Picking a school in Netherlands can seem like the toughest aspect of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision method — especially for families planning a move to Amsterdam.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, establish your non-negotiables. Many decision mistakes happen because families weigh everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
Picking the Right Option Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A pragmatic approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Start with narrowing down by location. In Amsterdam, congestion can transform a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about what the classroom is really like. Class sizes, staff turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust what you observe more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting to avoid the “everything feels alike” issue.
Questions to Ask Schools That Matter
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell me about your program” exchanges:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you integrate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers reach parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't just about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily 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 is usually the one that aligns with your family’s actual schedule: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the loudest marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Amsterdam (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +31 20 1234567.