International Schools in Amsterdam: American Parent's Review

When we started researching international schools in Amsterdam, we found plenty of glossy websites and marketing materials. What we didn't find? Honest reviews from American parents about what these schools are actually like.

We toured seven schools, talked to dozens of parents, and ultimately enrolled our kids in two different schools. Here's what we learned—the real costs, the real application process, and which schools are actually worth the money.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• Detailed comparison of 7 international schools
• Real costs (tuition, fees, hidden expenses)
• Application process and timelines
• Which schools have the best reputations among American families

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The International School Landscape

Amsterdam has more international schools than you'd expect for a city this size. That's good news (options!) and bad news (how do you choose?).

Three main curriculum types:

1. International Baccalaureate (IB) - Most common, recognized worldwide
2. American curriculum - Follows US standards, easier transition
3. British curriculum - IGCSE and A-Levels

Most American families choose IB or American curriculum schools. We'll focus on those.

What We Wish We Knew: Start your research 12-18 months before you want to enroll. Popular schools have long waiting lists, and the application process takes months.

For the broader context of moving with kids, see Moving to Amsterdam with Kids: Complete Guide.

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Cost Overview: What to Expect

Let's get the sticker shock out of the way first.

Annual tuition ranges:

• Primary school (ages 4-11): €15,000-€22,000
• Secondary school (ages 11-18): €20,000-€28,000

Additional costs per year:

• Application fees: €150-€500 (non-refundable)
• Registration fees: €2,000-€5,000 (one-time)
• School trips: €500-€2,000
• Uniforms: €200-€500
• Books and supplies: €300-€800
• After-school activities: €500-€1,500
• Lunch program: €800-€1,200

Total first-year cost per child: €20,000-€35,000

Yes, it's expensive. No, there aren't really scholarships for expat families. Some companies cover tuition as part of relocation packages, but if you're on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), you're paying out of pocket.

Reality Check: This is probably your biggest ongoing expense in the Netherlands. Factor it into your DAFT budget carefully. For the full financial picture, see How Much Money Do You Need for DAFT?

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School-by-School Comparison

1. International School of Amsterdam (ISA)

Location: Sportlaan 45, 1185 TB Amstelveen

Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)

Ages: 3-18

Tuition (2024-2025):

• Primary: €21,850
• Secondary: €26,750

Our take: ISA is the most established international school in Amsterdam. It's been around since 1964, has a beautiful campus, and consistently gets high IB scores.

Pros:

• Strong academic reputation
• Diverse student body (70+ nationalities)
• Excellent facilities (theater, sports complex, maker spaces)
• Well-established IB program
• Good university placement rates

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Very competitive admissions (long waiting lists)
• Campus is in Amstelveen (20 minutes from Amsterdam center)
• Can feel corporate and impersonal
• Large class sizes (up to 22 students)

Best for: Families prioritizing academics and university preparation, planning to stay long-term.

Parent feedback: "Academically rigorous but sometimes feels like a pressure cooker. Kids get into great universities, but the stress level is high."

2. Amsterdam International School (AIS)

Location: Multiple campuses across Amsterdam

Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)

Ages: 3-18

Tuition (2024-2025):

• Primary: €19,500
• Secondary: €24,800

Our take: AIS is where we ended up enrolling our 10-year-old. It's slightly less intense than ISA, with a more balanced approach to academics and well-being.

Pros:

• Multiple locations (easier to find one near your home)
• Strong sense of community
• Good balance of academics and social-emotional learning
• More accepting of students with learning differences
• Active parent community

Cons:

• Still expensive
• Facilities vary by campus (some are better than others)
• Waiting lists at popular campuses
• Less prestigious than ISA (if that matters to you)

Best for: Families wanting strong academics without the pressure-cooker environment.

Parent feedback: "Our kids are challenged but not stressed. Teachers actually know our children as individuals. We're really happy here."

3. American School of Amsterdam (ASA)

Location: Sportlaan 45, 1185 TB Amstelveen (shares campus with ISA)

Curriculum: American (US standards-based)

Ages: 3-18

Tuition (2024-2025):

• Elementary: €22,100
• Middle/High School: €27,300

Our take: If you want your kids to follow a US curriculum and potentially return to American schools, ASA is your best bet.

Pros:

• True American curriculum (not IB)
• Easier transition for kids coming from US schools
• US-style extracurriculars (sports teams, prom, etc.)
• Strong college counseling for US universities
• Familiar grading system and structure

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Smaller school (can feel limited)
• Less international than other schools (mostly American students)
• Shares campus with ISA (can feel like the smaller sibling)

Best for: Families planning to return to the US, kids who struggled with transitions before.

