FAMILIES IN ALMERE

SCHOOL ENROLMENT

Starting your child's education journey in Almere requires understanding the Dutch school system and following specific enrolment procedures.

Primary Education (Ages 4-12)

Children in the Netherlands must start school by age 5, though most begin at 4. Almere offers numerous primary schools with different educational philosophies. To enrol your child, contact schools directly as early as possible. Popular schools may have waiting lists. You'll need your child's birth certificate, proof of address, and previous school records translated into Dutch or English.

Secondary Education (Ages 12-18)

At age 12, children transition to secondary education based on their CITO test results from primary school. Almere has several excellent secondary schools offering different levels: VMBO, HAVO, and VWO. International students may need additional language support initially, which schools provide through Taalcentrum programs.

Required Documents

• Child's birth certificate (with apostille if from outside EU)

• Proof of residency in Almere

• Previous school transcripts (officially translated)

• Vaccination records

• BSN (social security number) of your child

Many Dutch schools support newcomer families during the transition period, understanding that adapting to a new educational system takes time. Don't hesitate to ask school administrators about integration support programs.

SCHOOL OPTIONS IN ALMERE

English/Bilingual

Dutch

Special Education

There are four main educational routes available in Almere: Dutch curriculum schools, English programmes, bilingual English-Dutch programmes, and specialised education for individualised support.

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

Language Support and 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 school's websites regularly for open days

• Check with schools if payment plans are possible

• If there's a waiting list, consider to join

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!

PEDIATRIC HEALTHCARE

Dutch healthcare system ensures children receive excellent medical care from birth through adolescence, with several specialized facilities serving young families.

Choosing a Huisarts (Family Doctor)

Every child needs registration with a huisarts who will be their primary healthcare provider. Almere has many practices accepting new patients and most healthcare providers speak English. Your huisarts coordinates all medical care and provides referrals to specialists when needed.

Pediatric Services in Almere

• Ziekenhuis Flevoland - Full pediatric department with emergency services

• Multiple pediatric practices - Specialized care for children's specific health needs

• Mental health support - Youth counseling services available in multiple languages

• Dental care - Numerous practices specifically designed for children

Preventive Care Programs

The Dutch system emphasizes prevention through regular check-ups at consultation bureaus (consultatiebureaus) for children up to 4 years old, then through school health services. These services monitor development, provide vaccinations, and offer parenting support.

Health Insurance

Children are covered under their parents' Dutch health insurance at no additional premium cost until age 18. Emergency care is always available regardless of insurance status, ensuring no child goes without necessary medical attention.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN ALMERE

Almere offers abundant opportunities for families to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together while building connections with both Dutch families and other newcomers.

Outdoor Adventures

Almere's landscape provides endless family fun. The Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve offers spectacular wildlife viewing - children might love spotting wild horses and deer. Weerwater lake provides swimming, sailing, and beach activities during warmer months. The city's extensive cycling paths make family bike rides safe and enjoyable, connecting parks, playgrounds, and interesting destinations throughout Almere.

Cultural Experiences at Kunstlinie Almere

Regularly hosts family-friendly cultural events, workshops, and exhibitions. The Corrosia theater presents children's performances in both Dutch and occasionally English.

Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet isn't just shopping. It hosts seasonal family events and has excellent dining options for international tastes. While there, check also the museum Batavialand where we can experience the 17th century VOC ship Batavia!

Sports and Recreation

Almere's sports facilities welcome families from all backgrounds. Public swimming pools, football clubs, tennis facilities, and gymnastics centres offer programs for different ages and skill levels. Many clubs specifically welcome international families and provide initial instruction in English while children learn Dutch.

Community Connections

Local community centres organise multicultural family events throughout the year, creating natural opportunities for Dutch families and newcomers to meet in relaxed settings. Seasonal festivals, markets, and outdoor cinema screenings provide excellent chances for families to participate in Dutch traditions while sharing their own cultural backgrounds.

Educational Fun Natuurpark Lelystad (nearby) combines education with entertainment through interactive exhibits about Dutch land reclamation and local ecosystems. Almere's libraries offer storytimes in multiple languages and organize cultural exchange activities where children learn about different countries through games and crafts.

ESSENTIAL RESOURCES

Quick access to key family services in Almere:

Government & Registration

• Gemeente Almere: Birth registration, BSN applications, municipal services

• DigiD: digital identity for online government services

Education

• Scholen op de kaart - search and compare local schools (in Dutch)

• Inspectie van de onderwijs - search school's inspection reports (in Dutch)

Healthcare

• Flevoziekenhuis - Main hospital with pediatric services

• Huisarts Registration - find family doctors in Almere (in Dutch)

Childcare & Benefits

• Kinderopvang Directory - search licensed daycare and after-school care (in Dutch)

• SVB Child Benefits - kinderbijslag/child benefit applications and information

• Tax Authority Childcare Allowance - kinderopvangtoeslag/childcare subsidy applications

Emergency & Support

• Emergency Services: 112 (police, fire, ambulance)

• Non-emergency Police: 0900-8844

• Vluchtelingenwerk - Support for refugees and asylum seekers