Selecting a school in Netherlands can seem like the most nerve-wracking part of relocating with children. Online resources rarely describe daily life, and each family's priorities differ. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Amsterdam.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Most choices go wrong when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, level of discipline, and communication approach.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Narrow your options by location first. In Amsterdam, traffic can transform a decent school into a daily ordeal.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the feeling that everything is the same.
Questions Worth Asking at Schools
These questions typically uncover more than broad “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time arranged during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions are never just tuition. Factor in the full routine cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing based on reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it influences sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it isn't.
- Not asking about support: transitions can be challenging for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family's actual schedule—its location, backing, and daily ease for your child—rather than the school that boasts the most flashy advertising.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Amsterdam (commute, daily routines, questions to consider), get in touch — or call +31 20 794 6000.