Working out how to choose an international school in The Hague is an early priority for families relocating to the Netherlands' international city of peace and justice. Home to embassies, international courts and a large expat community, The Hague has one of the strongest concentrations of international schools in the country, spanning subsidised Dutch international schools and fully private ones. This 2026 guide helps expat families weigh curriculum, cost, location and admissions so you can shortlist with confidence.
Understand the curricula and school types
The Hague offers a genuinely broad choice. You will find schools delivering the International Baccalaureate, the British curriculum, and national programmes such as the French system, as well as distinctive approaches like Waldorf education. Crucially, the city has two cost tiers: subsidised Dutch international schools, which receive government funding and charge modest tuition, and fully private international schools, which charge market rates. Both can offer excellent education, so understanding which category a school falls into is one of the first things to check. Think about your family's likely next move, since an internationally portable curriculum such as the IB transfers well across countries, while a national programme keeps a child connected to a specific home system.
Leading international schools in The Hague
The schools below are established options with profiles on International School Advisor. Use the links to check reviews, fees and admissions details, then arrange a visit to see each campus for yourself.
Elckerlyc International School
A primary international school offering an English-medium education with a warm, community-focused environment for younger children. See the Elckerlyc International School profile for details.
HSV International Primary School
A well-established international primary school delivering an English-language programme popular with the city's diplomatic and expat families. More information is on the HSV International Primary School page.
Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh
A French-system school serving the francophone community, delivering the French curriculum with international provision. Read more on the Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh profile.
International Waldorf School of The Hague
Offering a Waldorf approach in an international setting, this school suits families drawn to a holistic, developmentally focused education. Details are on the International Waldorf School of The Hague page.
Budget realistically for fees
Fees in The Hague depend heavily on whether a school is subsidised or private. Subsidised Dutch international schools typically charge modest tuition in the region of EUR 5,000 to EUR 7,000 per year, while fully private international schools can range from around EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000 or more. On top of tuition, plan for a registration or application fee, materials and technology, lunches, trips, and transport. Some employers include an education allowance in relocation packages, which can significantly offset costs, so it is worth asking before you commit. Always request a full written fee schedule so you can compare schools on a like-for-like basis rather than on headline figures alone.
Choose the right area to live
Where you live in and around The Hague shapes both your school options and your daily routine. Popular residential areas for international families include leafy districts near the international schools and the coastal area of Scheveningen. Because young children in particular benefit from a short commute, many families choose a home within easy reach of the school gate. Consider transport links, the character of each neighbourhood, and whether you prefer a quieter suburban setting or something closer to the city centre. Visiting at the start and end of the school day gives you a realistic feel for the commute.
Plan your admissions timeline
The most sought-after schools in The Hague can have waiting lists, especially the subsidised ones, so start early. Aim to begin your search six to twelve months before your intended start date. Most schools ask for recent school reports, the child's passport and residence documentation, and sometimes a reference from the current school. Some year groups involve an assessment or a meeting, and places can fill quickly. If your child does not yet speak English, ask each school about its English as an Additional Language support before applying, and keep copies of all documents ready, as several schools request similar paperwork.
How the Dutch context helps international families
The Netherlands is well set up for internationally mobile families, and The Hague is arguably its most international city. English is very widely spoken, the subsidised international schools keep costs manageable, and the compact scale of the city makes daily logistics straightforward. Many international schools are experienced at welcoming children mid-year and at supporting families through the practicalities of relocation. This supportive environment is one of the reasons The Hague is consistently popular with diplomats, international civil servants and globally mobile professionals, and it means new arrivals rarely feel like pioneers.
What makes a school the right fit
Beyond curriculum and cost, the best school is the one where your child will genuinely thrive. Pastoral care, class sizes, the range of activities, and how warmly a school welcomes newcomers matter more than any ranking. Ask each school how it settles children who join partway through the year, how it communicates with parents, and what support it offers for different learning needs. Speaking with current families gives you the most honest picture of the community and the teaching. Narrowing your list to three or four schools that match your child's stage and your family's plans, then visiting each, is far more reliable than trying to assess every option on paper. Above all, choose somewhere your child will feel settled, because a happy child adapts to a new country far more readily.
Understand the school calendar and structure
Knowing how the academic year is organised helps you plan your move. Most international schools in The Hague run from late August or early September through to early summer, with the main intake at the start of the year and limited places available mid-year depending on the school. British and IB schools broadly follow the familiar primary and secondary structure, while national-system schools such as the French Lycée follow their own grade structure and calendar. When comparing schools, check how each maps your child's current year group onto its own system, since a mismatch can affect placement, particularly for a child moving in the later secondary years. It is also worth asking about class sizes, the mix of nationalities and how long teachers typically stay, as these day-to-day realities shape a child's experience far more than a prospectus does.
Compare the best schools in the Netherlands
Ready to shortlist? Browse verified rankings, reviews and fee information for the best international schools in the Netherlands on International School Advisor to compare your options side by side.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international schools in The Hague cost?
Subsidised Dutch international schools typically charge around EUR 5,000 to EUR 7,000 per year, while fully private international schools range from about EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000 or more. Budget separately for registration, materials and transport.
Which curriculum should I choose in The Hague?
It depends on your plans. The IB offers international portability, the British and French systems suit families connected to those countries, and Waldorf schools appeal to families seeking a holistic approach.
When should I apply to international schools in The Hague?
Begin six to twelve months ahead. Subsidised schools in particular keep waiting lists, so early applications give you the best chance of a place and time for any assessments and document checks.