Selecting a school in Netherlands may seem like one of the most challenging aspects of moving with children. Online resources often miss what everyday life is truly like, and every family has different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning to relocate to Amsterdam.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, identify your non-negotiables. The majority of choices go wrong when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily time you spend driving is more significant than you might realize.
- Curriculum: options include British / American / IB / local curricula.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, level of discipline, and how they communicate.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Amsterdam, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about the available support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Rely more on your own observations than on glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to elicit more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical 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 kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Enjoys)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the total daily expenses.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Bottom Line
The right school is typically the one that matches your family's actual daily routine: where it is, the support offered, and everyday ease for your child—not the school that boasts the slickest marketing.
If you'd like help weighing priorities for Amsterdam (commute, routines, questions to ask), reach out — or call +31 20 794 1234.