Amsterdam Liberal Art & Sciences Academy vs De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit

	A Amsterdam Liberal Art & Sciences Academy Amsterdam, Netherlands	D De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit Amsterdam, Netherlands
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €180 - 1,250	Fees / year €225 - 1,100
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Dutch Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Dutch Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 748	Pupils 676
Typical class size	Typical class size 26	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language Dutch, English	Instruction language Dutch, English
Opened	Opened 2016	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ALASCA is housed in a modern, light and spacious building on Zeeburgereiland in Amsterdam.	Location DENISE is located at Piet Mondriaanstraat 140, 1061 TT Amsterdam. A subsidiary location is Orteliusstraat 28. DENISE provides education for children aged 4 to 18.
Stages	Stages Education at vwo+ and havo levels, with the IB Diploma Programme available from 2021/22.	Stages DENISE provides primary and secondary education. In the lower years of secondary education, there is a three-year brugklas program. In the upper years, the Dutch-language VMBO-TL and HAVO exam programs are offered, as well as the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP).
School type	School type ALASCA is a secondary school offering vwo+ and havo levels, and is part of Esprit Scholen; it emphasizes liberal arts & sciences with an international focus and offers the IB Diploma Programme from year 5.	School type The school is a Dutch public bilingual school for primary and secondary education with an international focus. It is part of Esprit Scholen and an IB-World School since 2018.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Students from more than 70 different countries.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ALASCA aims to maximize every student's potential and fulfill obligations under the Act on Appropriate Education. The school has no specific care profile. The care coordinator is Ms. D. Ferkenius. It provides resources including a school support profile, absenteeism policy, development perspective plan (OPP), and uses MULTIsignaal to coordinate professionals and families.	Additional learning support Guidance and support are provided for students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Netherlands
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - No separate application or enrolment fee is charged for admission to ALASCA; the school follows the Amsterdam centralised admissions procedure for placements. Tuition / annual charges by year group (full detail) - General note: ALASCA is a Dutch, publicly funded secondary school and does not charge regular tuition in the way private international schools do; instead the school requests voluntary parent contributions and specific programme contributions where required. - Regular havo / vwo students (years 1–4 and standard upper years not in the IB DP): a voluntary parent contribution of EUR 180 per academic year has been set for schoolyear 2025–2026. This annual contribution is broken down as: Reizen (travel) EUR 100; Uitstapjes en excursies EUR 50; Overige kosten (schoolfeesten, trainingen, sprekers, etc.) EUR 10; Meerjarig solidariteitsfonds EUR 20. Equivalent per-term amount (the school year has four instructional periods): EUR 180 ÷ 4 = EUR 45 per period (the school issues a single annual request; the per-term figure is the simple division of the annual amount by four for reference). - International Profile / IB Diploma Programme students (typically Years 5 and 6): a specific parental contribution is charged to cover IB membership and exam costs. That contribution is EUR 1,250 per student per year. The EUR 1,250 annual amount is itemised as: Student activities and additional learning materials EUR 650; Examination fees (total expected in DP2) EUR 350; Costs to remain authorised as an IB World School EUR 200; Multi-year IB solidarity fund EUR 50. Resit (herkansing/resit) fees are excluded from the EUR 1,250 and are charged separately at EUR 85 per subject for resits. Equivalent per-term amount (school year divided into four instructional periods): EUR 1,250 ÷ 4 = EUR 312.50 per period (the school bills this as an annual parental contribution). - Summary of per-year and per-term figures (stated as charged amounts and simple four-period equivalents): - Regular voluntary parent contribution (havo/vwo): EUR 180 per year (≈ EUR 45 per school period). - IB parental contribution (DP students): EUR 1,250 per year (≈ EUR 312.50 per school period); resits charged separately at EUR 85 per subject. Billing schedule and payment terms - All parent contributions and trip-specific charges are billed by the school via a payment request issued to parents in good time. When parents cannot pay a trip or programme cost in a single payment, the school indicates it will discuss and arrange an alternative payment solution. The IB parental contribution is charged annually. The school's year structure is organised in four instructional periods; the published contributions are annual amounts. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. ALASCA is a publicly funded day secondary school in Amsterdam; no boarding facilities or boarding fees are charged. Other costs and fees (required items, excursions, exams, uniforms, etc.) - Required personal items and learning-material costs that parents are expected to supply include: a laptop with charger (strongly recommended), gym kit (white-soled sports shoes, sports shirt and shorts), notebooks, sketch/dummy book for certain year groups, pencil case items, colour pencils, and mathematics tools (compass, set square, and a TI NSpire CX II-T graphing calculator required from Year 4 onward). The school purchases most lesson materials itself but specifies the items parents must provide; the school can offer discounts for the calculator purchase. - International and curricular trips have separate estimated participant costs for 2025–2026 (charged in addition to the voluntary contribution); examples published for 2025–2026 are: Year 1 Terschelling ≈ EUR 195; Year 2 England ≈ EUR 385; Year 3 Ardennes ≈ EUR 355; Year 4 international profile trip ≈ EUR 550. Exact trip prices may vary year-to-year and are billed separately. - Uniform: no school uniform fee is listed; the school does not require a formal uniform but does specify gym clothing and personal items as above. Refund information - No formal, detailed refund policy for parental contributions or the IB parental contribution is published in the school guide and international-profile brochure. For trips, the school notes that participation costs are billed and that if a pupil cannot participate due to force majeure the school will provide a learning‑replacement programme; specific refund rules (for example, partial refund timelines or administrative fees) are not stated in the published school documents. Fee payment options (credit card / bank transfer / other) - The schoolgids and international-profile brochure publish the amounts and state that parents will receive payment requests, and that the school will discuss payment solutions when needed. Specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer details, iDEAL, direct debit, or credit-card payment options) are not listed in the published school documents. Parents are directed to the school administration for payment arrangements.	Fee details Application fees - No application or registration fee is charged for enrolling at De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit (DENISE). Enrollment is handled by the school's admissions process for students aged 4–18. Tuition fees by school year (per term / per year group) - DENISE is a Dutch public (openbare) day school; it does not charge standard tuition fees for primary (groups 1–8) or secondary (groups 9–14) day students. Education is provided as a publicly funded school. - Voluntary annual parental contribution (applies across year groups): EUR 225 per child, charged once per school year. This contribution is collected to fund extracurricular activities and services used by the school community. You will receive a payment request from the school's financial administration at the start of the school year. - International Baccalaureate (IB) programme charges: an additional charge of EUR 400 paid twice applies to students in the IB pathway (where applicable). These additional IB charges are applied in addition to the voluntary parental contribution for students in the IB programme. The IB-related charges apply to the Pre‑DP / DP groups (group 12; IBDP 13i and 14i). - Book fund for exam classes: from the exam classes (groups 12/13/14) a books package is provided against a deposit of EUR 75. This applies specifically to the exam-year book fund arrangement. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing schedule: A payment request (invoice) for the voluntary parental contribution and any applicable programme charges will be issued by the school's financial administration at the start of the school year; the payment request includes an explanation of the intended spending. Payment terms (due date and accepted payment methods) are shown on that payment request. Non-payment of the voluntary parental contribution does not exclude a pupil from participating in school activities. Boarding fees (if applicable) - DENISE does not operate a boarding / residential programme. Boarding fees are not applicable. The school is a day primary and secondary (PO/VO) bilingual school for ages 4–18. Other costs or fees (uniforms, device, trips, insurance, etc.) - Uniform: No school uniform is specified in the school documentation. - Device / ICT: Secondary students are requested to provide their own device (Chromebook recommended). A Chromebook may be made available on loan in specific circumstances after request. This device expectation is an additional parental cost for secondary students. - Extracurricular / activity costs: The voluntary parental contribution (EUR 225) is used to pay for extracurricular activities and related services; individual trips or special activities may carry additional charges where applicable and are funded in part by that contribution. - School trips and travel insurance: The school board (Esprit Scholen) holds liability, accident and a continuous travel insurance which supplements private