Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus vs International School Almere
Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus and International School Almere are both in Amsterdam, about 23 km apart. Both schools offer IB and IBCP programmes, and International School Almere also offers BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are €6,025 - 9,168 at Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus and €4,520 - 7,275 at International School Almere, which puts Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus roughly 29% higher. Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus takes pupils from 4 to 18, and International School Almere from 2 to 18. Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus is the larger school, with around 725 pupils to International School Almere's 350. Typical class sizes are 22 at Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus and 24 at International School Almere.
The AICS operates two campuses in Amsterdam: South Campus at Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1179, 1081 HL, Amsterdam, and Sandcastle (SE) Campus at Bijlmerplein 1000, 1102 MK Amsterdam. The two campuses form one Dutch international school, served by one team; the curriculum, school values and philosophy are the same across campuses. The Amsterdam International Community School offers international education in English.
Location
Located at Breskensweg 5, 1324 KE Almere, Netherlands. The school lies between Literatuurwijk and Stedenwijk and is close to Almere Muziekwijk station, with several bus stops within walking distance. Free parking is available on site, and students may park their bicycles on site. The building is accessible to wheelchair users.
Stages
Stages
Primary and Secondary
Stages
Primary and Secondary
School type
School type
The Amsterdam International Community School is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities for any age groups, as it is designed to support international and local families residing in the Netherlands.
School type
IB World School offering all four IB programmes, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
The school serves students of all nationalities living in The Netherlands; international student body.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
In-class student support led by teachers and mentors to meet diverse student needs.
Additional learning support
For children with special needs or those requiring learning support, reports and relevant testing details are required before admission. The Learning Support Coordinator handles needs, and internal assessments may be required before admission. If, after a period of at least six weeks in school, the school cannot meet the academic, social/emotional or physical needs of a child, placement may be transferred to a more suitable establishment.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The Netherlands (Dutch international school).
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Primary day: Arrival 08:10; Registration and lessons start at 08:30; Story time and snack – 15 minutes; Morning break 30 minutes; Lunch break 30 minutes; Play time 30 minutes; End of day 15:15 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri); 12:00 (Wed). Secondary timetable varies; all lessons on Thursdays start at 11:00; DP timetables differ by subject; students may be required to start at 10:15.
School day structure
The secondary school day begins at 09:00 and consists of six periods, with two tea breaks and a lunch break integrated throughout the day. Regular classes end at 16:00, followed by Project Time until 16:30 and afterschool clubs that run until 17:00.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a dedicated shuttle service to assist families with the daily commute to and from the South Campus. This service is operated by an external partner, Atlas Shuttle. Parents can contact the provider directly via phone or email to inquire about routes and arrange transportation for their children.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees
- Registration fee: EUR 200 per student. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid to process the application; payment is taken via a credit-card payment link during the application.
Annual tuition and itemised charges (school year 2025–2026)
For new students starting in August 2025 the annual school-fee totals and the component breakdowns are as follows (amounts shown in EUR):
(These component totals produce the annual Total School Fees shown above.)
Deposit and registration summary
- Deposit: EUR 500 per student. The deposit is payable with the first instalment and is refundable subject to the school's withdrawal conditions.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoicing: Families will receive invoices via the school's invoicing system (WIS Collect); the finance team issues one invoice at the latest by the beginning of June each school year. Parents/caregivers receive an email with a link to view and pay invoices.
- Existing (returning) students payment schedule (2025–2026): - First instalment due by 1 July. - Second instalment due by 31 October. - The two instalments are equal halves of the full annual amount. A student may be excluded from school and transcripts withheld if fees remain unpaid.
- New students starting in August/September 2025: the annual fee may be paid in two instalments (first instalment includes the EUR 500 deposit). New students starting in October or later are required to pay the prorated/full amount for their start month in full (no instalment option for October onwards). A detailed prorating schedule per starting month is applied.