Parent feedback: "It's basically an American school that happens to be in Amsterdam. That's exactly what we wanted, but it's not very 'international.'"

4. British School of Amsterdam (BSA)

Location: Multiple campuses (Diamanthorst and Jan van Hoof)

Curriculum: British (EYFS, National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels)

Ages: 3-18

Tuition (2024-2025):

• Primary: €18,900
• Secondary: €23,700

Our take: Great option if you're familiar with the British system or want something slightly less expensive.

Pros:

• Lower tuition than ISA/ASA
• Strong academics (British system is rigorous)
• Good facilities
• Well-established school (since 1978)
• Smaller class sizes

Cons:

• British curriculum is different from US (harder to transfer back)
• Less familiar to American families
• Mostly British and European students
• A-Levels are less recognized in US than IB

Best for: Families comfortable with British education system, not planning to return to US schools.

Parent feedback: "Excellent education, but you need to understand it's not an American school. Different teaching style, different expectations."

5. International School Hilversum (ISH)

Location: Emmastraat 56, 1213 AL Hilversum

Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)

Ages: 4-18

Tuition (2024-2025):

• Primary: €16,800
• Secondary: €21,500

Our take: If you're willing to live outside Amsterdam, ISH offers IB education at a lower price point.

Pros:

• Significantly cheaper than Amsterdam schools
• Smaller school (more personal attention)
• Strong community feel
• Good IB results
• Hilversum is quieter, more suburban

Cons:

• Not in Amsterdam (30-40 minute commute)
• Smaller school means fewer course options
• Less diverse than Amsterdam schools
• Limited extracurriculars

Best for: Families prioritizing cost savings, comfortable living outside the city.

Parent feedback: "We love the small-school feel, but our kids miss having more options for classes and activities."

6. European School The Hague

Location: Oostduinlaan 50, 2596 JJ The Hague

Curriculum: European Baccalaureate

Ages: 4-18

Tuition (2024-2025):

• €10,000-€14,000 (varies by nationality and income)

Our take: Technically not in Amsterdam, but worth mentioning because it's significantly cheaper.

Pros:

• Much lower tuition
• Truly multilingual education
• Diverse student body
• Good academic reputation
• European Baccalaureate is recognized worldwide

Cons:

• In The Hague (not Amsterdam)
• European curriculum is very different from US
• Complex language stream system
• Less familiar to American families

Best for: Families living in The Hague, wanting multilingual education, budget-conscious.

Parent feedback: "Amazing value, but it's a very European approach to education. Not for everyone."

7. Netherlands International School (NIS)

Location: Multiple campuses (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague)

Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)

Ages: 4-18

Tuition (2024-2025):

• Primary: €17,200
• Secondary: €22,400

Our take: A solid middle-ground option with multiple locations.

Pros:

• Multiple campus locations
• Lower tuition than ISA/ASA
• Growing reputation
• Modern facilities
• Good community feel

Cons:

• Newer schools (less established)
• Smaller than ISA/AIS
• Still building reputation
• Limited spots available

Best for: Families wanting IB education at a lower price point.

Parent feedback: "It's not as prestigious as ISA, but our kids are getting a great education and we're saving €5,000 a year."

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Comparison Table

School	Curriculum	Primary Tuition	Secondary Tuition	Location	Class Size
ISA	IB	€21,850	€26,750	Amstelveen	20-22
AIS	IB	€19,500	€24,800	Multiple	18-20
ASA	American	€22,100	€27,300	Amstelveen	16-18
BSA	British	€18,900	€23,700	Multiple	16-18
ISH	IB	€16,800	€21,500	Hilversum	15-18
ESH	European	€10,000	€14,000	The Hague	20-25
NIS	IB	€17,200	€22,400	Multiple	18-20

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The Application Process

Here's what actually happens when you apply:

Timeline

12-18 months before: Start researching schools, attend virtual open houses

9-12 months before: Schedule campus tours (in person if possible)

6-9 months before: Submit applications

3-6 months before: Interviews, assessments, admission decisions

1-3 months before: Accept offer, pay registration fee, complete enrollment

Pro Tip: Apply to multiple schools. Even if you have a first choice, waiting lists are common and you want backup options.

Required Documents

Every school asks for:

• Birth certificate (translated to English if needed)
• Passport copies
• Previous school records (last 2-3 years)
• Immunization records
• Proof of address in Netherlands
• Parent/guardian identification

Some schools also require:

• Teacher recommendations
• Student essays or portfolios
• Standardized test scores
• Previous IEP or learning support documentation

Assessment Process

Most schools assess students before admission:

Ages 4-7: Play-based assessment, basic skills check

Ages 8-11: Reading, writing, math assessments (1-2 hours)

Ages 12+: Full academic assessment, possible entrance exams (2-4 hours)

They're not trying to exclude kids—they're making sure they can support your child's needs. But if your child has significant learning differences, be upfront about it.

