Edited by Giulia Ceccon · Chief Marketing Officer
Amsterdam has 20 schools in the affordable category, providing families with focused options.
Compare 13 Affordable international schools in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 5,045), location, and more to find the right international school now.
De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit (DENISE) is a Dutch bilingual school for primary and secondary education with an international focus, located at Piet Mondriaanstraat 140. It serves students aged 4 to 18 and offers IPC primary (Dutch-English bilingual) and IMYC secondary (groups 9–11), with the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP) in the upper years. In the Dutch system, the upper secondary track also includes VMBO-TL and HAVO exams alongside the IB-DP. DENISE has been an IB-World School since 2018 and is part of Esprit Scholen. A brugklas bridge program supports transition in lower secondary. The renovated building houses science classrooms and other modern facilities to support the curriculum, including EOA/ISK/Language classes. Bilingual instruction in primary is three days Dutch and two days English; the DP is taught in English with Dutch as a mandatory subject. Extracurriculars include Debate in theatre, DENISE Oscars Night, DENISE tree, and Participation Council.
Amsterdam Liberal Art & Sciences Academy (ALASCA) is a secondary school offering vwo+ and havo. It operates as an IB World School, delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme from year 5, alongside a Dutch curriculum for exit qualifications. ALASCA uses a school-wide, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends subjects such as philosophy, ethics, design, science and mathematics, with an emphasis on English and international perspectives. From the International Profile Year 4–6, students pursue core IB elements (Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, Extended Essay) and IB subjects including Dutch and English literature, Dutch ab initio, Psychology, Design Technology, Maths Applications and Interpretation, and Visual Arts. The school places emphasis on metacognitive skills, research, and essay writing, while maintaining traditional subject study for exams in later years. Facilities are modern, and service-learning projects foster citizenship. An international exchange with ies Manacor, and language offerings in Dutch, English, Spanish, and German, support engagement.
International School Haarlem (ISH) is a day IB World School for students aged 4 to 18. In Primary, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is taught; in Secondary, students follow the MYP, CP, and DP. ISH opened in 2017 with a primary department and added secondary in 2018. The school operates across three Haarlem campuses: Buitenrustlaan 9 (Lower Primary), Schreveliusstraat 27 (Upper Primary) and Junoplantsoen 58 (Secondary). English is the working language, with English Language Acquisition and support available as needed; DP language courses and language development initiatives are described in policy materials. The Libraries offer fiction and non-fiction, magazines, online resources and IT equipment, with spaces for research and collaboration. Primary literacy is supported by the Oxford Reading Tree. Secondary students are expected to bring a laptop, and essential information is published in ManageBac and the ISH School Guide. Extracurriculars include MUN, Olympic Moves, language-focused activities, debate and newspaper clubs today.
International School Almere is an IB World School serving ages 2 to 18. It offers the IB programmes PYP, MYP and DP, plus CP and BTEC qualification. The MYP and DP are IB-authorised and CIS-recognised, with MYP classes capped at 24 students and a DP core comprising Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service. The CP provides a candidacy pathway for 16+ students, pairing two DP subjects with CP Core and BTEC Level 3 International Diploma in Information Technology. The campus on Breskensweg 5 in Almere. Facilities include two gyms, the Beehive Library Learning Centre, science laboratory, a workshop, and a cafetorium; Primary and Secondary occupy separate wings but share a vibrant campus life. English is the language of instruction with Dutch taught as Host Country Language, and International Mother Language Week is celebrated. Extracurriculars include ALMUN, Dungeons & Dragons, and Yearbook, along with sport, orchestra, and drama.
The Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) South Campus offers the complete International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, including the Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma, and Career-related Programmes. Operating in a climate-neutral building opened in 2022, the campus accommodates 1,400 students aged 4 to 18. The school features specialized facilities to support its curriculum, including four science labs, a dance studio, a music and drama room, and two large gymnasiums. A distinct aspect of the primary school is its emphasis on outdoor education, utilizing local natural surroundings for hands-on, inquiry-based learning. AICS also actively supports linguistic diversity through its "best-language" development initiative, providing clubs for students to maintain native languages like German, French, Spanish, and Italian. To assist families with the daily commute, the school partners with a dedicated shuttle service. Through a transdisciplinary framework, AICS closely integrates its learning environment with the local Amsterdam community and sustainable practices.
Amersfoort International School (AIS) offers English-language international primary education for children aged 4 to 12 and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme as an official IB World School since September 2025. Located in Amersfoort, AIS shares a light, spacious building on Noordewierweg with De Kubus and is part of the AnnoNu school board. The school opened in 2023–2024 and operates in a renovated facility that features a large natural playground to support learning through play, discovery and inquiry. AIS emphasizes inclusion and equal opportunities with a mission of 'Learning for all' and a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based PYP curriculum that integrates across traditional subjects. Facilities include a collaborative library developed with De Kubus and De Bibliotheek Eemland, offering Dutch and English titles and growing multilingual collections. After-school care via Partou, cycling lessons, and Dutch language immersion strengthen community ties and language development. AIS aims to empower internationally minded and successful learners.
