DENISE- De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit

"DENISE — De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit is a public international school located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, offering a distinctive educational experience that bridges the worlds of international and Dutch education."

As part of the Esprit Scholengroep, one of Amsterdam's established school networks, DENISE brings together the rigor of internationally recognized academics with the accessibility of a publicly funded institution — a combination that sets it apart in a city known for its diversity and global outlook. Founded in 2018, DENISE is a relatively young school, built with a clear sense of purpose from the outset. Its mission centers on preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world, combining the internationally respected International Baccalaureate framework with a genuinely multilingual environment. The school offers the IB Diploma Programme, the capstone qualification of the IB continuum, which is recognized by universities across the globe and valued for its emphasis on critical thinking, independent research, and breadth of study across disciplines. One of the most distinctive features of DENISE is its multilingual approach to instruction. Classes are conducted in English and Dutch, with additional languages also forming part of the school's educational fabric. This reflects both Amsterdam's cosmopolitan character and the school's commitment to producing graduates who can communicate and engage across cultures. For expat families and relocating professionals, this multilingual environment offers something genuinely valuable: children can develop or maintain strong English-language academic skills while also gaining meaningful exposure to Dutch, easing integration into local life. As a public school, DENISE occupies an unusual and noteworthy position in Amsterdam's international school landscape. While many international schools in the city operate as private institutions with correspondingly high tuition fees, DENISE offers an IB education within the Dutch public system, making it a compelling option for families seeking high-quality international education without the financial barriers that often accompany it. This also means the school community tends to reflect a genuine mix — internationally mobile families alongside locally rooted students — creating a diverse and grounded student body. Amsterdam itself provides a remarkable backdrop for this kind of education. A truly global city with a long history of openness and multiculturalism, it offers students rich opportunities beyond the classroom, from world-class museums and cultural institutions to a vibrant international business and technology community. Families relocating to Amsterdam will find DENISE well-suited to the city's character. For families exploring schooling options in Amsterdam, DENISE represents a thoughtful and relatively rare combination: an internationally oriented curriculum delivered within a publicly funded framework, in a city that genuinely reflects the diverse world the IB aims to prepare students for. Its founding in 2018 means it continues to grow and develop its identity, but for families seeking an academically serious, multilingual, and internationally minded environment for secondary-age students, it merits close consideration. Further information is available directly from the school at denise. espritscholen. nl or by phone at +31 20 480 2700.