Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Van Heutszstraat 12, 2593 PJ Den Haag, The Netherlands. Lighthouse Special Education and Three Little Ships Preschool are located within the International Department of The Haagsche Schoolvereeniging in The Hague (Van Heutszstraat location). The building is wheelchair-accessible.
Early Intervention group (ages 2.5 to 5) within Three Little Ships preschool; Class 1 (ages 5 to 8); Class 2 (ages 8 to 13).
International special education school.
Cooperation with associated therapists and local Dutch specialists. The school works with psychologists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and other professionals to design individualised learning plans; Lighthouse also benefits from a dedicated assessment team and collaboration with Three Little Ships Preschool.
Daily schedule: Lighthouse classes run from 08:30 to 15:00, with a soft start around 08:20–08:45 for related groups. Lunches are integrated as part of the day; there is outdoor playtime and a focus on social and academic development. The Lighthouse program totals about 30 hours of lessons per week.
Bus service is available for eligible students through local transport schemes; reimbursement of transport costs may be possible. The provider options include Wassenaar, Leidschendam-Voorburg and Den Haag.
The Lighthouse Special Education is part of the Haagse Schoolvereniging (HSV) in The Hague.
An individualized curriculum is followed for each student with a strong emphasis on communication and social skills, and on learning how to cope in a school environment. For 5–13 year olds, the School Curriculum places emphasis on basic skills in communication, reading, spelling, language and maths, and is based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross-referenced with the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum. Students work on their own learning goals using a range of materials, including the Edmark Reading Program and Numicon. Students use iPads with apps tailored to their learning level and progress. An Early Intervention Curriculum (Three Little Ships) is play-based and develops communication, social, fine motor, early literacy and numeracy skills, with a focus on independence; the preschool class has a maximum of 16 children, with 11 typically developing and a high staff-to-student ratio.
Preschool Early Intervention class has a maximum of 16 children, 11 of whom are typically developing, with a high staff-to-student ratio. Lighthouse Primary School class has up to 16 children taught by 1 teacher and 3–4 educational assistants.
The Lighthouse Special Education emphasises development of communication and social skills alongside academics. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio (1:4) to foster deep relationships and support social and emotional development. It uses three picture-based communication systems—PECS, PODD, and Proloquo2Go—to support nonverbal or limited-verbal learners. The curriculum prioritizes social skills and learning to participate in groups, with goals for language and social development in individual education plans. The Lighthouse supports integration into the HSV International Department, enabling social inclusion and language practice with age peers. The well-being framework emphasizes relationships, competence, and autonomy as core conditions for motivation and well-being.
The Lighthouse Special Education is the only international special school in The Netherlands, offering individualized education to children aged 3-13 who cannot cope in international mainstream education. The school serves students with very complex needs, including non-verbal autism and multi-disabled profiles, with challenges spanning visual impairment, language development difficulties, cognitive and physical disabilities, and behavioural challenges. There are three classes: Early Intervention (2.5-5) in Three Little Ships preschool, Class 1 (5-8), and Class 2 (8-13). Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and occupational therapy are available during the school day with medical approval; students have Individual Education Plans. The curriculum is taught exclusively in English, with integration into the International Department where appropriate, and resources are tailored to each student's needs.
The Lighthouse curriculum is taught exclusively in English. Some students have English as a second or third language. Many students have limited verbal skills and communicate using pictograms and augmented communication systems such as PECS, PODD, and Proloquo2Go. Where applicable, Lighthouse supports language development through English-language instruction and integration with the HSV International Department. Therapy services, including speech therapy, support language development as part of the school day.
Well-being is central to the Lighthouse approach, guided by three basic conditions: relationships, competence, and autonomy. The school emphasises social skills development and group belonging, including lunchtime activities as part of the educational program. The high staff-to-student ratio enables staff to build trusting relationships and tailor support to individual needs. Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration are available to support mental well-being. Individual Education Plans track progress toward social and learning goals, with regular review and adjustment to support students' well-being.
The health and safety of the children are of highest importance. The school maintains a Child Protection Statement and HSV-wide Child Protection Policy, with an Intimate Care Policy for Lighthouse. All staff, interns and volunteers are required to provide a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (Good Conduct) before working. The school provides a Confidential Advisor and an External Confidential Advisor, as well as the National Confidential Advisor for complaints about education. For safeguarding concerns, contact details are available through the Confidential Advisor and External Confidential Advisor.
