Choosing the Right School!
Are you new to the country or the Dutch education system, or simply looking for the right school for your child’s future? Where should my child go to school?
We understand that choosing the right school for your child can be challenging. There is no single right answer.
The Netherlands offers different types of education, from Dutch mainstream schools to bilingual and international schools. The best choice depends on your family’s plans, your child’s needs, and where you think life may take you next.
The right school is the best fit for your family.
How long are you planning to live in the NL?
If you are an international family living in the Netherlands, you may expect to return home or relocate to another country within a few years, or you may be planning to make the Netherlands your family’s long-term (permanent) home.
You may also be a Dutch family returning from abroad, planning to move abroad within the next few years, or simply looking for an education for your child within an international environment.
Not sure how long you will stay in the Netherlands?
That’s also perfectly normal. Many international families move to the Netherlands with long-term employment contracts without a clear plan for the years ahead. In this situation, consider how easy it would be to change direction later. A school may offer an international pathway, a Dutch pathway, or both. Plans can change unexpectedly, so understanding your options before enrolling can help avoid a difficult transition later.
Choose where your child is going, not only where your family is today.
The right school depends on your family’s circumstances, future plans, and your child’s individual needs.
Different families need different pathways.
The ISE offers three educational pathways, allowing families to consider what fits their circumstances today and their plans tomorrow.
Whether your family is looking for an international education, a Dutch pathway, or a combination of both, understanding your options is the first step towards making the right choice for your child.
To learn more about our departments and what they offer, please join us at one of our Introduction Sessions (sign up below).
The pre-schoolers (toddlers) and their families, please join one of our VIP mornings for a morning especially designed for your child to experience our Early Years Programme at our school.
2026-2027 ISE INTRODUCTION SESSIONS DATES:

PRIMARY INTERNATIONAL
13:30 – 14:30, rotates between online and at the ISE Campus location
11 September 2026, at the ISE Campus
9 October 2026, online
13 November 2026, at the ISE Campus
11 December 2026, online
15 January 2027, at the ISE Campus
19 February 2027, online
19 March 2027, at the ISE Campus
16 April 2027, online
21 May 2027, at the ISE Campus
18 June 2027, online

PRIMARY DUTCH BILINGUAL
14:00 – 15:00, at the ISE Jan Luikenstraat 49 location
24 September 2026
29 October 2026
26 November 2026
28 January 2027
25 February 2027
1 April 2027
20 May 2027
24 June 2027

SECONDARY
14:30 – 15:30 online
9 October 2026
11 December 2026
19 February 2027
18 June 2027