Selecting a school in Netherlands can seem like the hardest aspect of moving with children. Online sources seldom reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family prioritizes differently. This guide concentrates on practical considerations and a straightforward choosing method — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Amsterdam.
Step One: Clarify what “good” looks like for your family
Before assessing options, outline your must-haves. Many choices go wrong when families weigh too many factors at once without a clear priority order.
- Commute: the amount of time spent commuting matters more than people realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is immersed in during the day.
- Support: academic assistance, ESL services, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, level of discipline, and preferred communication approach.
How to Select Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A sensible method that suits many expat families:
A simple process
- Narrow your options by location first. In Amsterdam, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Place more trust in your observations than in glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps prevent the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical school 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 on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage hot weather, indoor vs outdoor time in warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part No One Likes)
School choices aren’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 best school is usually the one that fits your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
Choosing the right school usually comes down to how well it fits your family’s everyday life: location, available support, and daily comfort for your child — not the school with the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Amsterdam (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +31 20 123 4567.