1. Submit the Application and Required Documentation:
To begin the process, parents need to submit a completed application form alongside a copy of the child’s passport, recent school reports, and proof of eligibility, such as a letter from an employer or a temporary employment contract. It is important to provide detailed information about the child’s learning needs, including copies of any assessments from the past two years conducted by psychologists, physiotherapists, or speech therapists. Parents should ensure that all reports and assessments are fully translated into English prior to submission.
2. Attend an Initial Meeting:
Once the application and documents are received, the Director will reach out to parents to schedule a meeting to discuss the application. Following this meeting and a subsequent discussion with the Pupil Monitoring Co-ordinator, the school will determine if Lighthouse is a viable option for the child. This step allows both the parents and the school staff to clarify the child's specific needs and the school's capacity to support them.
3. Consent to Information Exchange and Further Assessments:
Before making a final admissions decision, Lighthouse staff may need to consult with the child’s current school or therapists to gather more context. Parents will be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to this exchange of information with outside professionals. In some cases, the Lighthouse Assessment Team may require additional assessments to be completed; parents should be aware that these specific assessments incur separate fees.
4. Obtain a Statement of Eligibility:
Because admissions comply with Dutch law for Tailored Education (Passend Onderwijs), every child must receive a formal Statement of Eligibility (Toelatingsverklaring) from the local Dutch Education Board in their residential district. Lighthouse staff will assist parents directly with the application for this statement. It is a mandatory legal requirement before the child can officially start at the school.
The Lighthouse Special Education website does not specify the operation of a formal waitlist or applicant pool system. The policy states that children between the ages of 5 and 12 may be admitted at any point during the school year, strictly subject to the current availability of places. For the separate Three Little Ships Early Intervention program, admissions priority is specifically given to children who turn three years old before October 1st of that academic year.
ASH operates on two campuses in Wassenaar, The Netherlands. The main campus is Rijksstraatweg 200, 2241 BX, Wassenaar. The Early Childhood Center is Deijlerweg 153, 2241 AE, Wassenaar. Both campuses are in the Dutch municipality of Wassenaar, within the The Hague region.
ASH offers Elementary School, Middle School, and High School for students ages 3 to 18.
International school day school.
More than 70 nationalities are represented among ASH students.
The Student Support Team includes Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Counselors. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided for Grades 1–12. The Special Education program offers individualized support in a small-class setting, and Learning Support uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for Grades 1–12.
The school offers a flexible bus service with Area A (Within Wassenaar), Area B (Den Haag, Leiden, Leidschendam, Noordwijk, Nootdorp, Oegstgeest, Rijswijk, Voorburg, Voorschoten and immediate vicinities), and Area C (outside Areas A & B). The ECC bus serves Pre-Kindergarten 1 to Grade 2 in Areas A & B.
No uniforms; dress code requiring students to dress reasonably and in good taste.
ASH food services include bringing food from home or purchasing hot or cold meals and snacks from the school cafeteria; Eurest manages all ASH food services and follows the ASH Nutrition Policy.
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees; ASH is an independent, not-for-profit institution.
ASH delivers an American-style curriculum with English as the language of instruction, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Advanced Placement (AP) program in High School. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year, six-course program with the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service core; the average IB Diploma score is 35 and the May 2025 session had a 100% pass rate, with 16% of students earning 40+ points. The AP program offers one-year courses with exams leading to college credit; ASH is the only school in the Netherlands offering AP, with 91% of exams earning a score of 3 or higher and 59% of exams earning a 4 or 5; AP credits are recognized by universities worldwide. The school uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) for Grades 3–8 to assess reading and math, with ASH students scoring above global averages. In Elementary School, the curriculum follows Common Core Standards, NEASC accreditation, and includes Dutch, art, library, music, and physical education; the Dutch-English Dual Language Pathway began in 2024, beginning instruction in Dutch with gradual introduction of English to develop proficiency in both languages.
IB Diploma Programme results include an average score of 35, a 100% pass rate in the May 2025 examination, and 16% of students earning 40+ points. The Advanced Placement (AP) program reports a 91% pass rate (scores of 3 or higher) and 59% of AP exams earning a 4 or 5. AP credits are recognized by universities worldwide.
The Class of 2024 received 273 acceptances to universities and colleges in 12 countries, with 129 students in the graduating class. Destinations included King's College London, Northwestern University, Universidad de Navarra, University of Amsterdam, and Eindhoven University of Technology. Netherlands accounted for 51% of college destinations, the United States 22%, the United Kingdom 7%, Canada 4%, and Spain 4%.
