International School Almere and IPS Hilversum are both in Amsterdam, about 16 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and International School Almere also offers IBCP and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are €4,520 - 7,275 at International School Almere and €4,900 at IPS Hilversum, which puts International School Almere roughly 20% higher. International School Almere takes pupils from 2 to 18, and IPS Hilversum from 4 to 12. The two are similar in size, at around 350 and 400 pupils. Typical class sizes are 24 at International School Almere and 18 at IPS Hilversum.
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International School Almere
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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IPS Hilversum
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year €4,520 - 7,275 | Fees / year €4,900 |
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Age range
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Age range 2 - 18 years | Age range 4 - 12 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), BTEC Qualification | Curriculum IB (PYP) |
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Pupils
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Pupils 350 | Pupils 400 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 24 | Typical class size 18 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened — | Opened 1986 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Located at Breskensweg 5, 1324 KE Almere, Netherlands. The school lies between Literatuurwijk and Stedenwijk and is close to Almere Muziekwijk station, with several bus stops within walking distance. Free parking is available on site, and students may park their bicycles on site. The building is accessible to wheelchair users. | Location Rembrandt location for Early Years to Group 4 (4-8 year olds); Rembrandtlaan 30, 1213 BH Hilversum. Mondrian location for Groups 5-8 (8-12 year olds); Minckeltersstraat 36, 1221 KH Hilversum. IPS Hilversum operates across two campuses in Hilversum. |
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Stages
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Stages Primary and Secondary | Stages The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered for 4-12 year olds. Rembrandt location serves Early Years to Group 4; Mondrian location serves Groups 5-8. |
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School type
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School type IB World School offering all four IB programmes, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP). | School type IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme; instruction is in English with Dutch as the host country language. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support For children with special needs or those requiring learning support, reports and relevant testing details are required before admission. The Learning Support Coordinator handles needs, and internal assessments may be required before admission. If, after a period of at least six weeks in school, the school cannot meet the academic, social/emotional or physical needs of a child, placement may be transferred to a more suitable establishment. | Additional learning support — |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation — | Country affiliation Netherlands. It is a partially-subsidised Dutch International School governed by STIP Hilversum. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure The secondary school day begins at 09:00 and consists of six periods, with two tea breaks and a lunch break integrated throughout the day. Regular classes end at 16:00, followed by Project Time until 16:30 and afterschool clubs that run until 17:00. | School day structure Mondrian school day: Monday–Friday 08:45–15:00 (Wednesday 12:45). Rembrandt school day: Monday–Friday 09:00–15:15 (Wednesday 13:00). Students should be at school five minutes before the start of lessons; playground supervision occurs before start. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details — | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application fees - Primary: A non-refundable administration/application fee of EUR 150 per child is payable when submitting the application form. - Secondary: A one-off non-refundable application/registration fee of EUR 200 is charged for new students. A refundable deposit of EUR 500 is also required for new secondary students. Tuition fees by year group - Primary (single primary fee schedule for all primary year groups): - Annual school fee by month of enrolment: - Enlisting in August/September: EUR 4,520. - Enlisting in October: EUR 4,144. - Enlisting in November: EUR 3,769. - Enlisting in December: EUR 3,393. - Enlisting in January: EUR 3,017. - Enlisting in February: EUR 2,642. - Enlisting in March: EUR 2,266. - Enlisting in April: EUR 1,891. - Enlisting in May/June: EUR 1,514. - Secondary (fees shown per programme/year group; amounts are annual): - MYP 1–4: EUR 6,350 per year. - MYP 5: EUR 6,350 per year. - DP1 / CP1: EUR 7,275 per year. - DP2 / CP2: EUR 7,275 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Primary: The annual fee must be received before the student starts school to guarantee placement. Payment options offered are payment in full or payment in 8 instalments. International bank transfer details are provided (IBAN: NL55 INGB 0008569174; BIC: INGBNL2A). International transfers must be sent with the OUR instruction so the payer covers transfer charges; include the child's full name in the payment reference. - Secondary: The annual school fee is compulsory and the school fee agreement is signed for