Selecting a school in Netherlands may seem like the most nerve-wracking aspect of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what everyday life is truly like, and every family has its own priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision method — particularly for families planning a move to Amsterdam.
Step One: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. The bulk of decision errors occurs when families compare everything simultaneously without a well-defined set of priorities.
- Commute: the everyday time spent driving matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local alternatives.
- 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 approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A pragmatic approach that suits expat families well:
A straightforward method
- Shortlist by location first. In Amsterdam, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily ordeal.
- 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 one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps prevent the “everything feels the same” problem.
Key questions to ask schools
These questions tend to uncover more than broad “tell us about your program” discussions:
- 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 and Logistics (The Part No One Enjoys)
School choices aren’t only about tuition. Consider the total routine cost:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Steer Clear)
- Picking by reputation alone: the daily schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Failing to inquire about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than you expect.
The Bottom Line
The right school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like assistance weighing priorities for Amsterdam (commute, routines, what to ask), reach out — or call +31 20 555 0123.