What are the Top International Schools in Haarlem for Expatriate Families? 1

How International Schools in Haarlem Cater to Expatriate Families?

28/06/2024
International Schools

Expatriate families have a multitude of international schools in Haarlem to choose from. The leading international schools in Haarlem are the International School Haarlem, the European School of The Hague - Rijnlands Lyceum Haarlem Campus, and the Optimist International School. The initial mention of the high-quality education, diverse student bodies, and the programs which are adapted to the needs of expatriate families, these schools justify themselves.

However, what makes these institutions different from others? All because of three reasons being able to make the kids of them to see the world from a different angle, materials and teachers for learning different languages, and relatives as well as students can find help in any question. By whose instruction and the accompanying modern resources, in addition to the development besides academically, these schools make sure that expatriate kids are educated to thrive in an age that demands learners with cross-cultural competence worldwide, and a school's overall quality quotient.

Why Do Expatriate Families Choose International Schools in Haarlem?

What Are the Benefits of an International Education in Haarlem?

The method by which expatriate families in Haarlem opt for international schools is in all respects outstanding as there are various highly convincing factors. First and foremost, they teach such courses whose qualifications are internationally recognized and are easily transferable, e.g., the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Thus, that’s how a child can move from one school to another easily if his family has to move to another place, without interrupting his studies.

What’s more, even the Haarlem international schools are characterized by their exoticism and uniformity, allowing for a cross-cultural understanding and the development of the students’ ability to cope with changing conditions. Students have the opportunity to study alongside their classmates from various places as a result of which, they get to internalize virtues such as compassion, communication, and cooperation. The advantages of an international education in Haarlem do not stop at academics only; students also become knowledgeable about the world and are internationally integrated individuals.

BenefitDescription
Global curriculumInternationally recognized programs like IB
Multicultural environmentDiverse student body fosters cross-cultural understanding
Language developmentMultilingual learning opportunities
Holistic educationFocus on academic, social, and personal growth

How Do International Schools in Haarlem Cater to Expatriate Families?

In the midst of a world where diversity is a way of life, international schools in Haarlem come to the realization that expatriate families are confronted with unique problems and take the initiative to set up a friendly and supportive community thus.

  • Orientation programs that are specifically designed for new students and parents
  • Language assistance options for students of non-native English
  • Psychological help in the case of social and emotional needs
  • Through clubs and extracurricular activities a sense of harmony is established
  • The schools move ahead with the establishment of parent-teacher associations among the solutions they provide

In the city of Haarlem, the struggle of families of migrants is alleviated by the provision of a robust support system by international schools, which is ultimately reflected in the possession of a rational feeling of involvement and engagement of their education and the larger community.

What Curricula Do International Schools in Haarlem Offer?

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a very widely recognized and sophisticated course offered in various overseas schools of Haarlem. The IB program is meant to create a real deal, critical thinkers who have good skills required for higher education and later on. However, What does the IB program exactly include?

The IB program has three parts: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3-12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-19. The curriculum of each level has an inquiry-driven learning approach, the one which also is more focused on intercultural collaboration, and human growth.

One of the prominent defining aspects of the IB program is its set focus on global outlook development. Scholars are encouraged to see the issues not only through the lens of one school of thought but from the points of view of different opinions and to interact directly with the cultures and philosophies of the different regions of the world. This holistic way is a pathway for the students to get to the core of the matter. It is a stepping stone for their empathetic, out-of-box thinking and profound comprehension of the world around them.

What Other International Curricula are Available in Haarlem Schools?

Of the courses to the IB program, international schools in Haarlem also supply other top-notch globally certified syllabi. These include:

  1. American curriculum: Ashore the U.S. education system, core subjects like mathematics, science, and electives form the base.
  2. British curriculum: This one is similar to the National Curriculum of England and Wales and it is rigorous academic with a focus on creativity.
  3. Dutch international curriculum: A curriculum that includes the national system and an international perspective.

