International School Almere is one of the more affordable International Baccalaureate options across the international schools in Amsterdam and its wider metro area. It belongs to the network of Dutch international schools, which receive a government subsidy in return for following published admission rules, so a place here costs a fraction of what the private international schools charge. For families relocating to the Netherlands on a normal salary, it offers something rare: the complete IB journey, from the early years through to the Diploma, at a subsidised price.
International School Almere at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | IB World School: PYP, MYP and the Diploma, plus the Career related Programme and BTEC. See the IB curriculum guide. |
|---|---|
| Stages | Early years to upper secondary, ages 2 to 18 |
| Founded | Not published |
| Accreditation | IB World School authorised for the MYP and Diploma; recognised by the Council of International Schools |
| Fee band | Subsidised, low for the region; published roughly EUR 4,520 to EUR 7,275 a year (see Amsterdam fees) |
| Campus area | Breskensweg, Almere, Flevoland, east of Amsterdam |
Curriculum and academics
International School Almere runs the full IB curriculum, beginning with the Primary Years Programme in the early and primary stages, moving through the Middle Years Programme, and finishing with the Diploma Programme in the final two years. The Middle Years and Diploma programmes are authorised by the International Baccalaureate, and the school is recognised by the Council of International Schools, an external check on quality that matters to relocating families comparing options at a distance.
What sets the senior school apart is the choice of routes alongside the academic Diploma. Students can take the Career related Programme, which pairs IB study with a vocational focus, or BTEC qualifications, giving teenagers who learn better through applied work a credible path to university or training. Teaching is in English throughout. Sitting within the IB heavy landscape of the IB schools in Amsterdam, Almere stands out less for prestige than for access, offering the programme at a price most families can plan around.
Is International School Almere the right fit?
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International School Almere fees
Fees are the headline reason families look at Almere. As a subsidised Dutch international school it charges far less than the private names tracked in our guide to international school fees in Amsterdam, where private tuition runs into the high tens of thousands of euros. Published tuition at Almere sits broadly between EUR 4,520 and EUR 7,275 a year depending on the stage, with the first year of enrolment a little higher because of one time costs around registration.
The school offers payment in full or in instalments, typically four, six or eight payments across the year depending on the section, which helps families manage cash flow during a move. Beyond tuition, budget for the usual extras such as trips, materials and Diploma examination fees in the senior years. Because subsidised rates are revised annually, confirm the current schedule directly with the school before you commit.
Admissions
Admission follows the rules that apply to all Dutch international schools rather than a competitive entrance examination. Places are intended for internationally mobile families: typically a child with a non Dutch nationality whose parent works in the Netherlands for a set period, or a Dutch national who has spent time abroad or is about to relocate abroad. The school assesses each family against these criteria and advises on the right year group for a child's age.
Entry runs to the Dutch academic year, which begins in late August, and the school reviews applications through the year as places allow. For the busier entry points, particularly the start of the primary and Diploma stages, apply several months ahead and have school reports and proof of eligibility ready.
Location and who goes there
The campus sits on Breskensweg in Almere, a planned city in the province of Flevoland that grew on reclaimed land east of Amsterdam. Frequent trains reach Amsterdam Centraal in around half an hour, so the school draws families who work in the capital but prefer the space and newer housing that Almere offers. Primary and Secondary share a single campus with separate wings, a library learning centre, science facilities and sports halls.
The community is international by design, made up of families posted to the Netherlands and returning Dutch nationals who want an English language education. For how Almere compares with central Amsterdam and the other towns in the metro area on commute, housing and school choice, the Amsterdam city hub sets out the wider picture, and our roundup of the best IB schools in Amsterdam shows where it sits among the alternatives.
International School Almere reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once we can confirm the reviewer is part of the school community, and you will not find an invented star rating here. If your family has experience of International School Almere, please share it through our school reviews hub to help other relocating parents.
Frequently asked questions
How much are International School Almere fees?
As a subsidised Dutch international school, International School Almere charges far less than the private international schools near Amsterdam. Published tuition runs broadly from around EUR 4,520 to EUR 7,275 a year, with the first year of enrolment a little higher because of one time costs. Confirm the current schedule with the school.
Is International School Almere an IB school?
Yes. International School Almere is an IB World School for ages 2 to 18, offering the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, alongside the Career related Programme and BTEC routes. The Middle Years and Diploma programmes are authorised and the school is recognised by the Council of International Schools.
Who can enrol at International School Almere?
Because it is a Dutch international school, places are intended for internationally mobile families. Typical criteria are a child with a non Dutch nationality whose parent works in the Netherlands for a set period, or a Dutch national who has lived abroad or is about to move abroad. The school confirms eligibility case by case.
When do International School Almere applications open?
The school follows the Dutch academic year, which starts in late August, and reviews applications through the year as places allow. Families relocating to the Amsterdam area should contact admissions several months ahead for the most sought after entry points.
Where is International School Almere located?
The campus is on Breskensweg in Almere, a planned city in Flevoland east of Amsterdam, about half an hour by train from Amsterdam Centraal. Primary and Secondary occupy separate wings of a shared campus.
