Vijonet Déméro, the Minister of National Education, reiterates in a circular dated August 4th, 2026, the free provision of preschool education and the first two cycles of primary school, as well as the regulation of tuition fees for the third cycle of primary school and in the Republic's high schools.

In accordance with the constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to education and compulsory schooling, and with reference to the circular of August 6, 2025, the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP) reaffirms its commitment to ensuring accessible schooling for all Haitian children while transparently regulating financial contributions in the public sub-sector.

In this regard, the following directives are brought to the attention of all educational authorities in the public school system :

1. Absolutely free preschool and the first two cycles of primary school :

• Scope : National schools (preschool, first and second cycles of primary school);

• Directive : It is strictly forbidden to demand or collect any financial contribution whatsoever (registration, re-registration, operating, information sheet, or material fees) from parents or guardians.

• Rule : Schooling for preschool and the first two cycles of primary school in the public system remains entirely free.

2. Regulation of Fees for Elementary and Secondary Schools (High Schools) :

To ensure the proper functioning of secondary schools while preserving families' purchasing power :

• Authorized Ceiling : Public school principals are authorized to collect a single, fixed fee that may not, under any circumstances, exceed 1,500 HTG (one thousand five hundred gourdes) per student for Elementary and Secondary Schools. No other fees may be charged during the academic year.

• Exclusive Allocation I> These funds must be used exclusively for the maintenance and cleanliness of the premises, as well as the basic operation of school infrastructure.

• Proportionality and Management : These funds are intended to cover expenses not covered by the Ministry of National Education, particularly for infrastructure maintenance and the development of teaching materials.

3. Transparency, Monitoring, and Sanctions :

• Obligation of Transparency : For all payments made in the third cycle of primary education and in high schools, an official receipt from a standard receipt book must be issued. Transparent accounting records must be made available to the Ministry's auditing services.

• Sanctions : Strict adherence to the provisions of this circular is mandatory. Any offender will be subject to severe disciplinary and administrative sanctions, in accordance with the regulations governing the civil service and the internal rules of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP).

Departmental Directors of Education (DDEs), inspectors, and administrative authorities are mandated to ensure the immediate, firm, and unconditional application of these instructions throughout the national territory.

HL/ HaitiLibre