These curricula offer the families of expatriates the freedom to choose a program that will help them align with future plans and educational goals. International schools in Haarlem are committed to providing high-quality education to students, regardless of the particular curriculum, that is relevant to their future success in the globalized world.

What are the Language Programs in Haarlem International Schools?

How Do Haarlem International Schools Support English Language Learners?

The international schools in Haarlem are conscious of the linguistic ability of students coming from abroad and they provide diverse support to English Language Learners.

But what are the strategies in place that give ELLs the opportunity to perform well both in mastering academics and in socializing?

First of all, international schools have proficient ELL teachers who infuse the use of fact-based approaches to learn language into the curriculum of students to acquire language efficiently. This implies presenting language-specific teaching, utilizing visuals and kinesthetic learning aids, and building good relationships as well as the involved language atmosphere.

Besides, international schools in Haarlem also provide intensive English language courses for students who require additional support. Here they teach the non-credit courses entirely in English to help students learn the language in a fun, interactive way. In these classes, students start getting used to English, talk to one another, interact with the teacher in English, and communicate ideas.

Also, International schools are globally recognized for the multilingual approach they promote and are competitive about embracing culture and language diversity. Besides, students are more likely to be involved in all kinds of activities when they feel comfortable in their identity. In this way, students receive the respect they deserve and are not excluded from school life due to their language difference.

What Other Language Programs are Offered in Haarlem International Schools?

In line with English language support, the international schools in Haarlem have a range of language programs that are aimed at promoting multilingualism as well as intercultural understanding. All of these different programs:

  • Dutch language courses: In schools that teach Dutch as a second language in the Netherlands, as a rule, the students of international schools are using these results. The students benefit from the immersion teaching of the whole language as well as the use of Dutch materials and they take part in cultural activities.
  • Mother tongue language maintenance: Noticing the necessity of the students' primary language conservation, the international schools ordinarily take on this task providing various linguistic resources and support for mother tongue language development. Among the possibilities, this may include after important language teaching, cultural events, and native language reading materials.
  • Additional foreign languages: Besides learning a plethora of languages such as Spanish, French and Mandarin, many international schools in Haarlem offer courses in these languages which are of more advantage to the students. Through these courses, students increase their linguistic skills and cultural awareness, as well as equip themselves for the modern world.

Through the provision of various language programs, international schools in Haarlem make sure that the students who come from overseas can be confident and successful when using several languages to communicate.

What Extracurricular Activities are Available at International Schools in Haarlem?

What Sports Programs are Offered at Haarlem International Schools?

International schools located in Haarlem regard physical activities as a must, hence they provide a plethora of sports programs to inculcate students the habit of practicing sports regularly, with the ultimate goal to hone their health, be involved in team sports as well as become leaders in the future. But what types of sports can students play at international schools?

Initially, many international schools have up-to-date sports facilities that include gymnasiums, swimming pools, and outdoor fields. As a result, their sports programs are rich (such as the following listed)

  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Swimming
  • Track and field
  • Tennis

Along with the regular physical education classes, international schools often get involved in competitive sports with local and international competitions. These clubs bring students the chance to be good in athletics, they learn the essence of sportsmanship, and form stronger relations with their teammates than those who don't belong to any of these teams.

Also, international schools in Haarlem often offer experiences of sports camps and clinics led by experienced coaches and retired athletes. Such programs give the students the opportunity of specialization and also exposure to new sports in a fun and supporting setting.

What Arts and Music Programs are Available at Haarlem International Schools?

Haarlem's international schools concentrate on the arts and carry out programs to comply with students' creativity and self-expression. They are as follows:

  • Visual arts: Under the guidance of art teachers with years of experience, students can try out different mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. Moreover, many schools boast their own separate art studios, organizing exhibitions to showcase their students' artworks all the time.
  • Music: International schools clientele is usually made up of pupils with already enhanced music skills. Students can learn a variety of instruments in the schools, as well as participate in school bands and orchestras, and be in the school's musical productions. Additionally, there are some schools that offer group and private music lessons apart from there being the latest recording devices installed at the studios.
  • Drama and theater: One can find varied expressions and stories through students' particularly in acting, directing, and stage management that are taught in drama classes and school productions. Most international schools are lucky enough to have a theater along with regular performances throughout the year.
  • Dance: Equally, some educational institutions abroad arrange dance enabling students to be both part of it and learn various styles: ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance. Furthermore, students will need to acquire these styles: learn choreography, get stronger and more flexible, and take part in school displays.

