5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a School in the Netherlands

A practical guide for international and expat families

Choosing the right school for your child is always a difficult decision, especially when moving abroad. 

You might not know the local system. Would you be able to afford an international school? What are schools in the Netherlands even like? Would my child be able to adjust? Do they need to know Dutch? A flurry of questions immediately start flooding your brain. 

Before you get overwhelmed, here are some questions to help you narrow down which schools might be best for your child.

1 What curriculum does the school follow?

Not all schools teach in the same way, and the differences go beyond the language of instruction.

In the Netherlands, families can choose from different educational approaches, including mainstream Dutch education, Montessori and Dalton. Meanwhile international schools and bilingual schools offer international curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British curriculum.

Think about how your child learns best. Do they thrive in a structured environment? Do they prefer independent learning? Are they coming from a particular curriculum that you would like them to continue?

It's also worth thinking about your family's future. If you expect to move to another country in a few years, consider how easily your child could transition into another education system.

Questions to ask the school:

• How is learning structured throughout the school day?

• How do you assess students' progress?

• How would my child's previous education fit into your curriculum?

  
  

Our tip: A familiar curriculum makes the move much easier. However, don't rule out other teaching methods if you think it might be suitable for your child

2 What language support is available?

One of the biggest questions for families moving to the Netherlands is whether their child needs to speak Dutch. 

The good news? Not speaking Dutch doesn't automatically mean your child can't attend a Dutch school. There are classes provided by the government to help teach your child Dutch before they officially enter a Dutch classroom. 

International schools may offer English-language instruction, but it's still worth asking how they support students who are learning English as an additional language. Those considering staying long term with a younger child may want to reconsider. Even subsidized international schools are not cheap and schools may require extra fees for extra English classes.

Additionally, parents may be surprised at how quickly your child will learn Dutch. Some parents end up learning Dutch from their children!

Questions to ask the school:

• How long do you think my child will need to learn Dutch?

• Does the school have experience welcoming international students?

• How do you help new students settle into the classroom?

Our tip: Language development takes time. Ask not only about academic support but also how the school helps children make friends and feel included.

3 How does the school support students' wellbeing?

Academic achievement is important, but so is feeling safe, happy, and supported at school.

Moving to a new country is a major adjustment for children. They may be leaving behind familiar routines, friendships, and sometimes even a language they feel most comfortable speaking.

Understanding how a school supports students socially and emotionally can make a real difference.

During a school visit, observe how teachers interact with students. Do children seem comfortable asking questions? Does the school feel welcoming?

Questions to ask the school:

• How do you help new students settle in?

• What happens if a child struggles socially or academically?

• How does the school communicate concerns to parents?

Our tip: If possible, bring your child along on the school tour. Their impressions matter too! A school that looks perfect on paper might feel very different once you're actually there.

4 What does everyday school life look like?

Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest difference.

School life in the Netherlands may look different from what your family is used to. Depending on the school, you might encounter children cycling to school, parents helping with classroom activities (hulpouders), school trips, special celebrations, and different school-day schedules.

Additionally, for older children, inquire what subjects and extracurriculars are offered. Typically the fields of study narrow towards specific subjects towards the last years of schooling. Participating in an extracurricular like sports are often the best way to help your child adjust quickly.

It's worth understanding how these everyday routines will fit into your family's lifestyle.

Questions to ask the school:

• Is before- or after-school childcare (BSO) available nearby?

• What activities, trips, and events do students participate in?

• How involved are parents expected to be?

Our tip: During a school tour, look at how teachers interact with students. Are the students engaged? How does your child react to what the school has to offer?

5 What is the admissions process, and are places available?

You've found a school you love. The curriculum is a great fit, your child feels comfortable, and the location is ideal.

There's just one more important question: Is there a place available?

Admissions procedures differ between Dutch and international schools, and some schools have waiting lists or specific eligibility requirements.

For Dutch schools, the municipality would give you a shortlist of what is available for your child. It often depends on available space at the school, where you live, and priority rules.

Don't assume that the process will be the same for every school.

Questions to ask the school:

• Are places available for my child's age group or year level?

• What documents do we need to apply?

• Are there registration deadlines or waiting lists?

• Are there any admission or eligibility requirements we should know about?

Our tip: Start researching early and keep more than one school in mind. Having a few suitable options can make the admissions process much less stressful.

The Right School Is Different for Every Child

There's no single school that's perfect for every family.

Everyone has different sets of priorities. Some prefer curriculum continuity while others place greater importance on language learning and integrating. Some children may excel better in an international environment and others quickly adjust to local Dutch schools.

The goal isn't necessarily to find the most popular school. It's to find one where your child can learn, grow, and feel at home.

Take your time, visit schools if possible, and ask a lot of questions. 

Need Help Finding the Right School?

At Your Next Step Consultancy, we help international and expat families navigate their educational options in the Netherlands.

Whether you're exploring Dutch or international schools, comparing curricula, or figuring out where to begin, we're here to help you make a more informed decision.