insurance; parents are expected to maintain their own insurance cover as the school's insurances have exclusions. Participation in some activities (for example school camp) is mandatory and may involve additional costs covered via contributions or specific charges. - Books deposit: As noted above, a EUR 75 deposit is collected for the books package in exam years (groups 12/13/14). Refund information - Books deposit: the books arrangement is managed via a deposit (borg) of EUR 75 for the books package in exam classes; this deposit functions as a security deposit under the books‑fund arrangement. - Voluntary parental contribution and IB programme charges: the parental contribution is voluntary and non-payment does not exclude pupils from activities; details on refunds or adjustments (for mid‑year joiners or withdrawals) are handled through the school's financial administration and by the terms shown on the payment request. Specific refund mechanics for IB charges or other programme fees will be set out by the school's financial administration when invoiced. Fee payment options - Payment instructions and accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer or other options) are provided on the payment request issued by the school's financial administration. Parents receive the payment request at the start of the school year and should follow the payment instructions on that document.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ALASCA uses its own school-wide curriculum that incorporates all national core objectives and end terms. The curriculum is largely interdisciplinary, with modules that blend subjects such as astronomy, history, philosophy, design, and science. The school also includes its own learning goals in metacognitive skills, philosophy, design, technology, and art, embedded in the module structure. In the upper years, the curriculum includes more traditional subject study for exam preparation. From year 5, students may choose to participate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school places strong emphasis on English and has an international focus, with some instruction and study materials in English.	Curriculum details DENISE is a Dutch public bilingual school for primary and secondary education with an international focus. In the lower years of secondary education, a three-year brugklas program. In the upper years, the Dutch-language VMBO-TL and HAVO exam programs, as well as the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP). DENISE is part of Esprit Scholen and an IB-World School since 2018.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression ALASCA offers the International Profile, including the International Preparatory Year and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The International Profile runs from the IPY through the DP, with core IB components such as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS, alongside HL/SL subjects (including Dutch and English language subjects, and courses like Psychology, Design Technology, and Mathematics). A portion of the program is delivered in English to support international study, enabling entry to universities worldwide.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Students may accelerate, broaden or deepen their studies through elective modules and accelerated examination options, available in the lower and upper years. In the upper years, they can take additional subjects and pursue earlier exam completion when appropriate. ALASCA also offers ALASKLAS, a support track to assist learners who need extra guidance, ensuring they can continue their education within ALASCA with targeted support.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. IPY admissions (International Profile Preparatory Year, age 15-16). The IPY pathway is open to students with a 3 vwo report card eligible for Year 4, students with a havo report card under special circumstances such as English spoken at home, and other students proficient in English with an academic record sufficient to enter Year 4 of pre-university education. An admission interview with the DP Coordinator and/or Career counsellor is part of the IPY process. 2. IB DP admissions (International Profile IB DP, age 16-18). IB DP admissions are open to: Students who have successfully finished IPY at ALASCA, students admitted to 5 vwo, students with a 5 havo Diploma, and Dutch or expatriate students at international schools abroad who are proficient in English and have an academic record sufficient to enter Year 5 of vwo. The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous, academic programme requiring academic ability combined with commitment and resilience for students aged 16-18. An admission interview with the DP Coordinator and/or Career counsellor is part of the IB DP process.	