Schools, daycares, and activities for children in Tahiti: school calendar 2026-2027 and top addresses
In French Polynesia, the school year does not follow the same calendar as mainland France: the 2026 school year started on August 11 and ends in early July 2027. The system is managed by the General Directorate of Education and Teaching (DGEE), with both public and a large private network (Catholic, Protestant, Adventist). This guide presents the calendar, enrollment procedures, rules for daycare centers, and activities for children, along with addresses from the Annuaire de Polynésie.
- School year 2026-2027: from August 11, 2026 to July 2, 2027 (1st degree) or July 3, 2027 (2nd degree).
- Starting in 2027-2028, the school year will begin on August 23.
- Approximately 60,000 students, of which nearly 46,000 are in the public system.
- A daycare or nursery that accommodates more than 3 children must be licensed (application at ARASS).
- The directory lists 91 schools, 10 kindergartens, and 5 daycares.
The Polynesian school calendar
The calendars are set by decree of the council of ministers (decree n° 372 CM of March 23, 2026 for the next three years). For 2026-2027, the start of the school year was on August 11, 2026; classes end on July 2, 2027 for elementary schools and July 3 for middle and high schools.
Major change starting in 2027-2028: the school year will begin on August 23, 2027 (year of the Pacific Games), the week of vacation at the end of October will be eliminated, and a second week will be added in February. Detailed calendars are published on education.pf.
Enrolling your child in school
- Public pre-school and primary schools: contact your town hall, which will direct you to the local school.
- Public middle and high schools: assignment based on the sector, in coordination with the institution.
- Private education: enrollment is done directly with the institution. Private schools are very common: Catholic network (La Mennais, Anne-Marie Javouhey, Saint-Joseph in Punaauia, Don Bosco in Pirae, Notre-Dame des Anges, Sacré-Cœur in Taravao…), Protestant (Pomare IV, Samuel Raapoto…) and Adventist (Tiarama College).
At the start of the 2026 school year, around 46,000 students were expected in the public system, and slightly more than 60,000 in total, including public and private.
Preschools and primary schools
Among the listed institutions: the Bilingual Preschool of French Polynesia, the private preschool of Putiaoro and Heitama in Papeete, Ariitama in Papara, the Vaiterupe Preschool in Paea, the Saint-Paul School in Papeete or the Tehaehaa Primary School in Hitiaa O Te Ra. View all education listings by town.
Daycares and nurseries: mandatory licensing
Any facility that cares for more than 3 children not related to the family must be approved. The application is handled by the ARASS, and the approval is granted by decree after the opinion of a commission (deliberation n° 95-1 AT of 1995, decree n° 146 CM of 2009). Before enrolling your child, ask to see the approval.
Examples of listed structures: Bisounours Daycare and Tama Here in Pirae, Tama-Arii Daycare in Arue, Puurai Childcare Center and Lil’angels Daycare in Faa’a.
Activities for Children
Tahitian dance (ori tahiti)
It's the flagship activity. The directory lists 11 dance schools, including the Arato’a school in Arue, the Tamanu dance center in Punaauia, the Manohiva school, and the André Tschan center in Papeete. For a degree-granting program, the Conservatoire artistique de la Polynésie française (Te Fare ‘Upa Rau) is the only public institution authorized to issue traditional studies diplomas.
Surf and water sports
Eight surf schools are listed: Tahiti Surf Experience and Taie Fa’ahe’e in Punaauia, Moana Surf School in Mahina, Ocean Vibes in Paea… See also our guide to sports activities in Tahiti.
Music
Four music schools in Papeete: Les Arpèges, Fare Musique, Ninirei’s Music School, Petit Salon de la Chanson.
Frequently asked questions
When does the school year start in Tahiti?
August 11, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year. Starting from 2027-2028, it will be on August 23.
How to enroll your child in school in French Polynesia?
Contact your town hall for public pre-school and primary school information, and contact the institution directly for private schools.
Does a daycare need to be licensed in Tahiti?
Yes, as soon as it welcomes more than 3 children not related to the family. The approval is handled by the ARASS.
Where to learn Tahitian dance for your child?
At one of the dance schools listed in the directory, or at the Conservatoire artistique de la Polynésie française for a degree-granting program.