- Prorating (examples for new students starting after August 2025): - August: 100% of annual fee - September: 100% of annual fee - October: 90% of annual fee - November: 80% of annual fee - December: 70% of annual fee - January: 60% of annual fee - February: 50% of annual fee - March: 40% of annual fee - April: 30% of annual fee - May: 20% of annual fee - June: 10% of annual fee - July: 10% of annual fee.
Refunds, cancellations and withdrawal
- Cancellation for new students: If a new student cancels after acceptance and after payment of the deposit and first instalment, the family must give one month's notice (excluding school holidays). Without one month's notice the EUR 500 deposit is retained; the tuition fee itself will be refunded.
- Withdrawal by enrolled families: A 30‑day written notice is required to receive a refund of remaining tuition, deposit and costs; a 60‑day notice applies for students leaving at the end of the academic year. Refund percentages are prorated by month (for example, August 75% refund; March 10%; April–July 0%) and the exact refund amount depends on the month of exit and full payment of fees. The deposit is refundable only when withdrawal conditions are met (notice given, fees paid in full, school property returned). Refund processing typically takes 4–6 weeks; if withdrawal occurs around winter or summer break it may take up to 10 weeks. The school also applies specific rules for students who withdraw within 30 days before the planned start date.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; the AICS operates as a day school and no boarding fees are listed.
Other costs and incidental charges
- IB / examination items excluded from the standard fee: IB exam retakes for CP2 & DP2, E‑Assessment retakes for MYP5, and remarks on request are excluded from the school fee and are payable separately.
- MacBook provision (secondary students): MacBooks and chargers are loaned to secondary students; parents are financially responsible for negligence, maintenance, repairs, loss and theft. If a MacBook is not returned or is damaged, the replacement/repair cost will be charged and may be deducted from the deposit.
- Locker card replacement: EUR 5 for a replacement secondary locker card.
- School supplies / uniform: The school provides basic school materials and the first AICS T‑shirt is provided by the school for primary students; additional AICS T‑shirts may be purchased. Parents must supply certain personal items (book bag, lunch box, indoor gym shoes, specified stationery, graphic calculator for higher secondary levels, etc.).
Fee payment options and practical payment details
- Registration fee payment: taken via a credit‑card payment link during the OpenApply application process.
- School fees payment: invoiced through WIS Collect; parents receive an email with a link to view invoices and to pay via the iDEAL payment link offered in WIS Collect. Companies/employers can be invoiced directly on request; company invoices carry 30‑day payment terms from the invoice date. Parents receive reminders from WIS Collect three days before payment due dates.
- Instalment deadlines and consequences: first and second instalment due dates are indicated above; missed payment deadlines can result in delayed start, forfeiting the student place, referral to collection agencies and withholding of transcripts and reports. All costs from debt collection and legal proceedings are charged to the parent/caregiver.
Summary
- Annual Total School Fees 2025–2026 (new students starting August 2025): Primary Group 1–5 EUR 6,025; Primary Group 6 EUR 6,309; Primary Group 7 EUR 6,230; Secondary MYP1–MYP4 EUR 7,178; Secondary MYP5 EUR 7,628; DP1 & CP1 EUR 8,318; DP2 & CP2 EUR 9,168. Deposit EUR 500 (held with first instalment). Registration (application) fee EUR 200 non‑refundable (credit card). Payment is administered via WIS Collect (iDEAL link); instalment and prorating rules apply as described above.
Fee details
Application fees
- Primary: A non-refundable administration/application fee of EUR 150 per child is payable when submitting the application form. - Secondary: A one-off non-refundable application/registration fee of EUR 200 is charged for new students. A refundable deposit of EUR 500 is also required for new secondary students.
Tuition fees by year group
- Primary (single primary fee schedule for all primary year groups): - Annual school fee by month of enrolment: - Enlisting in August/September: EUR 4,520. - Enlisting in October: EUR 4,144. - Enlisting in November: EUR 3,769. - Enlisting in December: EUR 3,393. - Enlisting in January: EUR 3,017. - Enlisting in February: EUR 2,642. - Enlisting in March: EUR 2,266. - Enlisting in April: EUR 1,891. - Enlisting in May/June: EUR 1,514.
