Discover Education in Almere

Quick Start

School is mandatory from age 5-16 (most children start at 4)

It's free for Dutch public primary and secondary education

At age 12, your child receives crucial advice that shapes their educational path

Almere has international school options if you prefer English-language education

The Big Picture: How It All Works

Think of Dutch education as a branching tree. Everyone starts at the same trunk (primary school), but at age 12, children branch into different paths based on their abilities and interests.

The good news? We can always change branches later with effort and good grades.

Age-by-Age Breakdown

Ages 2-4: Getting Ready

Preschool & Daycare Options

• Peuterspeelzaal (preschool): 2-4 years

• Kinderdagverblij (daycare): earlier if needed. Why it matters: helps with Dutch language and social skills

• Cost is partially subsidised based on household income

Ages 4-12: Primary School/Basisonderwijs

The Foundation Years

• Duration: 8 years (called groeps/groups 1-8)

• Group 1: Like kindergarten

• Group 8: The crucial final year

Focus: Dutch language, math, creativity, and social skills

Important Milestone: in group 8 (Age 11-12) your child receives a school advice (schooladvies) that determines their secondary school path. This advice considers:

• Performance over several years

• Personal development

• National test results (like Cito-toets)

The system splits into three main tracks:

VMBO/voorbereidend middelbar beroepsonderwijs - Practical Path

• Duration: 4 years

• Hands-on, vocational learning

• Leads to MBO/middelbare beroepsonderwijs (vocational college)

• Good for: students who learn by doing

HAVO/hoger algemeene voortgezet onderwijs - Middle Path

• Duration: 5 years

• General education with practical focus

• Leads to HBO/hoger beroepsonderwijs (universities of applied sciences)

• Good for: balanced academic and practical interests

VWO/voortgezet wetenschappelijke onderwijs - Academic Path

• Duration: 6 years

• Theoretical, university preparation

• Leads to WO/wetenschappelijke onderwijs (research universities)

• Good for: strong academic students

Praktijkonderwijs (PrO): Special Option

• For students who learn best with hands-on methods

• Smaller classes, practical focus

Ages 12+: Secondary School Paths

Can My Child Change Paths Later?

Short answer: yes.

But it requires work. Dutch education system allows "bridges" between tracks:

VMBO → HAVO → VWO is possible with excellent grades

MBO → HBO → University is a common route

Key point: The advice at age 12 is influential but not permanent

Frequent Question

Higher Education in Almere

Almere is home to two universities of applied sciences: Windesheim and Aeres Hogeschool.

Windesheim is one of the Netherlands' top universities of applied sciences with over 5,000 students following around 25 programme options, known for its personal approach and close collaboration with businesses.

Aeres Hogeschool specializes in the green sector, offering programmes ranging from agriculture to engineering, styling and design, providing bachelor and master degrees, applied research and commercial learning activities.

Both institutions ensure Almere has a strong presence of young, highly educated professionals in applied disciplines.

Navigating Schools in Almere

What type of school are you looking for?

English/Bilingual

Dutch

Special Education

Dutch Schools in Almere

For families planning to stay long-term or wanting full Dutch integration

Primary Schools in Almere (Ages 4-12)

• Primary school: List of schools

• Educational philosophies (Montessori, Dalton, Jenaplan, openbaar/regular public, religious)

• Enrolment: Registration opens February, visit schools January-March.

• Required documents: BSN, birth certificate, address proof.

• Cost: Free (optional contributions €50-200/year)

Secondary Schools in Almere (Ages 12-18)

• VMBO schools: List of schools

• HAVO/VWO schools: List of schools

• Open days: January-February annually

• Applications: Submit by March for September start

• CITO test (in group 8) determines placement recommendations

Special Services

• Taalcentrum Almere: For children learning Dutch before their enrolment in Dutch schools (ages 4-18)

• Special needs schools: List of schools

Tips!

• Explore schools in and nearby your neighbourhood

• Regularly check the school's website for open days schedule

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• Check official and trusted information provided by goverments: Gemeente Almere, Scholen op kaart (in Dutch), Kies Je School in Almere (in Dutch), De VO Gids (in Dutch).

International Schools in Almere

English-language education options

International School Almere (Primary and Secondary)

Primary:

• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)

• Annual cost: See website

• Admission procedure: See website

• Contact: info.primary@isalmere.nl

Secondary:

• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), Diploma Programme (IBDP), and Career-related Programme (IBCP).

• Annual cost: See website

• Admission procedure: See website

• Application process: Online application + interview + academic assessment

• University outcomes: Students accepted to universities worldwide

• Contact: info.secondary@isalmere.nl

Breskensweg 5 1324 KE Almere

Bilingual (Dutch & English) Education at de Meergronden

De Meergronden (Secondary): TTO program for MAVO/HAVO/VWO

• 50% English instruction in first years and exams are in Dutch

• Application: Same as regular Dutch secondary schools

• Students must have good level of English

• Contact: info@meergronden.asg.nl

Marktgracht 65 1353 AL Almere

Tips!

• Check with your employer for corporate discounts

• Check school's websites regularly for open days

• Check with schools if payment plans are possible

• If there's a waiting list, join - even if you're not 100% sure

Special Education in Almere

For children with additional learning needs, developmental delays, or disabilities

Important!

Special education processes and availability change regularly. Always verify current information directly with your children current schools or official municipal services before making decisions. Individual experiences vary significantly.

Types of Special Education

• Special Primary Education (SBO): Ages 4-12, smaller classes, specialized teaching

• Special Secondary Education (VSO): Ages 12-20, vocational and life skills focus

• Cluster schools: Organized by type of support needed (visual/hearing, learning disabilities, behavioral/emotional, physical disabilities)

Getting Started

• First step: Contact your child's current school or Gemeente Almere (14 036)

• Assessment process: Varies by individual needs - always consult with school first or Passend Onderwijs

• Required: Educational assessment by regional expertise centers

• Placement: Parents choose from available schools based on official recommendations

Key Information

• Cost: Generally government-funded for Dutch residents

• Language support: May be available, but not guaranteed. Verify directly

• Documentation: Previous assessments helpful, certified translations may be required

• Wait times: Can vary significantly between schools and services

Important Resources

• Passend Onderwijs (available in multiple languages)

• School quality reports: Onderwijsinspectie.nl

• Verified info: Onderwijsloket, PO-Raad, Rijksoverheid (some English available)

• Emergency concerns: always consult school first!