Choosing a school where your child can feel at home, can be hard as a parent. Especially if the educational system in the new country greatly differs from the one in your home country. How do you go about choosing the right school for your child, and where in the Netherlands are these international schools located? We have gathered a list of international schools in the Netherlands to help you in the search of the perfect school for you and your child(ren).

Before you make your selection, we suggest planning a visit with the school prior. It is also recommended, if possible, to enroll your child in a school that is in walking or cycling distance. Tip: do you have doubts about which school to choose from? Visit the school to see what a typical day looks like.

What is an international school?

An international school in the Netherlands is a school where part of the education is in English. Children with non-Dutch parents can attend such schools.

The difference between public schools and International schools

There are, naturally, differences between a public elementary school and an international elementary school. The most important difference is that the public elementary schools in the Netherlands are accessible for every child and is not based on religion.

On the contrary, international elementary schools are accessible to international students who have followed an international curriculum or for children with a temporary stay in the Netherlands. International schools are often departments of Dutch primary schools with subjects taught in English.

Full list of international schools in The Netherlands

We have researched all the international schools in The Netherlands and have listed them below.

Amsterdam

• Amsterdam International Community School: the AICS is located in the South of Amsterdam and is for students from 4 to 19 years old. All classes are taught in English.
• British School of Amsterdam: BSA is a day school that offers world class education for children from 3 to 18 years.
• International School of Amsterdam: this school is located in Amstelveen and offers English-language education to pupils from 3 to 19 years old.
• Europaschool: the Europe School is a primary school in South Amsterdam. The students are offered French, Spanish and English. This primary school also operates under its own teaching method, separate from religion of cultural movement.
• Amity School of Amsterdam: this school was founded in 2018 and started with two students. Today, they already have more than 185 new registrations for the 2019-2020 school year. Amity is working towards offering a complete education package to children from 3 to 18 years.

Almere

• International School Almere: International School Almere is a small school, located in Almere Poort. The school offers education to children in the age groups 11 to 16 years and 17 to 18 years.

• International Primary School Almere: IPS is a school with more than 200 children from all over the world. IPS offers education for children from 4 to 11 years.

Arnhem

• Rivers International School Arnhem: Rivers is a primary and secondary school for children aged 4 to 18 years. Rivers preschool also offers education for children aged 2.5 to 4 years.

Bergen

• Europese School Bergen: Europese School Bergen offers education for children aged 4 years all the way to secondary school.

Breda

• International School Breda: ISB welcomes children from 3 to 18 years old. The school is subdivided into primary and secondary school.

Brunssum

• AFNORTH International School: AFNORTH is an international school that offers education to children from 4 up to 18 years old in English and German.

Delft

• International School Delft: Delft International School offers children from 4 to 12 years a unique opportunity to learn and develop in an international learning environment.

Den Haag

• American School of The Hague: ASH is located in the north of The Hague, Wassenaar. With more than 1200 students, ASH offers primary, secondary and high school education

• British School in The Netherlands: The school system at BSN is divided into five parts, namely: early years, primary education, secondary education, sixth form and higher education. Children from 3 to 18 years are welcome at British School in The Netherlands.

• Mondriaan International Business School: ROC Mondriaan has three- and four-year courses that are taught in English. Students can follow these courses from the age of 16 at the MBO level.

• Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag: the Deutsche Internationale Schule is a private school in The Hague, based on the German education system. Because the school is small, every student receives sufficient personal attention.

• Haagsche Schoolvereeniging International Department: this is an international school with a Dutch department and an international department. The ultimate goal of the school is to offer the children in group 8 50% of the lessons in Dutch and 50% of the lessons in English.

• Lighthouse Special Education: Lighthouse offers individualized education for children from 3 to 13 years old who are unable to attend regular international education. There are two classes of a maximum of 8 students, classified by age category: one for children from 5 to 8 years old and one for children from 8 to 13 years old.

Eindhoven

• International School Eindhoven: International School Eindhoven offers education for children from 3 to 18 years old. This school also has an English-speaking department and a Dutch-speaking department.

Enschede

• International School Twente: International School Twente offers international education in English to students aged 4 to 18. The school has both a primary campus and a secondary campus.

Groningen

• International Department of Groningse Schoolvereniging: International Department of Groningen School Association has an international department. Children from 4 to 11 years old can attend. Classes are taught in English, with two Dutch lessons per week.

• International School Groningen: International School Groningen is located in Haren, a few kilometers from the center of Groningen. Pupils from 11 to 16 years of age first follow the "Middle Years Program" and then move on to the "IB Diploma Program". The last program is given to students aged 16 to 19 years.

Hilversum

• International School Hilversum: International School Hilversum is a school for children from 4 to 19 years, with the mission: learning through diversity.

• Violenschool International Primary School: Violenschool is an intercultural primary school where bilingual and Dutch-language education is given.

Maastricht

• United World College Maastricht: United World College is a school that offers both primary and secondary education. Students at this school come from more than 100 different countries. Classes are taught in English.

Rotterdam

• Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam: NAISR is a school that challenges and inspires students from Pre-Kindergarten through to Grade 12 (ages 3-18 years) to be principled and resourceful citizens of the world.

• De Blijberg International Primary School: the Blijberg is a primary school for children aged 4 to 12 years. The school offers English education to children from all over the world.

Utrecht

• The International School Utrecht: the school offers education to children from all over the world and from 4 to 18 years old.

All-in all finding the perfect school for your child shouldn’t be a decision taken lightly. There is a lot that comes into play. Remember, take your time and weigh out the best decision for you and your child(ren).

Are you planning to move to The Netherlands, you might also want to read:

- How to: Integrating into the Dutch society

- Working in the Netherlands: Applying for a permit Making the move to the Netherlands