Selecting a school in Netherlands can feel like the most daunting part of moving with children. Online resources rarely describe everyday life accurately, and every family has unique priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Amsterdam.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, outline your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong because families weigh everything together without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend in the car each day is more significant than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL help, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline, and how they communicate.
How to Decide Without Feeling 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: Make a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions usually reveal more than general “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually 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 for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School choices aren’t about tuition alone. Consider the full ongoing expense:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day schedule matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it isn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school tends to be the one that matches your family’s real routine: its location, the support you receive, and everyday comfort for your child—not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you'd like help weighing priorities for Amsterdam (commute, daily routines, questions to ask), reach out — or call +31 20 123 4567.