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De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit

Netherlands, Amsterdam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Dutch, English
Fees €225 - 1,100
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 676
Type Co-educational
Opened 2014
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Dutch Curriculum
Taught languages Dutch, English, Arabic, Spanish, French
Typical class size 14
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit (DENISE) is a Dutch bilingual school for primary and secondary education with an international focus, located at Piet Mondriaanstraat 140. It serves students aged 4 to 18 and offers IPC primary (Dutch-English bilingual) and IMYC secondary (groups 9–11), with the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP) in the upper years. In the Dutch system, the upper secondary track also includes VMBO-TL and HAVO exams alongside the IB-DP. DENISE has been an IB-World School since 2018 and is part of Esprit Scholen. A brugklas bridge program supports transition in lower secondary. The renovated building houses science classrooms and other modern facilities to support the curriculum, including EOA/ISK/Language classes. Bilingual instruction in primary is three days Dutch and two days English; the DP is taught in English with Dutch as a mandatory subject. Extracurriculars include Debate in theatre, DENISE Oscars Night, DENISE tree, and Participation Council.

Piet Mondriaanstraat 140, 1061 TT Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Essentials

De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit has 676 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in Dutch, English.

Location
DENISE is located at Piet Mondriaanstraat 140, 1061 TT Amsterdam. A subsidiary location is Orteliusstraat 28. DENISE provides education for children aged 4 to 18.

Stages
DENISE provides primary and secondary education. In the lower years of secondary education, there is a three-year brugklas program. In the upper years, the Dutch-language VMBO-TL and HAVO exam programs are offered, as well as the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP).

Type
The school is a Dutch public bilingual school for primary and secondary education with an international focus. It is part of Esprit Scholen and an IB-World School since 2018.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from more than 70 different countries.

Additional learning support
Guidance and support are provided for students.

Country affiliation
Netherlands
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
DENISE is part of Esprit Scholen and an IB-World School since 2018.
Fees

Annual tuition at De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit ranges from EUR 225 to EUR 1,100 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- No application or registration fee is charged for enrolling at De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit (DENISE). Enrollment is handled by the school's admissions process for students aged 4–18.

Tuition fees by school year (per term / per year group)
- DENISE is a Dutch public (openbare) day school; it does not charge standard tuition fees for primary (groups 1–8) or secondary (groups 9–14) day students. Education is provided as a publicly funded school.
- Voluntary annual parental contribution (applies across year groups): EUR 225 per child, charged once per school year. This contribution is collected to fund extracurricular activities and services used by the school community. You will receive a payment request from the school's financial administration at the start of the school year.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) programme charges: an additional charge of EUR 400 paid twice applies to students in the IB pathway (where applicable). These additional IB charges are applied in addition to the voluntary parental contribution for students in the IB programme. The IB-related charges apply to the Pre‑DP / DP groups (group 12; IBDP 13i and 14i).
- Book fund for exam classes: from the exam classes (groups 12/13/14) a books package is provided against a deposit of EUR 75. This applies specifically to the exam-year book fund arrangement.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing schedule: A payment request (invoice) for the voluntary parental contribution and any applicable programme charges will be issued by the school's financial administration at the start of the school year; the payment request includes an explanation of the intended spending. Payment terms (due date and accepted payment methods) are shown on that payment request. Non-payment of the voluntary parental contribution does not exclude a pupil from participating in school activities.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- DENISE does not operate a boarding / residential programme. Boarding fees are not applicable. The school is a day primary and secondary (PO/VO) bilingual school for ages 4–18.

Other costs or fees (uniforms, device, trips, insurance, etc.)
- Uniform: No school uniform is specified in the school documentation.
- Device / ICT: Secondary students are requested to provide their own device (Chromebook recommended). A Chromebook may be made available on loan in specific circumstances after request. This device expectation is an additional parental cost for secondary students.
- Extracurricular / activity costs: The voluntary parental contribution (EUR 225) is used to pay for extracurricular activities and related services; individual trips or special activities may carry additional charges where applicable and are funded in part by that contribution.
- School trips and travel insurance: The school board (Esprit Scholen) holds liability, accident and a continuous travel insurance which supplements private insurance; parents are expected to maintain their own insurance cover as the school's insurances have exclusions. Participation in some activities (for example school camp) is mandatory and may involve additional costs covered via contributions or specific charges.
- Books deposit: As noted above, a EUR 75 deposit is collected for the books package in exam years (groups 12/13/14).

