placement outside the relevant Zona de Influência Pedagógica is exceptional and does not require the creation of an additional class. School access is a right and a duty for citizens, and the system provides for participation by families, communities and local authorities. Portuguese preparation begins in EPE, while the value of the mother tongue and Crioulo is recognized. The national curriculum is governed by Decreto-lei 28/2022. School meals through the Programa de Alimentação e Saúde Escolar, transport, school kits and low-cost textbooks may reduce attendance barriers, but availability depends on the municipality and provider. Decreto-lei 9/2024 provides support for learners with special educational needs, known as NEE. Regular schools are the preferred setting, with special measures and resources where needed. Each EMAEI must include at least an educational psychologist, a special-education teacher and a social technician. Disability-related fee exemptions can also apply in ES. Families should check the responsible Delegação do ME, municipality and school cluster for vacancies, schedules, transport, meals, fees and available support.
School in Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde's formal school system covers Educação Pré-Escolar (EPE), Ensino Básico Obrigatório/Formal (EBO/EBF) and Ensino Secundário (ES). EPE usually serves children aged 4 and 5, EBO covers grades 1 to 8 and is compulsory, and ES covers grades 9 to 12. Public EBO and ES education is free, while EPE fees vary by provider and municipality.
Tip
Choose the school pathway according to the child’s age, completed stage and educational goal, then confirm the local place, timetable, costs and support directly with the responsible school cluster and municipality. EPE requires the closest comparison of providers and fees, while EBO and ES require timely registration and careful attention to the catchment area. Arrange support early when a learner has special educational needs or transport, meals or school materials may affect attendance.