When we first moved to Amstelveen in 2015 I didn’t have a clue where to start with schools. One day while walking the streets in our new neighborhood, I noticed a local Dutch primary school. I walked in, unannounced, and surprisingly, I was able to speak directly with the school director.
That was my first real experience with the Dutch school system, and it was how our education journey in the Netherlands began.
At first, I thought, “Any school will do.” But over time, I learned that schools here are more than just a place to drop your kids off—they’re deeply tied to Dutch culture. I quickly discovered that the way Dutch schools operate is very different from what I was used to.
When your child enters a Dutch school, you also enter a whole new cultural space. The system is open and progressive, but also very direct and structured to treat all children equally—with little room for personalization.
For children who are independent and love to play, it can work well. But if your child is different—quieter, slower to adjust, or simply developing at their own pace—the system can feel rigid. Teachers often raise concerns quickly, even when a child may just need more time or a different approach.
As a parent, this can feel overwhelming. You start to doubt your instincts. But you’re not alone.
That’s when I began connecting with other expat mums—at drop-off, during playdates, outside the school gates. We had the same concerns, the same learning curves, and a shared desire to feel understood in a foreign country.
This is how I began to find community and familiarity, and how I started helping others do the same.
What I Learned About Dutch Schools
What worked:
- Lots of playtime and outdoor learning
- Direct communication with teachers
- Exposure to Dutch culture and language
- Possibility to connect with local and international families
What was difficult:
- Cultural differences in communication (very direct)
- A one-size-fits-all approach
- Early “tracking” of children’s academic paths
- Teachers tend to raise alarms quickly about development or behavior—even when it’s within a normal range
How School Entry Works in the Netherlands
Getting into primary school is relatively easy. Schools are designed to accept children living in their neighborhood. As long as you’re registered locally, the municipality and schools will usually find your child a spot. But the situation becomes more complex in secondary school.
At the end of primary school, children take the Cito toets—a national test that, combined with teacher advice, determines which level of high school they can attend. Based on this level, families submit a list of preferred high schools.
This is when the system becomes more rigid:
- Your child’s entire academic path (including whether they are likely to go to university) is often decided at age 11 or 12.
- Changing levels later is possible—but difficult and rare.
For newly arrived expat families
If you arrive in the Netherlands after the primary school phase, getting into a Dutch public high school can be harder — especially if your child doesn’t speak Dutch.
While schools give priority to children living in the area with no current school, entry often depends on space availability. If classes are full, you might be placed on a waitlist or have to explore alternatives. The system isn’t always flexible, and this process can feel stressful and unclear.
This is where Serenity Moves can help:
- I guide families through school options
- Explain what to expect at each level
- Support with applications, timelines, and understanding school culture
- Connect you to schools that fit your child’s needs, personality, and academic background
The Jump to Dutch High School
The transition from primary to secondary school was the most shocking for us.
In primary, there was little homework, lots of play, and a strong social focus. But high school brought academic pressure, daily homework, and frequent testing. There was almost no outdoor or free play time, and making strong friendships took more time.
For our family, it felt like too much of a leap, too quickly.
Switching to the International School System
Eventually, we transitioned to an international school—and it was a major relief. Our kids made friends faster, the teaching style felt more inclusive, and the entire environment was built to support globally mobile families like ours. As parents, we felt truly part of a community again.
Dutch vs. Private International Schools
There are two types of international schools in the Netherlands:
Dutch international schools
Subsidized by the government, so tuition is lower. However, they have strict eligibility rules—mainly for temporary residents or children previously educated abroad.
Private international schools
Fully independent, usually with higher fees, but more open in terms of admissions and curriculum options (e.g. IB, British, American).
Applying to a Dutch international school can be confusing, and spaces are often limited. This is another area where I support families—navigating eligibility, paperwork, and realistic options.
What Worked for Us (and Might Work for You)
At different points in our journey, both systems had something to offer:
- Dutch primary school gave us play, language immersion, and local integration
- International school gave us flexibility, emotional understanding, and a stronger parent community
The key is to find what works for your child and for your family in this moment.
Choosing a school abroad isn’t just a practical decision—it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply personal, and when you don’t fully understand the system it can be overwhelming.
I’ve lived every phase of this journey, and I help families:
- Understand how Dutch and international schools work
- Choose the right school for their child’s needs
- Apply with clarity and confidence
- Feel supported every step of the way
Whether you’re new here or considering a switch, I’d love to help.
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