Selecting a school in Netherlands can seem like the most nerve-wracking aspect of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what everyday life looks like in practice, and each family’s priorities differ. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to The Hague.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Most missteps happen when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily time spent driving matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language exposure your child experiences throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Make a Selection Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In The Hague, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily ordeal.
- Confirm availability and the 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 avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions That Are Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unpopular Details)
Choosing a school isn’t just about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The right school typically aligns with your family’s actual schedule: its location, support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one that markets itself most aggressively.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for The Hague (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +31 70 123 4567.