Picking a school in Netherlands can feel like one of the most stressful parts of relocating with kids. Websites often miss what daily life is really like, and every family’s priorities differ. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Amsterdam.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, identify your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families weigh everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- 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, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Getting 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 challenge.
- Verify availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Limit visits (or virtual tours) to one per 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 “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions often reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you handle 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 feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & 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 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 Final Takeaway
The ideal school usually is the one that aligns with your family’s actual schedule: location, backing, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the most eye-catching ads.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Amsterdam (commute, routines, what to inquire), get in touch — or call +31 20 123 4567.