The International School of The Hague

"The International School of The Hague (ISH) has been serving the international community of the Dutch capital since its founding in 1986, establishing itself as a cornerstone of expatriate and globally mobile family life in one of the world's most internationally significant cities."

As a public international school, ISH offers families an accessible pathway to a rigorous, internationally recognized education without the barriers that often accompany private international schooling. The school's academic program is built entirely around the International Baccalaureate framework, a curriculum widely respected by universities and educational institutions across the globe. ISH offers three distinct IB programmes, providing continuity of educational experience across the secondary years. Students in the middle years follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and the development of internationally minded young people. As students progress, they can pursue either the IB Diploma Programme (DP), a rigorous two-year pre-university qualification recognized by universities worldwide, or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), which combines academic study with career-focused learning and practical skill development. The availability of all three pathways means that families relocating to The Hague can expect a coherent, consistent educational journey for their children through the secondary years, regardless of where their own international path has taken them previously. The Hague itself provides a uniquely fitting backdrop for an international school. Home to numerous international organizations, embassies, consulates, and the Peace Palace, the city attracts a large and diverse population of diplomats, legal professionals, NGO workers, and multinational company employees from around the world. ISH sits within this dynamic, cosmopolitan environment, and its student body naturally reflects the rich diversity of the city it calls home. Families arriving from virtually any corner of the globe will find a community that understands the particular rhythms and challenges of international life, including frequent transitions and the need to build new connections quickly. Instruction at ISH is delivered in English, making it an immediately accessible option for English-speaking families and for those who have followed an English-medium curriculum in previous postings. This shared language of instruction creates a common academic foundation while the school community itself remains genuinely multilingual and multicultural in character. What makes ISH particularly distinctive is the combination of its public status, its comprehensive IB offering, and its location in a city that is itself one of the most internationally oriented in Europe. For families who prioritize an education that prepares young people to think critically, engage with global issues, and transition smoothly into international university programs, ISH presents a compelling and well-established option. Parents interested in learning more or exploring enrollment can visit the school's website at www. ishthehague. nl or reach the admissions team directly by phone at +31 70 338 4567.