Refund information
- Books deposit: the books arrangement is managed via a deposit (borg) of EUR 75 for the books package in exam classes; this deposit functions as a security deposit under the books‑fund arrangement.
- Voluntary parental contribution and IB programme charges: the parental contribution is voluntary and non-payment does not exclude pupils from activities; details on refunds or adjustments (for mid‑year joiners or withdrawals) are handled through the school's financial administration and by the terms shown on the payment request. Specific refund mechanics for IB charges or other programme fees will be set out by the school's financial administration when invoiced.

Fee payment options
- Payment instructions and accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer or other options) are provided on the payment request issued by the school's financial administration. Parents receive the payment request at the start of the school year and should follow the payment instructions on that document.

Academics

De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit teaches IB (DP), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Dutch Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
DENISE is a Dutch public bilingual school for primary and secondary education with an international focus. In the lower years of secondary education, a three-year brugklas program. In the upper years, the Dutch-language VMBO-TL and HAVO exam programs, as well as the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP). DENISE is part of Esprit Scholen and an IB-World School since 2018.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school focuses on academic and personal learning goals, including collaboration, adaptability, and resilience.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school is a Dutch bilingual school and provides the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP).
Parent Experience

History
DENISE is a Dutch public bilingual school for primary and secondary education with an international focus. In the lower years of secondary education, a three-year brugklas program is offered. In the upper years, the Dutch-language VMBO-TL and HAVO exam programs are provided, as well as the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme IB-DP. DENISE is part of Esprit Scholen and has been an IB-World School since 2018. In 2014, DENISE started with the mission to provide high-quality international and Dutch education for students aged 4 to 18.

Community
DENISE hosts events that engage students and families, including debates in the theatre. DENISE Oscars Night is a highlighted event. There is a DENISE tree featured on the site. A video was created for the 10th anniversary celebration to showcase the community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
School Participation Council (Vestigingsmedezeggenschapsraad - VMR) governs DENISE. Regulations for the VMR and linked bodies are provided, including the GMR and the Regulations of the DENISE VMR and household rules. Members of the VMR include Anna Huijgen (personnel VO, secretary); Estevan Veenstra (personnel VO, chairman, GMR-VO); Julia Maydan-Waldron (parent VO); Nick Jansen (OOP); Sarah Rigby (parent PO); Sofia (student VO); Stefano (student VO); Yuli Kim (parent, PO); and a Teacher PO position is vacant. Meeting notes for school years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 are posted with dates such as September 25, 2023; October 3, 2024; November 19, 2024; January 30, 2025; February 13, 2025; April 24, 2025; June 5, 2025; June 26, 2025. On this page, a link to the joint Participation Council information is also provided.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a beautifully renovated building at Piet Mondriaanstraat 140, Amsterdam (1061 TT), with modern resources and science classrooms. The building supports both primary and secondary education.

Academic Facilities
DENISE offers five educational programmes: IPC primary (Dutch-English bilingual) and IMYC secondary (groups 9-11) plus Diploma Programs (IB-DP) for the upper years. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is taught in English. The curriculum also includes EOA/ISK/Language classes. DENISE provides science classrooms and other modern academic resources to support its learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school hosts Debate in our theatre, DENISE Oscars Night, and Our DENISE tree as part of its extracurricular life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school provides a three-year bridge class in the lower years of secondary education, and in the upper years offers Dutch-language VMBO-TL and HAVO exam programs alongside the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP). The school has been an IB-World School since 2018. The IPC/IMYC curricula underpin intercultural awareness, with IPC/IMYC goals including knowledge of one's own culture, interdependence among nations, awareness of similarities and differences; and personal goals such as research, resilience, ethics, communication, thoughtfulness, collaboration, respect, and adaptability.

Arts & Creative
Debate in our theatre. DENISE Oscars Night.

Cultural & Language
In primary school, bilingual instruction is three days in Dutch and two days in English. The IB diploma program is entirely in English, and Dutch is a mandatory subject.

Community & Service
Shaping your future by knowing your past. The goal is equal opportunities for newcomers to the Netherlands and access to international education, and parents actively participate to help shape the school's international profile.

