Choosing a school in Netherlands can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Online guides rarely reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family prioritizes different factors. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families planning a move to Amsterdam.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you start comparing schools, establish your non-negotiables. Most mistakes come from comparing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local curricula.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL help, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Amsterdam, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask 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. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a single-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- What methods do teachers use to update parents (weekly notes, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is your ESL language support policy if needed?
- How is heat managed regarding indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost of living:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” is the same everywhere: it isn’t.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Takeaway
The ideal school for any family is typically the one that aligns with your actual daily routine—its location, the available support, and everyday ease for your child—not the option with the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Amsterdam (commute, daily routines, questions to ask), reach out — or call +31 20 123 4567.