"International School Haarlem (ISH) is a publicly funded international school located in Haarlem, the Netherlands, offering a rigorous English-language education to students through the globally recognized International Baccalaureate framework."
As a relatively young institution founded in 2020, ISH brings a fresh and purposeful approach to international education in one of the Netherlands' most culturally rich cities, providing families with a high-quality academic option in the greater Amsterdam region. The school delivers three distinct IB programmes: the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP). Together, these pathways offer a coherent and progressive educational journey that takes students from early secondary through to pre-university level. The IB Middle Years Programme emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking and the development of the whole student, while the Diploma Programme is widely respected by universities worldwide as an academically demanding pre-university qualification. The Career-related Programme offers an innovative alternative for students who wish to combine the intellectual rigor of IB coursework with practical, career-focused learning — a distinctive feature that sets ISH apart from many international schools that offer only the traditional Diploma route. All instruction at ISH is delivered in English, making it an accessible and natural choice for expatriate families, relocating professionals, and internationally mobile students who require continuity in their education. Being a publicly funded school also distinguishes ISH within the international school landscape, where private tuition fees can often be a significant barrier. This public status reflects the Dutch commitment to accessible, high-quality education and may make ISH a particularly appealing option for families seeking an internationally recognized curriculum without the financial commitment typical of private international institutions. Haarlem itself provides a compelling backdrop for school life. A historic city just fifteen minutes from Amsterdam by train, Haarlem offers a welcoming, human-scale urban environment with a strong sense of community, excellent public transport connections, and a high quality of life. Families relocating to the region will find that Haarlem strikes an attractive balance between the dynamism of the Dutch capital and a more relaxed, livable atmosphere well suited to family life. As a school founded in 2020, ISH is still in the process of establishing its traditions, growing its community, and building on its founding vision. For families considering it, this means the opportunity to be part of a school that is actively shaping its identity and culture — an environment where students and parents alike can play a meaningful role in the community from its earliest years. The school's adoption of the full suite of upper-secondary IB programmes signals a clear commitment to academic ambition and to preparing students for success at universities and institutions around the world. For expat families and professionals relocating to the Netherlands, International School Haarlem represents a thoughtful and distinctive choice — publicly funded, internationally accredited, English-language, and situated in one of the country's most charming and well-connected cities.