Best Schools in Amsterdam: Complete Guide 2026

Why Amsterdam Stands Out for Education

Amsterdam is one of the few global cities where families can choose between completely free public education and high-quality international schools — all within a compact, bike-friendly metropolis. With 15 schools on SchoolVita — 9 international, 5 Dutch public and 1 private — the city punches well above its weight in educational diversity. The International Baccalaureate (IB) dominates the international scene, with 8 of the schools we list offering the programme, making Amsterdam one of Europe's densest IB hubs.

Amstelveen: Amsterdam's International School Hub

If you're relocating to Amsterdam with school-age children, Amstelveen should be at the top of your list. This leafy suburb just south of Amsterdam is home to 5 of the international schools we list, including the International School of Amsterdam (ISA). With its spacious campuses, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and direct tram connections to the city centre, Amstelveen has become the de facto home for international families. Other key areas include Amsterdam South and Oud-Zuid (home to The British School of Amsterdam and Barlaeus Gymnasium) and Watergraafsmeer (2 Dutch public schools).

IB Dominance and Curriculum Landscape

The IB programme is by far the most popular international curriculum in Amsterdam, with 8 of the schools we list offering one or more of the PYP, MYP, and DP. Beyond IB, families can choose from:

• British curriculum — 2 schools, The British School of Amsterdam and Nord Anglia International School Amsterdam
• American curriculum — 1 school, The American School of The Hague, one of Europe's oldest American schools
• Montessori — 1 school, Montessori Lyceum Amsterdam, a Dutch public school using this child-led approach
• Dutch VWO — Public schools like Barlaeus Gymnasium offering the rigorous Dutch pre-university track

Leading Schools at a Glance

Amsterdam's best-known schools reflect the city's dual identity. The British School of Amsterdam combines British and IB curricula, while Barlaeus Gymnasium proves that Dutch public education — at just EUR 0–1,000 per year — can compete with the best international options. This range means every family, regardless of budget, can find an outstanding school.

The Dutch vs International Decision

The biggest choice families face in Amsterdam isn't which international school to pick — it's whether to go international at all. Dutch public schools are tuition-free, consistently rank among the world's best, and provide genuine integration into Dutch society. International schools offer continuity for globally mobile families and English-medium instruction, at indicative fees of roughly EUR 10,000–29,000 per year. Many expat families on the 30% ruling (a Dutch tax benefit) find international fees more manageable. Use SchoolVita's comparison tools to filter by curriculum, fees, and location to find your family's best match.