one year. Payment options include payment in one lump sum via bank transfer, payment in one lump sum via iDeal, or payment in 4 or 6 instalments (installments only by direct debit). Parents receive an email from WisCollect to select payment preference and to enter bank details for direct debit collection. Secondary international bank details: IBAN NL69 RABO 0132 48 44 20; BIC RABONL2U. Boarding fees - International School Almere is a day school (no boarding provision). There are no boarding fees. Other costs and mandatory additional charges - Secondary examination fees: range shown EUR 650–EUR 850 (exam fee varies by programme/student). - Secondary registration/administration: registration line-item EUR 200 (see application/registration fee). New secondary students pay a refundable deposit of EUR 500. - School trips (secondary): MYP 1–2: EUR 60; MYP 3–4: EUR 650 (these are invoiced with the school fee in September and some excursions are mandatory). - Student printing/start-up credit (secondary): a start-up printing quota of EUR 15 is provided to new students. Additional top-ups can be added to the account. - Primary: the published annual fees above are the primary tuition charges; no separate boarding charge applies; additional incidental costs (for trips or materials) may be charged as required. Primary payment options and bank details are as listed under Billing. Refund information and withdrawal terms - Secondary refund schedule (portion of total school fee payable based on starting month and the refund percentage when leaving in a given month): - August: portion payable 100%; refund when leaving in August: 50%. - September: portion payable 100%; refund when leaving in September: 50%. - October: portion payable 90%; refund when leaving in October: 50%. - November: portion payable 80%; refund when leaving in November: 50%. - December: portion payable 70%; refund when leaving in December: 50%. - January: portion payable 60%; refund when leaving in January: 40%. - February: portion payable 50%; refund when leaving in February: 30%. - March: portion payable 40%; refund when leaving in March: 20%. - April: portion payable 30%; refund when leaving in April: 10%. - May: portion payable 20%; refund when leaving in May: 0%. - June: portion payable 10%; refund when leaving in June: 0%. - July: portion payable 10%; refund when leaving in July: 0%. - Note: A refund is not permitted for students transferring to another school within 55 km during the school year. Parents are liable for full exam fees if withdrawal is made after 31 January for exam students. | Fee details Application fee - One-time, non-refundable application (admission) fee per student: EUR 350. Annual tuition fee (academic year 2025–2026) - Standard annual tuition per student: EUR 4,900. This amount applies across all year groups (Early Years through Group 8). Tuition by instalment / per-term arrangements - Full-year charge: EUR 4,900. - Two-instalment option: - Payment 1: EUR 2,450 due before 1 December 2025. - Payment 2: EUR 2,450 due before 1 May 2026. - Four-instalment option: - Two payments of EUR 1,225 before 1 December 2025. - Two payments of EUR 1,225 before 1 May 2026. - Eight-instalment option (only for enrolments starting in August): - 4 monthly payments of EUR 615 (September to 10 December 2025). - 4 monthly payments of EUR 610 (January to April 2026). - Final instalment must be received before 1 May 2026. Pro‑rata / partial‑attendance charges (entry or departure during the school year) - When a student starts or leaves mid-year, the tuition charged is pro‑rated according to the first day or final day of attendance as follows: - Entry 1 August–31 October: EUR 4,900. Departure up to 31 October: EUR 1,950. - Entry 1 November–31 December: EUR 4,300. Departure 1 November–31 December: EUR 3,100. - Entry 1 January–28 February: EUR 3,700. Departure 1 January–28 February: EUR 3,700. - Entry 1 March–30 April: EUR 3,100. Departure 1 March–30 April: EUR 4,300. - Entry after 30 April: EUR 1,950. Departure after 30 April: EUR 4,900. Billing schedule and payment terms - By enrolling a child, the parent/guardian accepts responsibility for payment of the annual tuition fee. Late payment does not relieve the payment obligation. Returning student places may be affected if previous-year fees are unpaid by the stated deadline. - Invoice options: invoice may be issued to parents/guardians or to a company (employer). If a company will pay, a completed Company Payment Form is required annually. Without that form, invoices will be sent to parents/guardians. - For enrolments with first school day on or before 31 October 2025, a minimum payment of 50% of the annual fee (EUR 2,450) must be made by 10 December 2025. For enrolments after 1 January 2026, full payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. For enrolments between 1 November and 31 December 2025, a specified minimum payment is due within 30 days of invoice and the remainder may be placed on monthly instalments as described above. Additional costs and exclusions - There are no other compulsory school fees: the stated tuition covers tuition costs, field trips, activities, excursions and lunchtime supervision. - Fees do not include after-school activities (external providers) or childcare (BSO). Specialist learning-support therapies (e.g., speech or motor-skills therapy) are billed separately by the therapists and are not covered by school fees. Replacement school gym bags or reading folders are available for EUR 5. