Selecting a school in Netherlands can seem to be the most anxious aspect of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing a move to Amsterdam.
First: Clarify what “Good” looks like for your family
Before evaluating options, set your non-negotiables. Many choosing mistakes come from comparing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily travel time matters more than you might expect.
- 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: school structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Amsterdam, congestion can transform a decent school into a daily grind.
- Confirm openings and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Rely more on your observations than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything seems identical” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What’s the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate students who join mid-year?
- How do teachers keep families informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you assist kids who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What’s the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions go beyond tuition alone. Consider the full routine costs as well:
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.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school typically matches your family's actual daily schedule: its location, the support it offers, and everyday ease for your child—not the school with the most flashy advertising.
If you’d like assistance weighing priorities for Amsterdam (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +31 20 1234567.