Waiting Lists

The reality: popular schools have waiting lists.

Typical wait times:

• ISA: 6-18 months
• AIS: 3-12 months (varies by campus)
• ASA: 6-12 months
• BSA: 3-9 months

How to improve your chances:

• Apply early
• Be flexible on campus location
• Consider entering at less popular grade levels
• Stay in contact with admissions office

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Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

Beyond tuition, budget for:

School trips: €500-€2,000 per year

• Week-long trips for older students
• Day trips and excursions
• Overnight camps

Technology: €500-€1,000

• Laptop or tablet (required at most schools)
• Software subscriptions
• Protective cases and accessories

Uniforms/Dress code: €200-€500

• PE uniforms
• School-branded items
• Regular clothing if dress code applies

Transportation: €1,000-€3,000 per year

• School bus service (if available)
• Public transport passes for older kids
• Bike and safety equipment

After-school activities: €500-€1,500 per year

• Sports teams
• Music lessons
• Clubs and enrichment programs

Parent involvement costs: €200-€500 per year

• School fundraisers
• Parent association fees
• Social events and celebrations

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What American Parents Wish They'd Known

1. The IB program is different from US education

More inquiry-based, less test-focused, different grading system. It's not better or worse, just different. Your kid might struggle initially with the transition.

2. School holidays are frequent

Fall break, Christmas break, spring break, May break, plus random days off. You'll need childcare plans or flexible work schedules.

3. Homework expectations vary widely

Some schools give minimal homework, others pile it on. Ask during tours what the actual homework load is.

4. Sports are less central

If your kid is a serious athlete, international schools might disappoint. Sports teams exist but aren't the cultural centerpiece they are in US schools.

5. University counseling focuses on global options

If your kid wants to attend a US university, make sure the school has experience with US college applications. Not all do.

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Making the Decision

Choose ISA if: You want the most established school with the strongest academic reputation and cost isn't a primary concern.

Choose AIS if: You want strong academics with a more balanced, supportive environment.

Choose ASA if: You want a true American school experience and plan to return to the US.

Choose BSA if: You're comfortable with British education and want to save some money.

Choose ISH if: You're willing to live outside Amsterdam for significant cost savings.

Choose ESH if: You're in The Hague and want the most affordable option.

Choose NIS if: You want IB education at a lower price point and like the newer facilities.

What We Wish We Knew: Visit schools in person if at all possible. The websites all look great, but the feel of each school is completely different. We thought we wanted ISA until we toured AIS and realized the vibe was much better for our family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we apply while still in the US?

A: Yes, and you should. Most schools accept applications from families not yet in the Netherlands. You'll need to provide a planned move date and proof you're serious (DAFT application, job offer, etc.).

Q: What if we're on a waiting list when we arrive?

A: Have a backup plan. Some families start in Dutch public school and transfer when a spot opens. Others choose a less popular school temporarily. Don't move without a school plan.

Q: Do schools offer financial aid for DAFT families?

A: Rarely. Financial aid is typically reserved for families with company sponsorship or special circumstances. Don't count on it.

Q: How do international school graduates do with US college admissions?

A: Generally very well. IB diploma is recognized by US universities, and international experience can be an advantage. But make sure your school has good US college counseling.

Q: Should we choose a school based on where we live, or live near the school we choose?

A: Ideally, choose your school first, then find housing nearby. Commuting across Amsterdam with kids is doable but exhausting. For more on housing considerations, see Moving to Amsterdam with Kids: Complete Guide.

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The Bottom Line

International schools in Amsterdam are expensive but generally high-quality. You're paying for English-language education, international curriculum, and an easier transition for your kids.

Is it worth it? That depends on your situation:

• Staying 2+ years with younger kids (under 8): Consider Dutch public school
• Staying 2+ years with older kids (8+): International school makes sense
• Staying less than 2 years: International school is probably necessary
• Budget is tight: Look at ISH, NIS, or Dutch public school options

We're paying €40,000+ per year for two kids in international schools. It's our single biggest expense in the Netherlands. But our kids are happy, learning, and thriving, so for us, it's worth it.

Ready to understand the full DAFT process? Our complete guide covers everything from requirements to application timeline. Get the Complete DAFT Guide →

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We're not immigration lawyers—just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.