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school is a day primary school; there are no boarding fees. Refunds and withdrawal notice - A minimum of 30 days' written notice (Departure Form) is required before withdrawing a student. Failure to provide the required notice will result in continued charging of fees and any refund will be calculated from the month after written notification. - The application (admission) fee is non-refundable. Pro‑rata refunds or charges for partial attendance are handled according to the entry/departure schedule above. Fee payment options and bank details - Primary payment method: bank transfer. Bank details provided for school payments are: - Bank: RABOBANK - Account holder: STIP Hilversum - Account number: 0365818003 - IBAN: NL59 RABO 0365818003 - BIC: RABONL2U - Payment reference: Annual tuition fee, invoice number and family name. - Correspondence concerning fees and payment should quote the invoice number and family name and be directed to the school finance contact. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements No boarding is provided. There is no school bus; public transport in Almere is well organized. After-school care is available through Partou, which operates a shuttle service and will pick up students attending BSO at the Club. | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement IS Almere students do not wear a uniform. | Uniform requirement — |
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Food options
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Food options The school has a small canteen open during the lunch break and sells snacks. We encourage students to bring their own food from home in a lunch box. | Food options — |
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House system
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House system — | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership ISAlmere is part of the Almeerse Scholen Groep (ASG). The primary section falls under the ASG school board, and the secondary section falls under Het Baken. | Governance and ownership The school belongs to the local education board Stip Hilversum. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details ISAlmere Secondary offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), both IB-authorised and CIS-recognised. The MYP provides eight subject groups and prioritises interdisciplinary, holistic development, with MYP classes capped at 24 students. The DP comprises six subject groups plus a DP core; the core includes Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service. A Career-related Programme (CP) exists as a candidacy pathway for 16+ students, combining two DP subjects (DP Business and Management and DP Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations), the CP Core (Personal and Professional Skills, Reflective Project, Language and Cultural Studies (Chinese), Community Engagement), and a Career-related Study in Information Technology via a BTEC Level 3 International Diploma. The CP and DP are designed to prepare students for higher education and international careers. | Curriculum details IPS Hilversum offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3–12. Instruction is in English, with Dutch taught as the host country language and home languages supported in learning. The PYP is taught through an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary approach that emphasizes the IB learner profile and Approaches to Learning (AtL) skills. Assessment is ongoing, including formative and summative methods, with standardised assessments for Groups 3–8 and regular conferences to review progress. IPS Hilversum operates on two campuses: Rembrandt for Early Years to Group 4 and Mondrian for Groups 5–8. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio MYP classes have a maximum of 24 students. | Student teacher ratio Smaller classes. The school operates on two campuses to accommodate age-appropriate groupings: Rembrandt (Early Years to Group 4) and Mondrian (Groups 5–8). |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression DP has been authorized since 2010 to prepare students for higher education and international careers. The 2025-2028 School Plan notes CP candidacy with a planned launch for 2025-2026, expanding progression options. DP and CP are designed to provide pathways to universities and international opportunities. | Higher education progression After Group 8, students may progress to secondary education, including International School Hilversum (MYP 11–16) or International School Laren (MYP 11–16), or to Dutch secondary education. An MYP certificate can be obtained after four years, followed by the Diploma Programme (DP) if accepted into that programme. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning ISAlmere operates a year-group tailored mentor program that emphasizes social-emotional wellbeing. Mentors are the primary point of contact for students and families and collaborate with teachers and the Care Team to develop and implement support plans. The program embeds social-emotional competencies, including self-awareness, self-esteem, self-management, social awareness, friendship skills, and responsible decision-making, with a dedicated intake for new MYP1 students and ongoing reinforcement across year levels. It covers themes such as global citizenship, positive group dynamics, school safety, online behavior, gender diversity, and substance-use prevention. A Social Safety Coordinator promotes a safe, inclusive environment, while a Trust Persons role and Student Support Coordination support wellbeing across the school. | Social & emotional learning The PYP nurtures academic, social and emotional wellbeing alongside independent learning skills to foster agency. Approaches to Learning (AtL) include thinking, research, communication, social and self-management skills, with social skills and social-emotional intelligence emphasized. The learner profile attributes guide behavior toward caring, open-mindedness and respectful collaboration, supporting a caring and inclusive school community. The learning community strives for peaceful, constructive relationships and a culture of empathy and cooperation. SEL is embedded across units of inquiry, with explicit focus on developing self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness and relationship skills. