Understanding Primary Schools in the Netherlands: A Parent's Practical Guide

Dutch primary schools offer government-funded choice among traditional, Montessori, Waldorf, Dalton, and Jenaplan philosophies with minimal homework and individualized child development focus. The vast majority of Dutch children, roughly two-thirds, attend bijzondere schools with specific philosophies or religious affiliations, all receiving equal government funding regardless of approach.

Choosing a primary school in the Netherlands? Find educational services and resources to support your family's decision.

Educational Philosophies

Montessori Schools: Emphasize independent learning and self-paced work using specialized materials. Children develop at their own rhythm often with same teacher(s) for three years.

Waldorf (Vrije) Schools: Focus on holistic development combining intellectual, artistic, and practical skills. Learning happens through stories, poems, theater, music, and nature connection.

Dalton Schools: Teach self-planning and project-based learning. Students set their own deadlines and work collaboratively on themed projects.

Jenaplan Schools: Emphasize community combining mixed-age groups to mirror family structures. Discuss world cultures extensively and organize cultural celebrations.

All philosophical approaches receive government funding letting you choose based on genuine educational beliefs rather than financial capacity.

Practical School Details

Most Dutch schools run from approximately 8:30 to 15:15 with extended school days at some schools and Wednesday afternoon closures at others. Wednesday afternoons remain culturally reserved for extracurricular activities, sports clubs, music lessons, playdates, reflecting Dutch values around balanced childhood development. Class sizes typically range from 23-30 students. Many schools employ multiple part-time teachers with different teachers on specific days. Homework is genuinely minimal particularly in early years. Dutch education prioritizes quality classroom learning and child development over take-home assignments.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Dutch schools use pupil monitoring systems (LVS) where students take assessments twice yearly from group 2 onward. These tests identify learning difficulties early without pass/fail consequences. Teachers use results to provide targeted support particularly for literacy challenges like dyslexia. School reports arrive twice yearly. Grades use descriptive scales ("very good" to "insufficient") rather than numerical marks. Parent-teacher meetings follow report distribution typically lasting 10 minutes, focused and efficient. In final year (group 8), students take formal end-of-primary assessments (Eindtoets) informing secondary school placement. Teacher recommendation remains decisive factor.

Costs and Enrollment

Education at government-funded schools is entirely free. Schools request voluntary parental contributions (ouderbijdrage), usually under 100 euros annually for supplies, trips, and celebrations. Families facing financial hardship can request municipal subsidy. School books and most supplies are provided. If children stay for lunch (overblijven/TSO), you pay additional fees but provide lunches from home. In larger cities (Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Haarlem), enrollment happens through municipal lottery with applications around age three. Smaller towns typically allow direct school application without lottery systems.

Choosing a Primary School

Start by identifying schools in your residential area or acceptable commuting distance. Visit prospective schools and ask about curriculum details, special support for new students, and assess whether school culture aligns with family values. Does community feel welcoming to expat families? Are there adequate support services? What's teacher-student ratio? Your child will learn Dutch naturally, develop within their own pace, and experience education that's fundamentally about their wellbeing.