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Taught languages English, Dutch, Spanish, German, French, Italian
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
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.
Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus has 725 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.
Location
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.
Stages
Primary and Secondary
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.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The school serves students of all nationalities living in The Netherlands; international student body.
Additional learning support
In-class student support led by teachers and mentors to meet diverse student needs.
Country affiliation
The Netherlands (Dutch international school).
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.
Bus service
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.
Fees
Annual tuition at Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus ranges from EUR 6,025 to EUR 9,168 for 2026/27.
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.
Academics
Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 4 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
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).
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.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing and academic achievement are linked; a holistic approach nurtures students' emotional, social, and academic growth. The Wellbeing Programme comprises Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), the KIVA anti-bullying programme, the Common Sense Digital Citizenship Programme, and the Community Safety Agreement (CSA) developed with staff, students and parents. The AICS Wellbeing framework emphasises student agency, parent school child partnership and a sense of belonging, supporting wellbeing and learning. Members of the safeguarding team include Lyndsay Gregory, Child Protection and Safeguarding Lead; Niké Yonkio, Primary Sandcastle Campus; and Sanne Zaadnoordijk, Primary South Campus. The Multisignal system connects professionals involved with a student to coordinate support and resolve issues quickly.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The AICS uses an inclusive approach to learning and accepts students of average to above average ability, including those with English as an additional language and learners with learning diversity. Extra assistance is provided for a limited number of students. Speech and Language Team and Occupational Therapist services are available, and these services must be covered by health insurance. If capacity is reached, families may be placed on a waiting list until full support can be provided.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The main language of instruction is English. English Language Acquisition support is provided for students learning English as a emerging language, including an extended English Language Acquisition Programme (ELAX). The school also recognises English Best Language and Language Acquisition as part of its language provision and supports developing Dutch as a best language as part of its Dutch international school framework.
Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to the school approach; a holistic wellbeing programme supports emotional and social development and links to academic growth. It emphasizes student agency, a parent school child partnership, and a sense of belonging. The programme includes CSE, the KIVA anti-bullying programme, the Common Sense Digital Citizenship Programme, and the Community Safety Agreement to support mental wellbeing and safe online behaviour.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is led by a safeguarding team with Lyndsay Gregory as Child Protection and Safeguarding Lead (Secondary), Niké Yonkio (Primary Sandcastle Campus) and Sanne Zaadnoordijk (Primary South Campus). The school uses MULTISignal to coordinate professionals involved with a student, ensuring a coherent plan. A Community Safety Agreement and other safeguarding measures underpin the protective framework.
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.
FAQs
What age range does AICS serve?
Amsterdam International Community School serves students aged 4 to 19 across primary and secondary education on two campuses in Amsterdam.
What curriculum does the school follow?
AICS delivers the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (IBCP), with English as the language of instruction.
Where are the campuses located?
AICS operates on two campuses: the South Campus at Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1179, Amsterdam, and the Sandcastle Campus at Bijlmerplein 1000, Amsterdam. Both share the same curriculum and values.
How much are the tuition fees?
Annual fees for 2025-2026 are approximately EUR 6,025 for Primary (Groups 1-5) and EUR 6,230 for Secondary. A non-refundable registration fee of EUR 200 per student applies.
What are the IB exam results?
In 2024-2025 the DP pass rate was 93% with a highest score of 43. The CP pass rate was 90% and all CP students also received BTEC diplomas.
Is the school government-funded?
Yes, AICS is partly funded by the Dutch government. It is part of the Esprit Scholen Group and connected to a Dutch school board.
What learning support is provided?
AICS uses an inclusive approach and accepts students of average to above-average ability. In-class support is led by teachers and mentors. Speech and language therapy and occupational therapy are available, covered by health insurance.
What wellbeing programmes does the school run?
The school runs a comprehensive wellbeing programme including the KIVA anti-bullying programme, Common Sense Digital Citizenship, Comprehensive Sexuality Education and a Community Safety Agreement.
Where do graduates go to university?
Graduates attend universities in the Netherlands and internationally, including Leiden University, University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, TU Delft and international institutions.
Is there a parents' association?
Yes, the AICS Parents Society (APS) is a parent-led organisation that hosts coffee mornings, international breakfasts and other events to build community.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through the Open Apply portal. AICS serves both foreign students in the Netherlands and Dutch students requiring international education continuity. Candidates are admitted under specific criteria.
Does the school offer the IB Career-related Programme?
Yes, AICS offers the IBCP alongside the Diploma Programme. CP students complete BTEC diplomas as part of their career-related studies.
What extracurricular activities are available?
AICS hosts Model United Nations (MUNAICS), a student-led conference developing research, negotiation and public-speaking skills. The school also offers Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam, a co-curricular vocal programme.