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) ISAlmere defines learners who require additional support as those experiencing significant difficulty accessing the curriculum, having a disability, medical or psychosocial condition, or needing adapted teaching approaches. The school provides internal support via the Care Team and Head of Care, including identification of needs, development of individual support plans, and inclusive arrangements such as Individual Educational Plans and inclusive access arrangements. English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners are not counted as needing additional learning support but are supported through the school's EAL framework. A three-level Support Framework – universal Tier 1, targeted Tier 2, and intensive Tier 3 – guides interventions to ensure all students can access learning. | Special educational needs (SEN) IPS Hilversum serves a diverse learner population with a range of support needs including academic/learning support, neurodivergent learners, social, emotional and behavioral needs, multilingual learners, and English language acquisition needs. The Inclusion Team advocates a student-centered, needs-based approach that removes obstacles to learning and coordinates support. Support is provided through differentiated classroom instruction, additional class support, and, when needed, IP (intervention plan) or IEP (individual education plan) for more intensive support. If required, School Plus or external multidisciplinary support is arranged to meet individual needs. All student support records are confidential, progress is monitored, and parents are informed about goals and planned provisions. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language English as an Additional Language is supported through the school's dedicated EAL framework rather than as part of general learning support. | English as an additional language English is the language of instruction. English Language Acquisition (EAL) support is offered to students after Group 2 who have little or no English language skills, provided by a specialist language teacher. Support is offered on an individual basis or in small group settings, inside and outside the classroom, with goals and strategies evaluated in collaboration with the classroom teacher. The program aims to establish communication, security and progress to ensure equitable access to the curriculum. Home languages are supported and valued, and Dutch (host country language) is taught to connect students with the local culture. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is integrated through the mentor program and the school's care structure. The Head of Care, supported by the School Counsellor, coordinates student wellbeing and coordinates with external professionals as needed. The school's three-level Support Framework ensures universal wellbeing in Tier 1 and targeted supports at Tiers 2 and 3, with ongoing staff training to strengthen inclusive teaching and pastoral care. | Mental wellbeing The IB Primary Years Programme at IPS Hilversum nurtures academic, social and emotional wellbeing as part of a holistic approach to learning. The curriculum emphasises balanced development across intellectual, physical and emotional domains to support wellbeing. Approaches to Learning include developing social-emotional intelligence and the ability to manage emotions, with components such as mindfulness, perseverance, emotional management, self-motivation and resilience. The learning community prioritises caring, collaboration and respectful communication to sustain a positive climate for wellbeing. SEL is embedded across learning, contributing to students' ability to function as internationally-minded global citizens with wellbeing at the core. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding ISAlmere maintains a Social Safety Policy and an anti-bullying protocol with zero tolerance to bullying. The policy defines bullying, outlines prevention and response procedures, and specifies the roles of mentors, teachers, support staff, parents, and an anti-bullying coordinator. Trust Persons are available to support students and families in sensitive cases, and Student Support Coordination, led by the Head of Care and a School Counsellor, oversees wellbeing and interventions, including collaboration with external services as needed. | Safeguarding IPS Hilversum follows a Safeguarding Reporting Protocol (Meldcode) to address suspected abuse and domestic violence, with a designated safeguarding officer coordinating steps and secure document storage. The protocol outlines steps for documenting warning signs, consulting professionals, and, when necessary, contacting Veilig Thuis or the police. Records are securely filed and can be reviewed by relevant school leaders as part of a structured process. The policy emphasizes that every child has the right to a safe environment and that adults must act promptly to protect children from neglect or abuse. The school also maintains an Anti-Bullying Policy and an Inclusion Policy to support safeguarding and a safe school climate. