Want to send your child to a Dutch school?

The Dutch primary school system operates entirely on free choice and there are no ‘standard’ state-run schools. They all operate according to their own educational philosophies (some have religious affiliations as well) within state-established parameters and are inspected regularly by the state. Quality is high and choice is ample.

Sadly, however, the system is not set up for foreigners, so some knowledge of Dutch (or a translator) is essential in making your choice. Also of note, transportation is the parents’ responsibility, and waiting lists for the most popular and/or neighborhood schools can be long, so it’s never too early to register.

1. Choose your school(s). This is where knowledge of Dutch is required. Visit the Scholenwijzer for a listing of schools in The Hague, contact information, and an explanation of each. The paper versions of the Scholenwijzer for primary and secondary schools can be downloaded from the Dutch municipal website. You can also order them by sending an email to: onderwijsbeleid@denhaag.nl.

2. Contact and/or visit the schools on your shortlist. Often you can arrange a tour, meet with the school director or teachers and ask specific operational and educational questions. Bear in mind that at the primary level, English isn’t important (so not for the teachers, either) so the focus is on childhood development in a Dutch environment.

3. Register your child on the waiting list. Just in case, you might want to register your top two or three choices, depending on the length of the waiting lists and how soon you need a place. Don’t be discouraged if the list is very long. Most children are sitting on at least two lists. Make sure your first choice is aware of your enthusiasm. Be aware that new registration rules for Dutch primary schools in The Hague will take effect on 1 January 2013.

4. Confirm close to the child’s 4th birthday. A few months before your child turns 4 you’ll receive a letter from the school informing you whether or not s/he has a place. If there is a place, you must confirm that the child will be attending. If the school doesn’t hear from you, it will give the space away.

5. The child starts school on his/her 4th birthday, unless that falls during December or a school holiday, in which case s/he will start the next available school day. Starting at age 4 is elective, but attendance at age 5 is compulsory.

And a few important things to note:

• Children can start at the peuterspeelzaal, or nursery school, as early as 2.5 years of age. Inquire at the school of your choice for the exact rules and to be placed on the waiting list. Some nursery schools are also a so-called voorschool, or preschool. At preschool special attention is given to learning the Dutch language.

• Younger siblings of pupils are given preferred status on waiting lists, so don’t forget to make that known if that's the case.

• Most schools are dismissed earlier on Wednesdays, and many schools have after-school care affiliations so you need to enquire if you’re interested.

• The Dutch take truancy very seriously. Phone before school starts if your child is ill and you must request written permission if you need to take your child out of school for any length of time, or you could be fined by the municipality.

• Primary schools are for children aged 4-12, thereafter students are “tracked” and steered into an appropriate educational direction according to ability and performance.

More information:

• Schools Helpline: School listings in the Netherlands (some Dutch required) or phone the Schools Helpline on 0800 5010.
  
• Scholenwijzer: Here you can find listings of all the primary and secondary schools in The Hague and region.
• Dutch for foreign kids: Intensive Dutch classes preparing pupils for the Dutch school system.