International or local school in The Netherlands?

[Abrico]

Hi all,
I will be relocating to the Netherlands in November. Although we already live abroad, DS is now old enough to start school in holland, which complicated things! What is your experience with local schools? Is there much language support? That would be my main concern. Or do any of you have good experiences with any of the international schools in The Hague? What should I be considering really? It seems too early to worry about academic results (DS is 4), but other factors are a lot harder to get information about.

Thanks for your help!

Thanks

[SolomanDaisy]

Oh, a totally blank message!

[Iflyaway]

I would recommend the nearest local school, or the one type of education you fancy for him.

Mine went to the Montesorri. (sp?). They start the day after their 4th birthday.

He will be speaking Dutch within a couple of months, plus have friends in the neighbourhood for playdates and you will get to know the parents mums. And there's friends potential.

Thing with international school is that the kids are always, usually leaving, diplomat kids etc. Doesn't make for stability in life.

Dutch education is pretty good. I should know cos mine who went thru it is now at a very good uni here.

[Iflyaway]

Oh, and check the local gemeente website in the area you are going to live in for a list of schools.

And check Expatica.com dutch site. Loads of info.

Enjoy Holland! I certainly do!

[SolomanDaisy]

Are you planning to stay in the Netherlands long term? I think that makes a big difference. If you're not international school might be better, especially if you'll be returning to the UK soon. Dutch schools tend not to start teaching reading and writing until 6/7.

I think the language support works differently in different cities, so maybe someone who is in The Hague can help you. The city I'm in, your son could do a year at a school which is specially for non Dutch speakers who have just moved to the country. Or he could go straight into a normal school where the language support is very limited to non existent.

[Abrico]

Thanks for the advice! We hope it will be long term, but that really depends on whether or not we like it there.

[JustGemma]

I don't live in The Netherlands, but teach internationally....The International School of The Hague is generally considered one of the best in the world...top tier. Not sure if that is important for a 4 year old :-)

[MuffinTumMum]

Take a look at www.isbreda.nl

Depends of course if you are going to live in this area.

I visited for work purposes and found it really friendly and inclusive. Can only be there up to 4 years tho as it is heavily subsidised by government.

Head of junior school was very approachable and knowledgable.

Good luck !