- Secondary (fees shown per programme/year group; amounts are annual): - MYP 1–4: EUR 6,350 per year. - MYP 5: EUR 6,350 per year. - DP1 / CP1: EUR 7,275 per year. - DP2 / CP2: EUR 7,275 per year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Primary: The annual fee must be received before the student starts school to guarantee placement. Payment options offered are payment in full or payment in 8 instalments. International bank transfer details are provided (IBAN: NL55 INGB 0008569174; BIC: INGBNL2A). International transfers must be sent with the OUR instruction so the payer covers transfer charges; include the child's full name in the payment reference.
- Secondary: The annual school fee is compulsory and the school fee agreement is signed for one year. Payment options include payment in one lump sum via bank transfer, payment in one lump sum via iDeal, or payment in 4 or 6 instalments (installments only by direct debit). Parents receive an email from WisCollect to select payment preference and to enter bank details for direct debit collection. Secondary international bank details: IBAN NL69 RABO 0132 48 44 20; BIC RABONL2U.
Boarding fees
- International School Almere is a day school (no boarding provision). There are no boarding fees.
Other costs and mandatory additional charges
- Secondary examination fees: range shown EUR 650–EUR 850 (exam fee varies by programme/student). - Secondary registration/administration: registration line-item EUR 200 (see application/registration fee). New secondary students pay a refundable deposit of EUR 500. - School trips (secondary): MYP 1–2: EUR 60; MYP 3–4: EUR 650 (these are invoiced with the school fee in September and some excursions are mandatory). - Student printing/start-up credit (secondary): a start-up printing quota of EUR 15 is provided to new students. Additional top-ups can be added to the account. - Primary: the published annual fees above are the primary tuition charges; no separate boarding charge applies; additional incidental costs (for trips or materials) may be charged as required. Primary payment options and bank details are as listed under Billing.
Refund information and withdrawal terms
- Secondary refund schedule (portion of total school fee payable based on starting month and the refund percentage when leaving in a given month): - August: portion payable 100%; refund when leaving in August: 50%. - September: portion payable 100%; refund when leaving in September: 50%. - October: portion payable 90%; refund when leaving in October: 50%. - November: portion payable 80%; refund when leaving in November: 50%. - December: portion payable 70%; refund when leaving in December: 50%. - January: portion payable 60%; refund when leaving in January: 40%. - February: portion payable 50%; refund when leaving in February: 30%. - March: portion payable 40%; refund when leaving in March: 20%. - April: portion payable 30%; refund when leaving in April: 10%. - May: portion payable 20%; refund when leaving in May: 0%. - June: portion payable 10%; refund when leaving in June: 0%. - July: portion payable 10%; refund when leaving in July: 0%. - Note: A refund is not permitted for students transferring to another school within 55 km during the school year. Parents are liable for full exam fees if withdrawal is made after 31 January for exam students.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) has been implemented for students aged 4–11. It is a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based framework in which traditional subjects are taught in multi- or interdisciplinary units around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in place and time; How we express ourselves; How the world works; How we organize ourselves; Sharing the planet. The PYP provides horizontal alignment across both campuses and vertical articulation with the Secondary School. The school has strengthened the arts in Primary and publishes the Programme of Inquiry for 2025/26. The Fireflies Programme supports learners with complex learning profiles, with differentiated curriculum and collaboration with Stichting Kolom and the samenwerkingsverband to support development of the programme and aligning Primary and Secondary. Specialist lessons include English Language Acquisition, Dutch Language Acquisition, Dutch Language and Literature, Physical & Health Education, and Performing Arts. Outdoor learning is part of the curriculum. AICS is an IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate Programme.
