Rotterdam International Secondary School

"Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS) is a public international secondary school situated in the Blijdorp neighborhood of Rotterdam, the Netherlands."

Serving the city's internationally mobile community since its founding in 1991, RISS has built a reputation as a dedicated pathway for students seeking a rigorous, globally recognized education in one of Europe's most dynamic port cities. The school's academic program centers on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), one of the most respected pre-university qualifications in the world. The IB Diploma is widely recognized by universities across Europe, North America, and beyond, making RISS a natural choice for expat families and relocating professionals whose children may continue their education in multiple countries. The program challenges students to think critically, engage with a broad range of disciplines, and develop the intellectual independence that leading universities expect of incoming students. English serves as the primary medium of instruction at RISS, which is a significant advantage for international families arriving from English-speaking countries or from international school systems elsewhere in the world. This English-language environment allows students to transition into their studies without the language barrier that can often accompany a move to a non-English-speaking country, while still being immersed in the rich multilingual context that living in the Netherlands naturally provides. As a public school, RISS occupies a distinctive position in the international school landscape. Unlike many international schools that operate as private, fee-heavy institutions, RISS functions within the Dutch public education system, which can make it a more accessible option for families exploring international education in Rotterdam. This structure also reflects the Netherlands' longstanding commitment to welcoming global talent and supporting the internationally mobile workforce that passes through one of the world's busiest port cities. The Blijdorp area of Rotterdam provides an appealing setting for the school. Blijdorp is a well-established residential district known for its pleasant streets, the famous Rotterdam Zoo, and convenient access to the city's excellent public transport network. Families relocating to Rotterdam will find the neighborhood both practical and livable, with the school well connected to the broader metropolitan area. RISS draws its student community from the diverse international population that Rotterdam naturally attracts — a city shaped by global trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Students arriving at RISS typically come from a wide variety of national backgrounds, and that diversity is woven into the fabric of daily school life. For children joining a new country, finding peers who share the experience of international mobility can be enormously reassuring, and RISS's community tends to offer exactly that sense of shared understanding. For expat families evaluating secondary school options in the Rotterdam area, RISS represents a well-established, publicly supported institution with a serious academic program and a clear international identity. Its combination of IB Diploma preparation, English-language instruction, and a genuinely international student body makes it a compelling option for students at the secondary level who need continuity, rigor, and a school community that understands the particular rhythms of a life lived across borders.