Amsterdam has become one of Europe's most family-friendly capitals for international relocation, and the choice of an international school is often the first big decision expat parents face. The city combines a strong public bilingual sector with a wide range of fully international, IB and British curriculum schools, so families moving from London, New York, Singapore or Dubai can almost always find a familiar academic pathway.
This guide walks you through how to choose an international school in Amsterdam in 2026: the curricula on offer, the leading schools, what fees actually look like, and practical tips on neighbourhoods and admissions windows.
Curricula available in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers four main academic pathways for international families:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) — the most popular route, available from Primary Years through to the Diploma. Strong fit for globally mobile families.
- British curriculum — IGCSE and A Levels, with EYFS and Key Stages aligned to schools in the UK.
- Dutch International Stream (DENISE / IGBO) — partly subsidised programmes that follow the Dutch national curriculum in English. Cheaper than fully private international schools but with limited places.
- French, German and Japanese national curricula — for families who want continuity with home-country systems.
Decide first whether you want a transferable global pathway (IB or British) or continuity with a national system. That single decision narrows your shortlist by half.
Top international schools in Amsterdam
The International School of Amsterdam
Founded in 1964, The International School of Amsterdam was the first IB World School in Europe and remains the benchmark for IB education in the Netherlands. The school runs all four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP and the Career-related Programme) on a purpose-built campus in Amstelveen, with strong arts, sports and university counselling.
Amsterdam International Community School
Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) is one of Europe's largest IB schools, with three campuses across the city. It is partly subsidised by the Dutch state, which keeps fees significantly lower than fully private alternatives, and operates a transparent points-based admissions system that suits families with confirmed contracts in Amsterdam.
The British School of Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam follows the English National Curriculum from Reception through Year 13, leading to IGCSE and A Levels. It is the natural choice for families relocating from the UK who want to keep options open for British universities or a return to the UK system.
Amity International School Amsterdam
Amity International School Amsterdam opened in 2018 in Amstelveen and offers an IB continuum from age 3 to 18. The campus is one of the newest in the city, with strong STEAM facilities and smaller class sizes than the older established schools, which can be useful for mid-year transfers.
Optimist International School
Optimist International School is a smaller IB Primary Years school in Amstelveen aimed at families looking for a more boutique, community-focused environment for younger children, with feeder pathways into the larger MYP/DP schools at Year 7.
School fees in Amsterdam
Tuition varies sharply between subsidised and fully private schools. Indicative ranges for 2026:
- Subsidised Dutch international stream (DENISE, IGBO schools, AICS): around €5,500 to €7,500 per year.
- Fully private IB schools (ISA, Amity): around €22,000 to €30,000 per year for primary, rising to €32,000 to €38,000 for the Diploma years.
- British curriculum (BSA): around €20,000 to €27,000 per year depending on the year group.
- Registration and capital fees: most private schools charge a one-off €2,500 to €5,000 capital levy plus a non-refundable application fee of €250 to €500.
Many employers in Amsterdam (banking, tech, consulting) cover all or part of tuition under expat packages, so always confirm what is included before negotiating a final salary number.
Where to live and admissions tips
Most international schools cluster in Amstelveen (south of the city) and along the Zuidas business district. Amstelveen is the traditional expat hub, with larger family homes, English-speaking GPs and direct bus links to ISA, Amity and several British prep schools.
If you prefer the historic city centre, AICS has campuses in South and West Amsterdam that are reachable by bike or tram from most central neighbourhoods. Families with children in BSA tend to live in the Oud-Zuid or Vondelpark areas.
Admissions tips for 2026:
- Apply at least 9 to 12 months ahead of your start date for the most competitive year groups (Year 1, Year 7 and Diploma entry).
- Subsidised schools require proof of an international assignment, expat contract or prior international schooling — gather these documents before you apply.
- For mid-year moves, prioritise schools with multiple campuses (AICS) or newer schools with capacity (Amity, Optimist).
- Always visit at least two campuses in person before signing — the difference between a 1,500-pupil IB school and a 250-pupil boutique school is enormous in daily experience.
Compare all international schools in the Netherlands
For the full ranking of international schools in the Netherlands with reviews, fees and contact details, see our Best International Schools in the Netherlands 2026 ranking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best international school in Amsterdam?
The International School of Amsterdam (ISA) is generally considered the most established IB school in the city, but AICS is the largest and most affordable thanks to Dutch state subsidies. The right choice depends on whether you want full IB continuity, a British pathway, or a more affordable subsidised programme.
How much do international schools in Amsterdam cost in 2026?
Fully private IB and British schools charge between €20,000 and €38,000 per year depending on the year group, while subsidised Dutch international stream schools cost around €5,500 to €7,500 per year.
Do international schools in Amsterdam teach Dutch?
Yes. Almost all international schools in Amsterdam offer Dutch as a foreign language from primary, and several (such as AICS and DENISE) teach it as a second language with daily lessons, which makes integration into local life much easier for families planning to stay long term.