Are you relocating to Amsterdam, the city of canals, spectacular architecture, and museums galore?
Are you concerned about your children’s education? Don’t be.
Amsterdam has so much to offer your children culturally. From the many museums and art galleries to canal rides and colorful houseboats, your children will experience a delectable sample of European life. Let’s not forget Amsterdam’s bicycle culture! Cycling along one of Amsterdam’s picturesque canals is one of the most authentic experiences your family can have.
Many expats are attracted to Amsterdam for work and the easy-going lifestyle. As a US expat, you won’t be alone. Your children’s education certainly won’t be lacking. Read on for a rundown on some of the best schools in Amsterdam for US expats.
Firstly, you need to consider your children’s age. Will they be attending Primary, Middle, or Secondary school? What is your preference for languages? Do you want the curriculum to be totally in English or do you prefer a bilingual curriculum? Maybe you prefer that your children fully immerse themselves by attending a local state school?
Fortunately, Amsterdam can offer the US expat a range of schools catering to all your requirements. You can choose from an International School, a State-run public school known as openbaar, or a private independent school known as bijzondere. These schools have a particular educational philosophy or religion. While the public schools have no fees, the rest do.
Facts to know about school life in the Netherlands
- The school year runs from September to July, as with most European countries.
- School is compulsory from the age of five to sixteen.
- Public education is free.
- All schools in the Netherlands have five holidays in the year. Summer holidays are six weeks, Christmas holidays are for two weeks, and then Autumn, Spring, and May each have a one-week holiday.
- The school day begins between 8.30-8.45 am and finishes between 3.00 and 3.15 pm.
- The school day includes an hour lunch break. Students can eat at school or go home.
- On Wednesdays, most schools close at 12.30 pm for the day.
- School uniforms are not compulsory at Dutch schools.
- Students attend primary school for eight years and secondary for four, five, or six years.
- The number of years at secondary school depends on whether the student will go to vocational college or university.
- There are bilingual primary and secondary schools where 50% of classes are in English.
- International schools in Amsterdam follow the IB International Baccalaureate curriculum.
Finding the right school for your child is an essential factor in ensuring a happy transition to a new city in a new country. Below are some of the most highly regarded schools in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam International Community School
Located in the leafy green district of Oud Zuid, this international school caters to children aged 4 to 18 years old. It has an international body of students, and all classes are in English. It follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum as with all international schools globally. This factor ensures consistency and stability for your child. If you would like to know more about this school, you can check out their website here.
The British School of Amsterdam
Located in the Oud Zuid district of Amsterdam, this school is an international non-profit school providing a world-class education to children aged 3 to 18 years old. It is the only school in Amsterdam that offers the English National Curriculum. This curriculum and its qualifications are acknowledged and accredited globally, including the USA. The school has three departments depending on the age of the students: The Early Years for 3-6 year old, Junior School for 6-11-year-old, and Senior School for 11-18-year-old.
You can download the school’s brochure here.
International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm
This long-standing school caters to children aged 4-18 years old. All classes are in English, and it follows the IB International Baccalaureate curriculum. The student population includes at least fifty nationalities, the majority being Dutch, British, Indian, and US children. All teachers are native English speakers with an English educational background.
Your children will have the opportunity to learn either French, Spanish or Dutch. All classrooms have the latest up-to-date technology, and every senior student has a Macbook. Primary students have an iPad.
There are many extracurricular activities for students to attend, such as book club, film club, and a school newspaper. There are two indoor gymnasiums and a large outdoor multi-purpose court.
If you would like to learn more about this school, you can visit their website here.
Amity International School Amsterdam
Amity is a new international school located in the Amstelveen district of Amsterdam, fifteen minutes away from Schiphol and the city center. It first opened its doors in February 2018. It is surrounded by parks and housed in a modern, monumental building. Students at Amity can have a warm, healthy lunch at school provided in the canteen.
Amity International School follows the IB International Baccalaureate program. Many different sports, as well as music and arts, are also offered. Classes are in English. If you would like more information about Amity, check out their website here.
Florencius International School
Also located in the Amstelveen district of Amsterdam, Florencius International School caters to children aged 5-12 years old. It offers a high-quality private education to students in small classes of eight students per teacher. It aims to foster self-confidence, ambition, passion, and energy in its students. All classes are in English.
For more information about this international primary school, you can visit their website here.
The International School of Amsterdam
Also located in the Amstelveen district of Amsterdam, this private international school caters to children aged 2-18 years old. Its student body is made up of at least sixty-five different nationalities from prekindergarten to Grade 12.
This school follows the IB International Baccalaureate curriculum. All classes are in English. Students can learn a second language such as Dutch, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin. Weekly swimming lessons are mandatory. There are also many different sports available such as tennis, soccer, basketball, volleyball, golf, and track and field.
For more information about this school, you can visit their website here.
The International School Almere
This school is located about sixteen miles out of Amsterdam in Almere. It caters to children aged 11-18 years old. It follows the IB International Baccalaureate curriculum. All classes are in English. This school has an extensive list of after-school activities from hip-hop to digital art, drama, and coding. There is also music tuition and mindfulness instruction. These clubs are run by teachers and senior students, who have been trained by teachers. This program instills leadership qualities in the senior students.
For more information on this international school, you can visit their website here.
The International Primary School Almere
Like its big brother, this school is also located in the city of Almere, sixteen miles west of Amsterdam, and caters to children from 4-11 years old. It teaches the International Primary Curriculum as well as the British National Curriculum. There is also an emphasis on music, art, and physical education.
If you want more information about this school, you can visit their website here.
Optimist International School Amsterdam
This international primary school is located in Hoofddorp and caters to children from 4-11 years old. The International Primary Curriculum and the British National Curriculum are both taught. All classes are in English. Your children can learn Dutch as a second language. The student body represents over thirty different nationalities, and this school understands the challenges for expats and encourages parent groups and social interactions.
If you would like to learn more about this primary school, you can visit their website here.
In Conclusion
Relocating to a new, unfamiliar country can be exhilarating as well as daunting. The challenges of finding a new home for the family and the services that you require can be demanding. Your children’s education and finding the most suitable school is paramount when relocating overseas. Your child’s knowledge of the world is already enhanced by immersing them in a new culture. Still, it is imperative that they feel settled and happy in the right school. Here we have listed a few schools that may make the transition faster and easier. The ability to follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum in English makes everything less complicated, especially if your child is that bit older. In the end, your child will only benefit from this unique opportunity that you have made available to them.