International School Haarlem is a relatively young addition to the international schools in Amsterdam and its surrounding towns, having opened its primary department in 2017 and welcomed its first secondary cohort the following year. It belongs to the Dutch international schools network, which receives a government subsidy in exchange for following set admission rules, so a place costs a fraction of what the private schools charge. For families settling near the capital who want an English language education without private fees, it is a practical choice.
International School Haarlem at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | International Primary Curriculum in Primary; IB Middle Years, Career related and Diploma programmes in Secondary. See the IB curriculum guide. |
|---|---|
| Stages | Primary to upper secondary, ages 4 to 18 |
| Founded | 2017 (Primary); first secondary cohort 2018 |
| Accreditation | IB World School; subsidised Dutch international school operating within the Dutch education framework |
| Fee band | Subsidised, low for the region; published roughly EUR 5,330 to EUR 6,740 a year by stage (see Amsterdam fees) |
| Campus area | Three Haarlem sites: Buitenrustlaan, Schreveliusstraat and Junoplantsoen |
Curriculum and academics
Primary at Haarlem is built on the International Primary Curriculum, a thematic, skills led programme taught in English that suits children arriving from many different school systems. As students move into secondary the school shifts to the IB curriculum, running the Middle Years Programme from age 11 and then the Diploma Programme in the final two years, with the Career related Programme available for students who want to combine IB study with a vocational specialism.
That IPC to IB progression gives a clear academic spine from age 4 to 18 within a single community. The school is genuinely international in make up, with more than fifty nationalities represented and over thirty five languages spoken among the children, while English remains the working language of the classroom. Families weighing it against other options will find it set out in our guide to the best international schools in Amsterdam, where its subsidised fees stand out against the private alternatives.
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International School Haarlem fees
Fees are the main draw. As a subsidised Dutch international school, Haarlem charges far below the private names tracked in our guide to international school fees in Amsterdam. Published tuition is around EUR 5,330 a year for Primary, about EUR 6,660 for the Middle Years Programme and roughly EUR 6,740 for the Diploma, a fraction of typical private rates. The school can legally offer these prices because it shares the licence of a partner school in Haarlem and receives a Dutch government subsidy.
Beyond tuition, budget for the usual extras such as materials, trips and Diploma examination fees in the senior years. Because subsidised rates are reviewed each year, confirm the current schedule and any one time registration costs directly with the school before you commit. Our fee calculator is the quickest way to model a full year once you have the school's own numbers.
Admissions
Admission follows the rules that apply to all Dutch international schools rather than a competitive entrance test. A child is generally eligible if they have a non Dutch nationality and a parent working in the Netherlands for a limited period, or if they hold Dutch nationality and have attended an international school abroad for at least two years, or have a parent who will be posted abroad. The school checks each family against these criteria.
Entry runs to the Dutch academic year, which begins in late August, and applications are reviewed through the year as places allow across the three sites. For the busier entry points, apply several months ahead with school reports and proof of eligibility ready, since demand for subsidised places can outstrip supply.
Location and who goes there
The school operates across three sites in Haarlem: Lower Primary on Buitenrustlaan, Upper Primary on Schreveliusstraat and Secondary on Junoplantsoen. Haarlem is a historic city just west of Amsterdam, around fifteen minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal, which makes it popular with families who work in the capital but prefer Haarlem's quieter streets and access to the coast.
The community is strongly international, made up of families posted to the Netherlands and returning Dutch nationals who want their children taught in English. For how Haarlem compares with central Amsterdam and the other commuter towns on housing, travel and school choice, the Amsterdam city hub sets out the wider map of the region.
International School Haarlem reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are International School Haarlem fees?
As a subsidised Dutch international school, Haarlem charges far below the private schools near Amsterdam. Published tuition is around EUR 5,330 a year in Primary, about EUR 6,660 for the Middle Years Programme and roughly EUR 6,740 for the Diploma. Confirm the current schedule with the school.
What curriculum does International School Haarlem teach?
Primary follows the International Primary Curriculum, taught in English. Secondary is an IB World School pathway offering the Middle Years Programme, the Career related Programme and the Diploma Programme, so children move from the IPC into the IB as they progress.
Who can enrol at International School Haarlem?
As a Dutch international school, places are for internationally mobile families. Typical criteria are a child with a non Dutch nationality whose parent works in the Netherlands for a limited time, or a Dutch national who has attended an international school abroad or is about to be posted abroad. The school confirms eligibility individually.
What ages does International School Haarlem take?
The school takes children from age 4 to 18, with Lower Primary for ages 4 to 6, Upper Primary for ages 6 to 11, and Secondary running the Middle Years Programme and Diploma for ages 11 to 18.
Where is International School Haarlem located?
The school runs across three Haarlem sites: Lower Primary on Buitenrustlaan, Upper Primary on Schreveliusstraat and Secondary on Junoplantsoen. Haarlem sits just west of Amsterdam, around fifteen minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal.
