Moving to the Netherlands with children means navigating a school system that may look very different from what you’re used to in your home country. One of the biggest decisions international families face is whether to enrol their child in a Dutch school or an International School. On paper, the choice may seem simple: Dutch schools are free and help your child integrate into local life; International Schools offer instruction in English. In practice, however, the decision can be complicated—especially if your child has learning differences, or if you’re arriving with teens.
This guide breaks down the key differences, the hidden challenges, and the questions families should ask before choosing a school.
1. International Schools: Great Fit for Some, Not Right for Everyone
In many Dutch cities—such as Hilversum and Almere—International Schools follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. IB is known for being academically rigorous, so while this is a good fit for the top ~20% of students, it is beyond the abilities of some students.
Challenges with International Schools
Personal Essentials
- Many cities lack “alternative” or “supportive” International Schools. The only option at many International Schools is the IB track; there’s no lower track or modified program for students of average learning ability, low motivation, or special needs.
- Students who cannot keep up may be asked to leave. Dutch schools pride themselves on having high pass rates. If it looks like a student will not be able to pass the end exams, they are often asked to leave the school. Some families report children being asked to leave international schools after years of attendance because their children are not on track to pass the end exams. This leaves teens who do not speak Dutch with very limited options.
- Learning support varies. While some international schools offer strong support for dyslexia, ADHD, or processing disorders; most cater to students who are academically high performing.
- Costs vary. Some International Schools are partially government-subsidized and may cost less than €10,000 per year. Others can cost upwards of €40,000 per year, per child.
Why this matters
If your child is average academically, if they have learning differences, or if you cannot afford to pay for private school, International Schools may not be the best match. Unlike public schools in the United States, International Schools are not obligated to accommodate every learner.
2. Dutch Schools: A Level for Everyone
The Dutch system is structured around academic “tracks,” which begin in secondary school, starting around age 12:
Track | Rough Equivalent | Notes |
VWO | Pre-university | Most academically demanding |
HAVO | General secondary | Leads to applied sciences universities |
VMBO | Vocational | Multiple sub-levels; practical and skills-based |
In Dutch schools, students can move up or down
If a student does not appear to be on track to pass the end exams at one level, the school will move them to a lower level where they believe they will be able to pass. This is normal and not stigmatized in the Dutch system. On the other hand, if a student finds their level too easy, they may move up a level. Or they may complete one level and then continue learning to graduate at the higher level than where they started, a year or two later than if they had started at the higher level. The levels may seem rigid to an outsider, but in practice, there is flexibility within them.
Language is the biggest barrier for new immigrants
Young children often adapt incredibly quickly. For teens, it can be a challenge to learn Dutch quickly and stay on grade level academically. They may fall behind peers their age for a year or more while they focus on learning a new language.
Note:
After two years in the Netherlands, the government is no longer obligated to provide Dutch-language newcomer programs.
The Dutch government offers language classes to children in their first two years in the Netherlands. If you start off in an English-only school, and then after a few years decide it isn’t a fit, your student may not have the option of attending a Taalschool.
3. How Taalscholen Work (Dutch Newcomer Schools)
If you choose the Dutch school route, most older children and teens do not go straight into a regular Dutch school. Instead, they typically spend about one school year in a Taalschool (language school) or Internationale Schakelklas (ISK). The amount of time varies depending on how quickly your teen picks up the language.
Age by Age
- Ages 4–6: Very young children are usually placed directly into a Dutch primary school. They learn Dutch through immersion and typically pick it up quickly.
- Ages 7–12: Many children attend a Taalschool for several months to a year before transferring to a regular Dutch primary school.
- Ages 12–18: Teens almost always start in an ISK program. These programs focus heavily on Dutch language acquisition and basic academic subjects. After completing ISK, students transfer into a Dutch secondary school at the level the school believes is appropriate.
Why this matters
The Taalschool year is incredibly helpful—but it also means:
- Your child may be placed below their age level academically while learning Dutch.
- Teens may struggle to reach Dutch fluency quickly enough to enter higher academic tracks.
- The transition from ISK to a regular Dutch school can be challenging, especially for students with learning differences.
4. Kids Who Struggle to Fit
Families arriving with older children—especially those who speak only English—may find themselves in a difficult position:
- Too old to learn Dutch quickly enough to stay on grade level
- Not strong enough academically for the IB route
- No English-language vocational programs after graduation
- Limited English-language university options (recent government cuts have narrowed English offerings)
Some immigrant families have had to leave the Netherlands because they couldn’t find a school willing or able to take their children. It’s not the norm, but it’s a real risk for certain students.
5. University and Vocational Training
Children and teens in the Netherlands who speak Dutch will have many more educational options available to them as they move into adulthood. You may look at your 12 year old and think university or vocational training is a lifetime away, but it will be here before you know it. Even if your child thrives in the IB, it is important to consider their long-term future. If they live in the Netherlands but don’t speak Dutch, their potential career opportunities will be limited as well.
Dutch universities
The most recent Dutch government has been reducing English-only bachelor’s programs. While the incoming government plans to increase English programs, that could take some time. Meanwhile, the current English university programs are highly competitive, making it a challenge for many students who only speak English to get into their top choice program.
Vocational programs (MBO)
These are many excellent vocational pathways for Dutch students, with very inexpensive job training for in-demand careers. But these programs are taught entirely in Dutch. If your child doesn’t speak Dutch well, the vocational education route can be challenging.
International universities
IB students can apply to universities outside the Netherlands, but this may mean higher tuition, having to pay for housing, etc.
6. So Which Should You Choose?
Reasons to Consider an International School:
- Your child is academically strong and thrives in structured, writing-heavy environments, or you are able to find an International School that works with diverse learners.
- You expect to move again within a few years
- Your child is older and does not speak Dutch
- You want continuity with an English-language curriculum
- You can afford private school tuition
Reasons to Consider the Dutch School route:
- Your child is young (10 or younger)
- You plan to stay long-term
- Your child learns languages easily
- You want to integrate into Dutch society
- Your child may benefit from a system with multiple academic pathways
Proceed with caution if:
- You are arriving with a teen
- Your child has learning differences and/or special needs
- Your child is average academically but not highly self-motivated
- Your child speaks only English and you plan to stay long-term
These are the situations where families most often run into unexpected challenges.
In Conclusion
The Netherlands has a world-class education system—for Dutch speakers. Entry into this system as a non-Dutch speaker is easy for some, but can be a bit rocky for others. The best choice depends on your child’s age, academic profile, language skills, and your long-term plans.
Choose the environment where your child will feel supported, confident, and able to grow and thrive.
© 2026 Darien Wilson for Dutch Home Hunters All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, immigration, financial, tax, or medical advice. Laws, regulations, and personal circumstances vary, and the content here may not apply to your specific situation. Before making any decisions, you should consult with qualified professionals such as an attorney, immigration advisor, financial planner, tax consultant, or healthcare provider. The author makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided and accepts no liability for any actions taken or outcomes resulting from its use.