Dominican Republic prepares for 2026‑2027 school year amid supply distribution and price concerns

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education announced that more than two million students will return to classrooms on 24 August for the 2026‑2027 school year. The ministry highlighted preparations to ensure that children have the necessary resources and services from day one.

The National Institute for Student Welfare (INABIE) has accelerated the distribution of school kits, delivering 744,489 kits to districts across the country, including Santo Domingo, Santiago, and other provinces. Additional shipments of over 16,900 kits are scheduled for the eastern and northeastern regions.

At the same time, parents in Santo Domingo report sharp price increases for textbooks, uniforms, backpacks and shoes, forcing many families to spread purchases over several weeks and seek discounts. The higher costs are especially burdensome for households with multiple school‑age children.