International Schools in Haarlem

The primary international school in Haarlem, offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum from the Primary Years Programme through to the Diploma Programme. ISH serves a student community from over 50 nationalities, reflecting Haarlem’s diverse international population. The school has a strong academic reputation with consistently strong IB Diploma results. Located in Haarlem Oost, accessible by bike or bus from most neighbourhoods. The Haarlem International Community Facebook group is a useful complement to the school for social connections. Apply well ahead as places are competitive.

Part of the Winford Bilingual Schools group, offering fully immersive dual-language Dutch and English education where all subjects are taught equally in both languages from primary school age. The immersive approach produces genuine bilingual fluency in children who attend from primary age. An excellent option for families planning a longer stay in Haarlem who want their children to develop genuine Dutch language skills. More affordable than ISH. Also operates in Amsterdam, Leiden, and Den Haag, which can be relevant for families who later move.

One of the most established international schools in the Netherlands, located in Amsterdam Buitenveldert and accessible from Haarlem Station in around 30 minutes by train and tram. ISA offers the full IB continuum from Early Years through to the Diploma Programme. A large and well-resourced school with strong university placement results. A practical option for Haarlem-based families who cannot find ISH places or who have specific curriculum preferences.

A subsidised international school in Amsterdam offering the IB curriculum at lower fees than fully private options. One of the most popular choices for expat families in the Netherlands on corporate relocation packages that include school fees support. Strong community and diverse student body. Accessible from Haarlem in approximately 30 minutes.

The primary choice for British expat families. The British School of Amsterdam offers the British National Curriculum from Early Years through to A-levels. Accessible from Haarlem in around 30 minutes. Well-established with a large and supportive British expat community.

A smaller and more intimate IB school in Amersfoort, one hour from Haarlem by train. Consistently described as a better fit for children who benefit from a smaller school environment and more personal attention. A good option for families who prefer a less urban setting or who find the larger Amsterdam schools too impersonal.

A Dutch secondary school offering a bilingual TTO (tweetalig onderwijs) programme in which approximately 50 to 70% of teaching is in English from age 12. The school also offers the IB Diploma in upper secondary. For expat families whose children will integrate into the Dutch system but want a strong English-language academic track at subsidised fees, the Rijnlands Lyceum is an excellent option.

Dutch primary schools are free and in Haarlem’s diverse population many have good experience integrating non-Dutch-speaking children through NT2 (Dutch as a second language) support programmes. Children typically achieve conversational Dutch fluency within six to twelve months. A strong option for families planning a longer stay of several years who want their children to integrate fully into Dutch society. Registration is through the gemeente.

The Haarlem International Community Facebook group and the Haarlem Expat Centre are the two best resources for navigating school choices in Haarlem. Both provide peer recommendations, current availability information, and connections to other expat parents who have recently been through the admissions process. The expatsHaarlem runs an annual Expat Fair in September where schools present themselves.