The school integrates social-emotional learning as a core part of the educational experience. The advisory program guides discussions on identity, goal-setting, and mental well-being. These initiatives cultivate resilience, empathy, and self-awareness, helping students navigate challenges and build meaningful connections. The schoolwide counseling team provides proactive and responsive support to students and families across all grade levels as part of a multidisciplinary Student Support Team. On-site health services, including qualified school nurses, address illnesses and health concerns to keep students safe and ready to learn.
The school provides exceptional support for all learners, including neurodivergent students. On-campus specialists work with each student to provide individualized support, aligned with a multidisciplinary Student Support Team. The approach enables participation in activities alongside peers whenever possible. The school emphasizes inclusive practices to ensure neurodivergent learners can access the curriculum and school life. ASH is committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.
The school does not require English for preschool through Grade 6; there is no English prerequisite. In Grades 7 and 8, Beginner to Intermediate English is required, and language support is available. In Grades 9 and 10, Intermediate to Advanced English is required, an English language assessment is required, and language support is not available. In Grades 11 and 12, Advanced English is required, an English language assessment is required, and language support is not available. Language support is available for admitted students in Kindergarten through Grade 8, and language support is limited at the high school level.
ASH is committed to supporting every student's social, emotional, and physical well-being. Social-emotional learning is integral to the educational experience, with advisory programs that support identity development, goal-setting, and mental well-being. The counseling team provides proactive and responsive support to students and families across all grade levels. Health services are on campus, with qualified school nurses addressing health concerns throughout the school day. Transition programs and orientation support help students and families navigate changes with confidence.
ASH has a Child Protection Policy. The school is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for all students. The Student Well-Being team, including counselors and health professionals, supports safeguarding across grade levels.
1. Initial Inquiry and Application
The admissions process begins by scheduling a campus tour, contacting the admissions team, or starting the online application. This primary step establishes initial planning and helps applicants understand the institution's offerings.
2. Admissions Support
The Admissions Director and Admissions Officer assist applicants throughout the entire enrollment process. They provide navigational guidance and help identify specific academic or extracurricular opportunities relevant to the student's interests.
3. Application Timeline
Applications are accepted and evaluated on a continuous, year-round basis. Applicants must provide their anticipated transition timeline during this stage to ensure proper entry coordination and a smooth enrollment process.
4. English Proficiency Requirements
Language prerequisites are determined by the entering grade level. Preschool through Grade 6 have no English prerequisite. Grades 7 and 8 require Beginner to Intermediate English proficiency, with language support provided by the school. Grades 9 and 10 require Intermediate to Advanced English, with a potential assessment and no language support available. Grades 11 and 12 strictly mandate Advanced English, require a formal assessment, and offer no language support.
5. Placement Guidelines
Grade placement is strictly determined by the applicant's prior educational history and their exact age as of October 1st of the entry year. Standard placement guides and grade-level equivalents are utilized to establish the appropriate cohort for the incoming student.
6. Financials and Logistics
The institution operates as an independent, non-profit organization. Standard tuition and fee schedules apply to all students without any discount policies. Optional fee-based school transportation is available, with specific routes and pricing structures outlined in the school's transportation documentation.
ASH has no scholarship or discount program. Please refer to the Tuition and Fees page for a detailed overview of costs; there are no ASH-sponsored scholarships for general admission.
The school is located at Verhulstlaan 21, 3055WJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands. It is a private international school in Rotterdam. Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam provides door-to-door bus transport to and from the campus, operated by Taxi Wooning V.O.F., with routes planned to minimize journey times. Bus routes are scheduled, with the aim of keeping most journeys to about 45 minutes where possible.
Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary
International private school
More than 230 students from over 35 countries.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme provides English language support for students from Year 1 to Year 11; EAL support is provided at no extra cost.
The Netherlands
The school day starts at 8:10 am and ends at 3:05 pm. Foundation 1 and 2 finish at 12:00 pm on Wednesdays. Primary students register at 8:10 am, have a 45-minute lunch break, and afternoon pick-up is at 3:05 pm. After-school care and activities are available on campus after the formal day ends.
Door-to-door bus transport is provided to and from the Rotterdam campus by Taxi Wooning V.O.F.; the service operates on a fixed schedule with routes and zones, and fees are set according to transportation zones; changes may occur for after-school activities.
A NAISR Shark outfit is required for HAPE (Grades 2–8). The outfit costs 45 Euro. Athletic shoes must be laced or velcro with no open toes. All students change for HAPE.