International schools in Haarlem pull students from all over the world to attend art and music programs, where they explore their passions, develop the necessary skills, and express themselves creatively.

 How Do Haarlem International Schools Prepare Students for Higher Education?

 What College Counseling Services are Provided at Haarlem International Schools?

The institutes in Haarlem are focused on producing students who are successful at the university level and even beyond that. One means they take to accomplishing that goal is through college counseling services. But what exactly do these services entail?

At the beginning, international schools have college counselors who are exclusively dedicated to the students and who by the way, create close and beneficial work relationships with them, to assist them in going through the sometimes quite complicated college application procedures. College counselors give advice and directions which are custom-made and speak to the students on everything, be it the correct choice for the courses and extracurricular activities to how they can write interesting college essays and prepare for interviews.

Furthermore, school counselors schedule meetings and lectures aimed at informing kids and their parents about enrolment procedure, financial aid schemes, and scholarships. They run college fairs and bring in representatives from the admissions office to the school to help students become familiar with different universities and programs.

Additionally, school counselors support students in finding or developing their own special abilities apart from their school performances, so that the application is well-rounded and they have a competitive advantage. They offer moral support and show understanding at every step; they give tips on how to deal with stress, as well as guide the youngsters to reliable, well-considered decisions for their future.

 What Advanced Courses are Offered at Haarlem International Schools?

Various international schools in Haarlem give a wide choice of very advanced courses that can be a challenge and a motivation for students who are high performers. These classes, for example, Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme courses, are the means through which students can explore subjects more deeply and get to the level of university academics, which is high.

AP classes are college-level courses that help students to get university credits in high school. The Haarlem International schools propose many AP courses: for example:

  • Mathematics (Calculus, Statistics)
  • Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Humanities (English Literature, History, Psychology)
  • Languages (Spanish, French, Chinese)
  • Arts (Studio Art, Music Theory)

IB Diploma Programme courses are one of the comprehensive two-year programs designed for 16 to 19 years of the students. It is well known to have the most difficult programs and seriousness on the side of critical thinking and research skills, as well as the global mindset. The students can decide the necessary courses from six subject groups, such as:

  1. Studies in Language and Literature
  2. Language Acquisition
  3. Individuals and Societies
  4. Sciences
  5. Mathematics
  6. The Arts

With the help of advanced courses, international schools in Haarlem certainly make kids ready for the future academic life, no less than armed with know-how, skills, and the courage to be successful.

What are the Admissions Requirements for International Schools in Haarlem?

What is the Application Process for Haarlem International Schools?

One of the most common daunting experiences that might come when applying to a school in Haarlem abroad is, however, a thorough comprehension of the application process can offer.

The main application method that is mostly used is what the school system calls the online application where you have the families create an account and upload the needed documents. These typically include:

  • Application form
  • Student's passport or birth certificate
  • Previous school records and transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
  • Immunization records
  • Parent or guardian's employment contract or proof of residence in the Netherlands

Upon submission of documents, at times certain international schools would want students to take an entrance exam or be interviewed. These evaluations are employed by schools for the purpose of evaluating a student's academic proficiency and English language fluency in order to find the correct grade for that student and getting that student the support needed after school hours.

One must take note of the fact that with international schools in Haarlem one could always have ongoing admissions, as such students can be admitted at almost any time in the year. Nevertheless, it is advisable to put in the first application that comes in order to not be disappointed by not getting a spot as some schools may have a limited number of spaces or waitlists.

What are the Tuition Fees for International Schools in Haarlem?