Curriculum details
ISAlmere Secondary offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), both IB-authorised and CIS-recognised. The MYP provides eight subject groups and prioritises interdisciplinary, holistic development, with MYP classes capped at 24 students. The DP comprises six subject groups plus a DP core; the core includes Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service. A Career-related Programme (CP) exists as a candidacy pathway for 16+ students, combining two DP subjects (DP Business and Management and DP Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations), the CP Core (Personal and Professional Skills, Reflective Project, Language and Cultural Studies (Chinese), Community Engagement), and a Career-related Study in Information Technology via a BTEC Level 3 International Diploma. The CP and DP are designed to prepare students for higher education and international careers.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
MYP classes have a maximum of 24 students.
Exam results
Exam results
Secondary School exam results (DP/CP): 2024–2025: DP pass rate 93% (133/143); CP pass rate 90% (18/20); All CP students will also receive their BTEC diplomas; highest DP score 43. 2023–2024: DP/CP pass rate 93%; one student achieved a DP high score of 45; CP students received BTEC diplomas. 2022–2023: DP pass rate 96% (87/91).
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates go on to universities in the Netherlands and internationally, including Leiden University (School of Law), University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Maastricht University, TU Delft (Architecture and Aerospace Engineering), Open University, and international institutions such as Parsons the New School for Design, Florida International University, University of Miami, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and University of Virginia School of Architecture.
Higher education progression
DP has been authorized since 2010 to prepare students for higher education and international careers. The 2025-2028 School Plan notes CP candidacy with a planned launch for 2025-2026, expanding progression options. DP and CP are designed to provide pathways to universities and international opportunities.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Verify Eligibility and Availability First, check the school's Open Apply page to see current availability for new students. You must also review the specific entry criteria to ensure your child qualifies, as the school primarily caters to students spending a temporary period in the Netherlands or returning Dutch students.
2. Gather Required Documentation Before applying, prepare mandatory documents including valid passport copies, a digital photograph, and school reports from the previous two years provided in English. Families must also upload a BRP document from their local municipality and proof of temporary residence or a statement of intent to relocate.
3. Submit Application and Registration Fee Submit your formal application through the school's online portal. To complete the submission and secure your place in the processing queue, you are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee.
4. Await Processing and Placement For mid-term starts where a place is available, the process takes a minimum of two weeks. For the upcoming academic year, place allocations begin in May, with the Head of Campus determining final grade placements primarily based on the student's age.
Admissions
1. Personal interview and guided tours: The school invites prospective students and their families for a personal interview to understand each student's needs, strengths, and goals, and offers guided tours to experience daily life and facilities. The admissions approach starts with connection to ensure students feel supported as part of a vibrant community. As an IB World School, the school provides English-language education for students aged 11 to 18.
2. Documentation and application submission: Submit the documents listed in the IGVO registration document for the application, and download and complete the School Fees Financial Obligation form for each child to submit with the application. Click Apply now under Admissions to complete and upload the application form, upload all relevant documents, and pay the application fee. Appointments for interviews are scheduled only after the complete application is submitted with the required documents and the application fee has been paid.
3. Entrance testing and admission decision: Arrange for the student to sit an entrance test if required, and admission officers will be in touch with the student's previous school.
4. Acceptance, placement, and start: After acceptance, parents receive an invoice for tuition to be paid within two weeks, and a place is reserved for the student after payment. Parents receive information about the first day of school in the first week of July or the start date, and the student completes a language profile form to place them in the appropriate language groups. If a child must leave during the school year, four weeks' notice is required, with refunds governed by the school's fee policy; enrolment is possible at any time during the school year if space is available and an entrance test may be required in some cases (notably for DP1 and MYP5).
5. Ongoing arrangements: If relocating within the Netherlands or abroad, notify the school in writing; transfers within the Netherlands typically occur after major holiday periods. The above steps reflect the information published by International School Almere regarding the admissions process, entry requirements for the DP programme, and the general admissions workflow.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
For the 2026–2027 academic year, spaces are available across most secondary year levels, with MYP 1 having spaces, MYP 2 having limited availability, and MYP 3 and MYP 5 currently full and operating with waiting lists. CP and DP also have spaces available, while MYP 3 and MYP 5 are on waiting lists due to strong demand. A CP Information Evening is scheduled for March 17, 2026 (18:00–19:30).