The school cafeteria is run by Innergy and prepares healthy meals for students. Lunch times include a 45‑minute lunch break with Foundation 1 eating in classrooms at 12:00, Foundation 2 through Year 6 eating at 12:00 with a recess until 12:45, and Secondary lunch from 12:45–13:30.
The school uses a House system to foster a sense of community across age groups.
NAISR is part of Nord Anglia Education, a global network of premium international schools.
IMYC and NAISR Pre-IB Programme are used in the middle years; in the upper years, students choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the NAISR High School Diploma, which provides tailored, vocational pathways to higher education. The curriculum is delivered across six core pillars and enhanced by collaborations with MIT and UNICEF via Nord Anglia Education, with further learning through the Nord Anglia University platform.
IBDP points scores are consistently above the global average, and graduates go to top Dutch and international universities.
Graduates attend top Dutch and international universities, including institutions in the UK, US, and across mainland Europe.
The wellbeing programme is underpinned by core values guiding physical health, social development, and emotional resilience. A safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment supports every student's emotional and physical needs. The Primary and Secondary Student Councils give every child a voice and encourage leadership on important issues. The Health, Advisory and Physical Education (HAPE) curriculum teaches students how to look after their physical and emotional wellbeing. The Learning Support Department and Student Services Team include a social and emotional coach and an onsite school nurse, ensuring students are healthy, well, and content. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) team provides support for students who need extra help with English.
The Learning Support Programme provides the academic, behavioural, and social development assistance our students need to thrive. Students who may need academic, behavioural, or learning support are referred to our Student Services Team (SST), which includes the Head of Learning Support, the Principal, teachers, and parents, to assess needs and set goals. Our Learning Support Programme will improve student outcomes by developing the academic, emotional, social, and behavioural skills each student needs to succeed now and in the future. It provides support in the classroom and/or one-to-one, focusing on each student's strengths by personalising learning and modifying the curriculum. It fosters appreciation, acceptance, and respect for individuality, diversity, and each student's preferred learning style. It builds confidence, resilience, and a belief in the student's ability to succeed, supports development of friendships and important social skills, and creates a supportive, caring, and safe environment.
NAISR offers additional English language support to students from Year 1 to Year 11. EAL support is provided at no extra cost. Our expert EAL team create carefully planned strategies that ensure every child learns in a way that works for them. Our EAL programme supports students' linguistic, cultural, social, and emotional transition, while providing the appropriate scaffolding to help them succeed in and beyond the classroom. EAL teachers typically work alongside the student's teachers in the classroom, with direct one-to-one sessions possible when needed. EAL students are made to feel proud of their culture and native language, and their bilingual ability is viewed as an asset.
The wellbeing programme centers on physical health, social development, and emotional resilience. A safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment supports students' mental wellbeing. The Health, Advisory and Physical Education (HAPE) curriculum teaches students how to manage their emotional wellbeing as part of overall health. The Learning Support Department includes a social and emotional coach and an onsite school nurse to support mental wellbeing. The school's EAL team helps students transition emotionally as they acquire English.
Rigorous background screening is performed for staff. Criminal record checks are conducted. A comprehensive safeguarding policy keeps students safe at school.
1. Make an Enquiry
Begin by filling out the online enquiry form. The admissions team usually responds within 24 hours to verify available spots, as the school accepts students year-round based on capacity. This is the time to ask initial questions about your child's specific situation.
2. Take a Tour of the Campus
You can schedule an in-person visit to view the facilities if you are in Rotterdam. For families relocating from abroad, the school offers personalized virtual meetings or online open days so you can explore the campus remotely.
3. Submit the Application and Documents
Complete the online application and upload the required documents, including your child's passport and English-translated school reports (two years for Years 1-12; three years for Year 13). The admissions team will contact your child's current teacher directly for a recommendation form.
4. Complete the Interview and Assessment
The school will schedule a brief interview with you and your child, either on-campus or via video call. Depending on age, language proficiency, and academic background, your child may also need to take a test to ensure the school can meet their learning needs.
5. Finalize the Placement Offer
If successful, the school will offer your child a place and confirm their year group. Placements are based on the child's age as of September 1st and their academic review. You finalize enrollment by accepting the offer and completing the registration paperwork.
6. Prepare for the First Day
The school will send materials to help you prepare for the transition. Students starting in August attend a new student induction day to meet teachers and classmates, while mid-year joiners receive direct guidance from staff to settle into their classes.
