The International School of Amsterdam

"The International School of Amsterdam (ISA) has been educating students in the Netherlands since 1979, making it one of the more established international schools in the region."

Located in Amstelveen, a leafy suburb just south of Amsterdam with a long-standing expatriate community, ISA serves the children of diplomats, global professionals, and internationally mobile families who call this corner of the Netherlands home. As a fully authorized International Baccalaureate school, ISA offers all three of the IB's core programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). This seamless continuum means that a child can begin their education at ISA in the early years and follow a single, coherent educational philosophy all the way through to the internationally recognized IB Diploma — a qualification respected by universities across the world. The IB framework is known for its emphasis on inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding, and the development of critical thinking, values that align naturally with the diverse, globally minded community ISA serves. The school's setting in Amstelveen is worth noting for families in the early stages of their relocation research. Amstelveen has historically attracted a significant international population, and the area offers a relatively accessible, suburban environment while remaining well connected to central Amsterdam. For families arriving from abroad, this combination of international community feel and proximity to a major European city is often a practical and social advantage. What makes ISA particularly distinctive is the depth of its IB commitment and the longevity of its presence in the region. Having operated for more than four decades, the school has accumulated considerable experience in supporting children through the particular challenges of international transitions — arriving mid-year, navigating new friendships across cultures, and building a sense of belonging in a school community that is itself defined by its diversity. Families at ISA can expect to encounter a student body drawn from many different nationalities, which tends to create an environment where no single background dominates and where cross-cultural exchange is part of daily life rather than an occasional event. Instruction at ISA is delivered in English, which serves as the shared language of a community whose families may speak dozens of different languages at home. For many students, English is a second or additional language, and international schools following the IB model typically incorporate support for language learners as part of their broader educational approach. For relocating professionals and expatriate families evaluating their options in the greater Amsterdam area, ISA represents a well-established choice with a clear academic identity. Its four-decade history, full IB continuum, and location within one of the Netherlands' most internationally oriented communities make it a school worth visiting and exploring in depth. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school directly at +31 20 347 1111 or through its website at isa. nl to arrange a tour and learn more about admissions.