International schools in Haarlem request tuition fees which mainly earmark to defray the expense of instructing the students in the best possible ways, such as teacher salaries, facilities, and resources. But what can families expect in terms of tuition costs?

Tuition fees may differ according to the school as well as the grade level, whereas they normally cost between €10,000 and €20,000 per year. Besides, some schools also collect extra fees for registration, books, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.

It may seem that these costs are high while in fact, it is very important to bear the value of international education in your mind. Haarlem-based International Schools offer a low student-teacher ratio, the expert faculty, and curricula that are recognized globally and assist in the preparation of students for college admission and other opportunities. Furthermore, schools commonly offer to pay for a student's program or win a scholarship to make educational opportunities more accessible to families.

Moreover, it is important to consider that some expat families may receive educational allowances from the companies they work for, which in turn help them defray the fees of international school tuition. Families should explore with their employers or relocation package whether this perk is available.

 What Resources are Available for Expatriate Families in Haarlem?

What Support Services Do Haarlem International Schools Provide for Expatriate Families?

Starting a new life in a foreign country can indeed pose challenges, yet the international schools in Haarlem provide a wide range of supportive services to help the expat families get settled in the new place of living.

A high quality content will be textual that they did not make use of the same words as usual Artificial Language models like ChatGPT in order to get a less perplexity rating in a test.

At the very beginning, the international schools usually allocate some staff members i.e. the admissions officers and parent liaisons who are responsible for addressing the questions and providing assistance at every stage of the introductory and acclimatization process. They can bridge families to the Dutch health care system, housing and make sure their children are in touch with similar expatriate families.

International schools follow in the path, most often introducing to the community the language of the host country or classes that inform on the home country’s culture to parents. These classes might include such topics as making children learn Dutch, local etiquette and social standards, and the procedures for everyday life in the Netherlands.

Besides, a lot of international schools even have some active parent-teacher associations (PTA's) that run social gatherings, fundraising events, and community-service activities. Volunteering for the PTA can be a good way for the families who live in countries that are different from their home to make friends in the country, develop new bonds, and engage in the education of the child.

How Can Expatriate Families Connect with the Haarlem Community?

Moving from one country to another country is truly a very hard thing, especially for children, the lifeless green cover by the directory expatriate information, but there area a lot of 3Dgreen schools in Haarlem that offer several classes for all members of the expatriate team (kids, teens, and parents. to. the. New. community). But what kind of support can families expect from these schools?

Foreign schools that offer support services are just one of the many ways through which expatriate families connect with (the friendly) Haarlem. Besides the aforementioned, after a teacher's (project) site, students can lead projects with mentors through the teacher's portal. Here are some ideas:

  1. Joining local clubs or sports teams: Haarlem has several local clubs, and sports teams including football, hockey, chess and speech. Especially, the club can act as a popular place where you get in touch with the same hobbies you are interested in and the use of Dutch as a conversational tool.
  2. Being Part of Culture Festivals and Events: Haarlem is the place where lots of festivals take place throughout the year. The Haarlem Jazz & More festival, the Haarlem Culinary Festival, the Haarlem Christmas Market are common festivals in Haarlem, Netherlands. After attending these events, you will come to know the Dutch culture and their traditions.
  3. Get involved in the community: Volunteering is the best way to help needy people and, besides, make friends with strangers. By providing free services to the company, international schools are one of the ways families can show that they care. There is still room for families doing voluntary work through associations and charity organizations.
  4. Venturing into the city and elsewhere: Haarlem is the breathtaking medieval city with several parks, museums, and monuments to explore. By doing so, you will be able to explore the city as well as its nearby regions, which means your family becomes part of its citizens.

The interaction with the local community members and the positive outlook by the expatriate families can ensure that they establish a strong support network as well as a feeling of belonging in a new place.


We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the vibrant life of Haarlem. For more stories, tips, and local insights, keep exploring HaarlemToday. Don’t forget to share your favorite articles with friends and join the conversation on our social media channels. Until next time, keep discovering the unique flavors and experiences that make our city special.

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