Admissions Enrollment at DENISE is open for all students aged 4 to 18. Children younger than 4 follow the Amsterdam Municipal Admission policy. Good to know: there is high demand for places, so inquiries are handled by email only; school visits and phone calls are by appointment; read our admission policy; the annual parental contribution is €225, and for an IB program there is an additional charge of €400 twice if applicable; many groups are full (maximum 24 students per group) and you can place your child on the waiting list. Information sessions: - Primary (Basisonderwijs): on-site information session at the school. Dates: Thursday 30 October 2025 at 9:00; Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 9:00; Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 9:00; registration via forms.gle. - From Group 8 to Group 9 (bridge class): information session plus a sample lesson on Wednesday 11 February from 14:30 to 16:30; registration via forms.gle; information booklet available. - Secondary education (for newcomers): online information session for parents and students from abroad interested in the newcomers program and DENISE progression. The session is from 14:00 to 15:00 on the following dates: Tuesday 28 October 2025; Tuesday 13 January 2026; Tuesday 21 April 2026; Google Meet links provided. Leerlingen jonger dan 4 jaar (Under 4): Enrollment for under-4 follows the Municipal Admissions Policy. For births between 1 May 2022 and 31 August 2022: deadline 6 November 2025; births between 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2022: deadline 12 March 2026; births between 1 January 2023 and 30 April 2023: deadline 28 May 2026; births between 1 May 2023 and 31 August 2023: deadline 5 November 2026; born after 31 August 2023: dates to be announced. Following submission, automated placements occur in March, June and November to place children at the highest possible preferred school. Priority rules: 1. if the child turning 4 has an older sibling at the first-preference school; 2) children with DENISE as first preference outside the postcode area have priority over those with DENISE as first preference but within the postcode area and with a lower ranking. To accommodate the school's popularity, please fill in at least five schools on the form so your child can be placed elsewhere if needed. Leerlingen tussen 4 en 12 jaar (4-12 years): In primary education, classes are bilingual, three days in Dutch and two days in English. It helps if your child speaks one of the languages. We will assess whether there is space in the appropriate class and may offer a place on the waiting list. Most classes are full and the waiting list is long. Leerlingen tussen 12 en 18 jaar (12-18 years): DENISE has a three-year bridge class (grades 9, 10 and 11). We offer VMBO-TL, HAVO and IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma programs. Dutch language is mandatory; if your child does not yet master Dutch, entry may occur via one of our language classes. Our IB diploma program is fully in English, but Dutch is a mandatory subject. Special attention is given to newcomers and to students with language gaps. AANMELDEN NIEUWKOMERS (Newcomers): Newcomers start in our newcomer program; their age on arrival in the Netherlands is between 12 and 17 years 10 months. Based on these assessments, they are placed at Mundus College (VMBO-B/K/TL and practical education) or at DENISE (from VMBO-TL to IB). The newcomer group is located at Van Hallstraat 621 in Amsterdam. If a student may join DENISE (the level permitting), they start in a language class to learn Dutch as a second language to reach approximately B1 level; once Dutch is at the required level, they transfer to the regular bilingual classes or to English-language IB education (with Dutch as a mandatory subject). AANMELDEN GROEP 8 (Grade 8 admissions): For the transition from primary to secondary, DENISE participates in the Amsterdam municipal placement policy. Grade 8 students can apply to participate in the Central Lottery & Matching. For more information, see schoolkeuze020.nl. The central admission period runs from 20 to 31 March. Enrollment via ELK parent portal is possible after you have the final primary school advice, by 22 March. Detailed information about central admission is available at schoolkeuze020.nl. AANMELDEN ZIJ-INSTROOM (Lateral entry) en andere situaties: Students already in the Netherlands at a secondary school or those who speak Dutch but do not yet have sufficient Dutch to attend a regular Dutch secondary school fall under zij-instroom. Places in regular groups are limited because groups are generally full. For additional information on entry requirements, please consult our admission policy. We will assess possibilities and inform you of the next steps. Bezoek van de school en telefonisch contact kan alleen op afspraak. School visits and phone contacts are by appointment only.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waitlist overview: When spaces are filled, DENISE maintains a waiting list. If more applications exist than available places, a lottery is used to allocate places in order of the applicant's preferred schools. Priority is given to 4-year-olds with an older sibling at the first-preference school and to applicants who have DENISE as their first preference outside the postcode area over those with DENISE as first preference but within the postcode area. Because DENISE is highly sought-after, applicants are asked to list at least five schools in the application. Registration for the waiting list is by emailing admin@denise.espritscholen.nl. Automated placements occur in March, June and November when places become available.
	View full profile →	View full profile →