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The International School Almere resides in a new building on Breskensweg 5 in Almere. The light-filled facility includes two gyms, two libraries, a laboratory, a workshop, and a large cafetorium for dining and school events. Primary and Secondary students occupy separate wings and frequently enjoy mutual, supervised activities. The campus is located centrally in the Netherlands, close to Amsterdam, with access to Almere's forests, lakes, and beaches. | Facilities overview IPS Hilversum is one school housed in two buildings, Rembrandt (1919) and Mondrian (1925), which are listed monuments. The Rembrandt building has 11 classrooms across two floors, a library, a gym, a PE changing room, a concierge office, and an Inclusion Team office, with piazzas designed for collaborative learning. The Mondrian building comprises 14 classrooms, two playgrounds, an administrative office, a gym, a library, a staff workroom, a wellness room and a lounge, plus a large outdoor inquiry garden. Every classroom has an interactive white board, and students have access to Chromebooks and iPads. The after-school care program, Bink Kinderopvang Hilversum, has exclusive use of three rooms inside the Rembrandt building. Mondrian students walk to a full-size municipal gymnasium across from the school for PE twice a week. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Two gyms are available for physical education and sports. | Sports facilities Rembrandt has an on-site gym for PE and a PE changing room. Mondrian uses the full-size municipal gymnasium across from the school for PE, twice a week. There are two playgrounds across the IPS Hilversum campuses. There is a large outdoor inquiry garden used for learning activities. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Beehive Library Learning Centre provides a growing collection of print and digital resources, world literature, and access to digital platforms and databases. Library services include research skill sessions, information literacy guidance, encouraging reading for pleasure, and collaborative learning spaces. The MYP and DP collections are expanding to support inquiry-based learning and international mindedness. The facility includes a science laboratory and a workshop to support practical, hands-on learning. | Academic facilities IPS Hilversum offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for 4–12 year-olds, taught in English with Dutch as the host country language. Each classroom has an interactive white board, and students have access to Chromebooks and iPads. Both Rembrandt and Mondrian host libraries for student learning. IPS Hilversum is housed in two buildings, Rembrandt and Mondrian, supporting a modern, technology-enabled learning environment. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities International School Almere Insights; ALMUN; Dungeons & Dragons; Computers; Yearbook; Commodore; Reading; Basketball; Singing; Eco Schools; Orchestra; Student Council; Design; Rock Climbing; School Play; Badminton; Smart Start; Nightingale. | Extra curricular facilities After-school care is provided by Bink Kinderopvang Hilversum (BSO); IPS Hilversum is affiliated with BINK and they will pick up your child from whichever IPS location they attend, with placement decisions determined by BINK. The Rembrandt building hosts exclusive use of three rooms for after-school care. There are two IPS Hilversum playgrounds and a large outdoor inquiry garden that support after-school and flexible learning activities. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History — | History IPS Hilversum began in June 1986 when the City of Hilversum and the Dutch Government established an international department at Violenschool, which opened with fewer than ten students. Growth led to a northern location in 1991 to serve families in Naarden-Bussum, Huizen, Amsterdam and Almere, and in 2001 the Rembrandt location was opened after renovation, housing the International Department Main Office, after-school care and childcare along with the International Playgroup. The Rembrandt building was designed by the renowned Dutch architect Willem M. Dudok. In 2006 the Violenschool International Department was renamed Violenschool International Primary School, and a Mondrian location was added to support further growth. By December 2022 IPS Hilversum operated on two campuses with around 400 students, EY–G4 at Rembrandt and G5–G8 at Mondrian. |
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Community
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Community International School Almere offers a secondary IB programme for students aged 12 to 18 within a diverse, intercultural learning community. Its mission is to inspire students to reach their full potential through academic excellence, intercultural awareness, and mutual respect within a diverse, caring community. The school celebrates every culture and language, including International Mother Language Week. The campus is centrally located in Almere, near Amsterdam, and the building is accessible to wheelchair users. | Community IPS Hilversum is one school with two campuses. The School Council brings together parents and teachers from across both locations to approve policy documents and advise school leaders. The PTA organises events for children and families to build community and raises funds for students and others. Upcoming events are communicated via the Friday parent newsletter and PTA channels including WhatsApp, email groups and Instagram. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association Parent Support Group (PSG) represents a collaborative entity comprising parents and ISAlmere staff members. The PSG coordinates the talents and availability of parents to provide support for educational provisions and extracurricular activities. Parent representatives serve as a channel for general ideas, initiatives, and concerns not specific to individual students, with the aim of having at least one representative per grade. The PSG bridges cultural, linguistic, and knowledge gaps for expat families and helps organize school and community events more effectively. To join, please email psg@isalmere.nl with your name, your child's grade, areas of interest, and preferred contact method. | Parent teacher association The main aim of the PTA is to organise fun events for children and families to enjoy. The PTA helps build the IPS Hilversum community by encouraging attendance, participation, planning and volunteering at events. PTA-sponsored activities benefit both students and parents. New members who would like to join the PTA, volunteer for events and/or become a class representative are always welcome. To join or get involved, email PTA@ipshilversum.nl. Information about upcoming events and dates is published in the Friday parent newsletter; volunteers and PTA members are included in WhatsApp and email groups, and the PTA maintains an Instagram presence. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual International School Almere – Primary is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The curriculum is organized under six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are, How we Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How we Organise ourselves, Sharing the Planet, and Where we are in Place and Time. Learners explore through inquiry and make connections across subject areas such as science and the arts. The Maths programme uses Numicon to provide hands-on, visual learning, and Literacy uses the Talk for Writing approach to develop storytelling and writing skills. | Academic & intellectual — |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative After-school clubs support arts and creativity, including Orchestra, Singing, and a School Play. Art expression is learned within classroom teaching under the guidance of the teacher. Music and drama activities are integrated with IB learning themes to enrich creative expression. | Arts & creative Music is taught once a week by a music specialist. Students explore voice and instrumental performance, as well as music theory and understanding of local and world music. The program is integrated within the IB framework to support cross-disciplinary learning. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language Language and culture are embedded in the school environment. English is the language of instruction and Dutch is taught as Host Country Language to help students navigate Dutch society. International Mother Language Week is celebrated to honour every mother language. ALMUN, a Model United Nations club, is one of the after‑school activities that fosters cultural and global awareness. | Cultural & language Home languages are encouraged and form an integral part of the learning landscape. Dutch is offered as the host country language; in the lower years Dutch is taught through play-based learning by native speakers, with progression to more formal language study as students advance. The school supports drawing on students' home languages to aid learning, and the library stocks books in many languages. After-school Dutch lessons are provided by external teachers. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Afterschool clubs offer a wide range of social and hobby activities, including Dungeons & Dragons, Yearbook, Reading, Commodore, and more. Physical activity is fostered through Basketball, Badminton, and Rock Climbing among other options. These clubs provide opportunities for teamwork, friendship, and personal interests beyond academics. | Social & hobbies Newcomers' guide provides information about clubs and local traditions. The PTA is instrumental in organizing activities to raise funds for extracurricular activities not covered by school fees. There is a School Council and a Student Council that provide governance and student input. The community structure supports parent involvement through these bodies. |
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Community & service
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Community & service A Parent Support Group volunteers their time and the Participation Council, made up of parents and staff, guides school matters. The Parent Support Group organizes social events, supports reading activities and library activities, and provides logistic and sports assistance. The Participation Council meets several times a year to advise school leadership. | Community & service The PTA coordinates activities to raise funds for extracurriculars not covered by the school fees. The School Council and the Student Council provide governance and advisory input on school direction and policy. Parents, carers and students participate in community life through these governing and advisory bodies. Newcomers' guide also points to clubs and local community resources. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are offered through after-school clubs such as the Student Council and ALMUN. ALMUN provides Model United Nations experiences that foster leadership and global engagement. These platforms encourage students to develop advocacy, collaboration, and organisational skills. | Leadership & professional There is a School Council and a Student Council that provide governance and student input on school life. The School Council approves prescribed school policy documents and budgets. The Student Council represents student voice and perspectives in school life. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing The Primary building features two gyms for physical education. Physical education is taught by specialist PE teachers in English and Dutch. The school emphasizes wellbeing through sport and active participation in after‑school physical activities. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education takes place twice a week, taught by class teachers. Group 7 and 8 go on a three-day school camp, cycling to the camp location with their teachers. School sports days are held, with activities such as dance, archery, chess, korfball and rugby. A Dutch walking tradition continues with four consecutive evenings of walking 5km with parents and classmates. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision English is the language of instruction for all students. Dutch is taught as the Host Country Language. In secondary, Language Acquisition includes English, Dutch, French and Spanish. | Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction; Dutch is the host country language and is integrated into the curriculum. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction. Dutch is taught as the Host Country Language. | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations IB World School — Accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), taught entirely in English and enriched with Dutch as the host country language. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Personal interview and guided tours: The school invites prospective students and their families for a personal interview to understand each student's needs, strengths, and goals, and offers guided tours to experience daily life and facilities. The admissions approach starts with connection to ensure students feel supported as part of a vibrant community. As an IB World School, the school provides English-language education for students aged 11 to 18. 2. Documentation and application submission: Submit the documents listed in the IGVO registration document for the application, and download and complete the School Fees Financial Obligation form for each child to submit with the application. Click Apply now under Admissions to complete and upload the application form, upload all relevant documents, and pay the application fee. Appointments for interviews are scheduled only after the complete application is submitted with the required documents and the application fee has been paid. 3. Entrance testing and admission decision: Arrange for the student to sit an entrance test if required, and admission officers will be in touch with the student's previous school. 4. Acceptance, placement, and start: After acceptance, parents receive an invoice for tuition to be paid within two weeks, and a place is reserved for the student after payment. Parents receive information about the first day of school in the first week of July or the start date, and the student completes a language profile form to place them in the appropriate language groups. If a child must leave during the school year, four weeks' notice is required, with refunds governed by the school's fee policy; enrolment is possible at any time during the school year if space is available and an entrance test may be required in some cases (notably for DP1 and MYP5). 5. Ongoing arrangements: If relocating within the Netherlands or abroad, notify the school in writing; transfers within the Netherlands typically occur after major holiday periods. The above steps reflect the information published by International School Almere regarding the admissions process, entry requirements for the DP programme, and the general admissions workflow. | Admissions IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered for Early Years through Group 8. Instruction is in English, with Dutch as the host country language. IPS Hilversum has two campuses: Rembrandt for Early Years–Group 5 and Mondrian for Group 6–8. The school enrolls children aged 4 to 12 and accepts non-Dutch nationality for temporary residents in the region; Dutch children may be accepted if written proof shows future education abroad in another international or English-speaking school within one to two years, with extensions discussed with the Principal; Dutch nationality returning to the Netherlands after international or English-language education is also accepted. Applications are submitted through the online admissions portal. The admission process includes Step 1 First Contact, Step 2 Admission Application, Step 3 Application Review, and Step 4 Confirmation; if a place is offered, the application fee of €350 is invoiced and is non-refundable. IPS Hilversum is a partially subsidised Dutch International School; subsidies from the Dutch government cover part of the costs of running the international department. Tuition fees for 2025-2026 are published; for example, 1 August–31 October €4900, 1 November–31 December €4300, 1 January–28 February €3700, 1 March–30 April €3100, and after 30 April €1950, with final-day amounts corresponding. Group placement uses single-age grouping, with a possible exception after a three-week evaluation and conference with parents; a standard age-range table exists for Groups 2–8. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist For the 2026–2027 academic year, spaces are available across most secondary year levels, with MYP 1 having spaces, MYP 2 having limited availability, and MYP 3 and MYP 5 currently full and operating with waiting lists. CP and DP also have spaces available, while MYP 3 and MYP 5 are on waiting lists due to strong demand. A CP Information Evening is scheduled for March 17, 2026 (18:00–19:30). | Waitlist — |
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