The institution plans, administers and evaluates all public elementary schools in Palau. It places emphasis on curriculum and instruction, school management, research and evaluation, and personnel management. The Ministry offers academic, vocational and adult education programmes to school-age childern, youths and adults throughout Palau.

It envisions that "Our students will be successful in the Palauan society and the world." Its mission, "In partnership with parents and community, is to ensure that our children and youth preserve Palauan culture and become contributing citizens and productive workers in a changing world."