International School Laren is an IB World School on Laar & Berg campus in Het Gooi, Netherlands. It offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16 and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18, with instruction in English and Dutch and a bilingual DP option. The school emphasizes small classes and highly qualified staff to support inquiry-based, context-rich learning. The MYP includes eight subject groups, including Language and Literature, Sciences and Design, with the Personal Project; the DP offers subjects across Language and Literature, Language Acquisition (Dutch B), Sciences, Mathematics and Arts, plus TOK, EE and CAS. Facilities include two gyms, sports fields, art campus, a music room, a design room, five science labs, a media centre and a canteen. IS Laren participates in Model United Nations and offers clubs such as Yearbook Club, Dungeons & Dragons Club and Photography Club, plus Texel Camp and Service as Action.
IPS Hilversum is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) school for children aged 4 to 12, taught in English with Dutch as the host country language. The school operates on two campuses, Rembrandt for Early Years to Grade 4 and Mondrian for Grades 5 to 8, housed in historic-listed buildings. The PYP uses an inquiry‑based, transdisciplinary approach, with ongoing assessment and regular conferences to review progress. Students develop ICT skills with Chromebooks and iPads, and every classroom has an interactive whiteboard. Home languages are encouraged and Dutch language learning is integrated through play in the younger years and formal study later. The school offers after‑school care, two playgrounds, libraries at both campuses, and a large outdoor inquiry garden that supports learning. A strong cultural program includes weekly music lessons, language clubs, and active student leadership through a School Council and Student Council. The school fosters community involvement and belonging.
Optimist International School is an international public primary school located in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. Education is delivered in English within a Dutch context. The curriculum combines IEYC for early years, IPC for primary, and the British Curriculum for later primary years, serving students aged 4 to 11. The school operates on a two-campus model to support growth: Dussenstraat Campus houses Early Years to Group 4, and Waddenweg Campus serves Group 5 and up. Addresses are Dussenstraat 34, 2134 DL Hoofddorp and Waddenweg 87, 2134 XL Hoofddorp. Both campuses are in quiet neighbourhoods and are about 15 minutes from Schiphol Airport and Haarlem and 20 minutes from Amsterdam. A secondary education pathway is planned to open in August 2026. The English-language, international setting supports continuity across year groups and into the planned secondary pathway.
International School Utrecht (ISU) is an IB Continuum school, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 4 to 18. Instruction is in English, with an English Language Acquisition programme to support multilingual learners. ISU is state-subsidised and accredited by the International Baccalaureate and the Council of International Schools, taught in a Dutch setting. The PYP is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, emphasizing student voice and units that integrate mathematics and language. The MYP develops internationally minded learners across eight subject groups, with Grade 10 pathways toward the DP. The DP includes TOK, Extended Essay and CAS, with many subjects at Higher and Standard Levels. ISU currently operates a two-storey temporary campus in Papendorp with capacity for about 1,200 students and a large sports hall. A new Utrecht Science Park campus is under construction and slated to open in 2027, with theatres, labs, arts spaces and sports facilities.
The International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm is a long‑standing IB World School on a single campus in Hilversum, between Amsterdam and Utrecht. The language of instruction is English, and the school offers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, plus a bilingual Internationaal Tweetalig VWO stream for ages 4 to 18. The community gathers students and staff from more than 45 nationalities, creating an internationally oriented campus environment. Facilities on Emmastraat 56 include an on‑site library with Kindle access for clubs, ICT‑driven learning spaces and dedicated STEAM areas, and a canteen awarded a Gold plaque by the Dutch Nutrition Centre for healthy options. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry and diversity, with extensive co‑curriculars such as Model United Nations (ISHMUN and THIMUN), STEAM projects and a Book Club. Student life features a Student Council, Sustainability Committee, and clubs including Rainbow Alliance, Photography and Baking, plus Arts Week and a music showcase.
The Japanese School of Amsterdam offers the Japanese Curriculum for students in elementary and middle school. Located in the western part of Amsterdam between Rembrandtpark and Sloterplas lake, the campus provides easy access to natural surroundings for environmental study. Instruction is primarily in Japanese, but students begin learning English and Dutch in the first grade to help them navigate their host country. The school maintains traditional Japanese customs, hosting annual events like the Kakizome (New Year’s calligraphy) and Mochitsuki (rice-pounding) festivals. Alongside standard academic subjects, students participate in specific cultural exchange programs with local Dutch institutions, such as Merkelbach School and Oudvaart School. Field trips to cheese farms, windmill museums, and local industries are integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to learn about Dutch society. A dedicated school bus service is available, ensuring safe transport for students living across the greater Amsterdam area.
Amstelland International School is an international day school in Amstelveen, Netherlands, welcoming students aged 4 to 11. The curriculum blends IEYC in the early years with IPC units in primary years, complemented by PYP and Cambridge Primary pathways. Learning is organized around themes, with project-based work and IPC skill development at the core, and a strong emphasis on global citizenship values. The campus hosts a dedicated music room and the Amstel International Music School, offering on-site piano, guitar, violin lessons and choir. Specialist teachers deliver English Language Acquisition, Dutch Language and Culture, Physical Education and Art in small groups in purpose-equipped spaces. UniKidz provides on-campus after-school experiences, including swim lessons. The development plan envisions a single building to house primary and secondary on the Amstelveen site. The school emphasizes language support, cultural celebrations, field trips, and a no-homework policy that prioritizes intrinsic motivation and project-based learning, for curious, independent learners.
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