NAISR offers an Academic Scholarship Programme for students aged 15–18 (Years 11–13). Eligibility requires academic excellence, creativity and personal initiative, involvement in a range of extra‑curricular activities, and a strong regard from current school staff. Scholarships are awarded to top candidates who can meet the demands of the curriculum and contribute to school life, with recipients required to maintain high achievement and engagement. To apply: download the scholarship application form, write a 400‑word motivation letter addressed to the Director and the Director of Admissions and Marketing, and collect school reports from the past three years; deadlines are 15 April for internal candidates and 1 November or 15 April for prospective/ external candidates; email all materials to scholarships@naisr.nl. After submission, you'll receive an automatic acknowledgement; the academic team reviews documents and references, with internal reviews in April/May and external reviews in November (for a January start) and in April/May (for an August start); the top five finalists are invited to an interview and outcomes are communicated within three working days. If successful, the admissions team guides you through the remaining steps. Documentation is kept for up to 12 months in compliance with GDPR. A downloadable Scholarship Form is available on the page.
Winford Bilingual The Hague is located in the Bezuidenhout area of The Hague, Netherlands. It is within walking distance of The Hague Central Station. Address: Bezuidenhoutseweg 91, 2594 AC Den Haag.
The Hague campus serves children aged 4 to 12 with a bilingual pathway. From age 9 to 12 there is a Dutch curriculum stream alongside the bilingual program.
Private Dutch school offering the Dutch national curriculum in a bilingual environment. All core subjects are taught in both Dutch and English, with a dual immersion approach that links the Dutch, UK, and IPC curricula.
Netherlands
The school day runs from 09:00 to 15:00, with drop-off between 08:45 and 09:00. Wednesdays are a half-day, finishing at 13:00.
An after-school transport arrangement with Amforça provides bus pickup from Winford Bilingual to Amforça locations, including Overbosch.
All lunches and morning snacks are provided every day and are included in the school fee. A warm healthy vegetarian lunch is made by the school's in-house cook.
The school is a private Dutch school offering the Dutch national curriculum in a bilingual environment and is part of the Winford group of schools.
Winford Bilingual The Hague provides a total immersion, dual-language primary education for students aged 4 to 12, with a Dutch curriculum stream for students aged 9 to 12. All core subjects are taught equally in Dutch and English, with IPC taught in both languages. The Dutch national curriculum forms the base, with the UK national curriculum running alongside it, linked by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The classrooms have two fully qualified teachers, one native English speaker and one native Dutch speaker, with around 20 children per class. Families may choose bilingual or Dutch-only language tracks after age 9, and the program prepares students for Dutch or international secondary education.
Two teachers per classroom and about 20 students per class.
Graduates typically move on to Dutch secondary schools or International secondary schools, with options to continue in British, Dutch or international education pathways.
Social and emotional benefits to being bilingual. Being raised as bilingual enhances reading social cues, reduces social shyness, and strengthens active listening skills. These skills help children make friends, understand diversity, and integrate into diverse environments. The bilingual setting fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion as part of everyday learning. The school emphasizes a nurturing environment where individuality is celebrated and learning is an exciting lifelong journey.
All subjects are taught in Dutch and English; two teachers per classroom, one English-speaking and one Dutch-speaking, with each teacher speaking their native language to students. The Dutch national curriculum is taught alongside the UK national curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum, with all subjects taught in both languages. The programme is recognised by the Dutch schools inspectorate. Families can choose bilingual or Dutch-only language tracks after age 9. IPC is taught in both English and Dutch to foster bilingual fluency across the curriculum.
Winford Bilingual uses Positive Discipline, which is based on kindness and firm guidance, mutual respect, and constructive communication. The approach emphasizes belonging and significance, long-term development, and social and life skills, helping children become independent and understand logical consequences. The aim is to create happy, capable, and kind learners who can navigate social situations respectfully and effectively.
Submit the completed form (Word or PDF) along with school reports and CITO results. For children over five, the school will schedule a trial session via the school director. A non-refundable registration fee of €550 must be paid before Winford Bilingual begins processing the application.
Step 2: Provisional Confirmation
The school will email a Provisional Offer once the application is processed. Parents have 10 business days to accept or decline; after this period, the offer is automatically withdrawn, and the process must be restarted.
Step 3: Acceptance
Following acceptance, a non-refundable enrolment fee of €1000 per child is due within 3 weeks. Once paid, the school secures the student's placement and issues a formal confirmation of Enrolment. This fee is separate from tuition and is non-refundable regardless of start date or withdrawal.