Leadership & Professional
The School Participation Council (VMR) exists at DENISE, with named members; its meetings are scheduled on specific dates.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
DENISE is described as a learning-centered community that focuses on academic and personal learning goals, including collaboration, adaptability, and resilience. The school emphasizes responsibility, connectedness and open-mindedness, and aims to create a welcoming environment where all learners—coming from many countries—can grow socially and emotionally.
Languages

Language Provision
Dutch and English are used for instruction at DENISE. The IB Diploma Programme is taught in English, alongside the Dutch-language VMBO-TL and HAVO programs. Language support options include EOA/ISK and Dutch Language Classes.

Bilingual Teaching
DENISE is a Dutch public bilingual school for primary and secondary education with an international focus. In the lower years of secondary education, a three-year brugklas program (transition years) is offered. In the upper years, the Dutch-language VMBO-TL and HAVO exam programs are available, along with the English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP). DENISE has been an IB-World School since 2018.

Immersion Programs
DENISE offers bilingual instruction in Dutch and English across primary and secondary education. The English-language International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB-DP) is available in upper secondary. Language support for newcomers includes EOA/ISK and Dutch Language Classes.
Admissions

Admissions
Enrollment at DENISE is open for all students aged 4 to 18. Children younger than 4 follow the Amsterdam Municipal Admission policy. Good to know: there is high demand for places, so inquiries are handled by email only; school visits and phone calls are by appointment; read our admission policy; the annual parental contribution is €225, and for an IB program there is an additional charge of €400 twice if applicable; many groups are full (maximum 24 students per group) and you can place your child on the waiting list.

Information sessions:
- Primary (Basisonderwijs): on-site information session at the school. Dates: Thursday 30 October 2025 at 9:00; Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 9:00; Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 9:00; registration via forms.gle.
- From Group 8 to Group 9 (bridge class): information session plus a sample lesson on Wednesday 11 February from 14:30 to 16:30; registration via forms.gle; information booklet available.
- Secondary education (for newcomers): online information session for parents and students from abroad interested in the newcomers program and DENISE progression. The session is from 14:00 to 15:00 on the following dates: Tuesday 28 October 2025; Tuesday 13 January 2026; Tuesday 21 April 2026; Google Meet links provided.

Leerlingen jonger dan 4 jaar (Under 4):
Enrollment for under-4 follows the Municipal Admissions Policy. For births between 1 May 2022 and 31 August 2022: deadline 6 November 2025; births between 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2022: deadline 12 March 2026; births between 1 January 2023 and 30 April 2023: deadline 28 May 2026; births between 1 May 2023 and 31 August 2023: deadline 5 November 2026; born after 31 August 2023: dates to be announced. Following submission, automated placements occur in March, June and November to place children at the highest possible preferred school. Priority rules: 1. if the child turning 4 has an older sibling at the first-preference school; 2) children with DENISE as first preference outside the postcode area have priority over those with DENISE as first preference but within the postcode area and with a lower ranking. To accommodate the school's popularity, please fill in at least five schools on the form so your child can be placed elsewhere if needed.

Leerlingen tussen 4 en 12 jaar (4-12 years):
In primary education, classes are bilingual, three days in Dutch and two days in English. It helps if your child speaks one of the languages. We will assess whether there is space in the appropriate class and may offer a place on the waiting list. Most classes are full and the waiting list is long.

Leerlingen tussen 12 en 18 jaar (12-18 years):
DENISE has a three-year bridge class (grades 9, 10 and 11). We offer VMBO-TL, HAVO and IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma programs. Dutch language is mandatory; if your child does not yet master Dutch, entry may occur via one of our language classes. Our IB diploma program is fully in English, but Dutch is a mandatory subject. Special attention is given to newcomers and to students with language gaps.

AANMELDEN NIEUWKOMERS (Newcomers):
Newcomers start in our newcomer program; their age on arrival in the Netherlands is between 12 and 17 years 10 months. Based on these assessments, they are placed at Mundus College (VMBO-B/K/TL and practical education) or at DENISE (from VMBO-TL to IB). The newcomer group is located at Van Hallstraat 621 in Amsterdam. If a student may join DENISE (the level permitting), they start in a language class to learn Dutch as a second language to reach approximately B1 level; once Dutch is at the required level, they transfer to the regular bilingual classes or to English-language IB education (with Dutch as a mandatory subject).

AANMELDEN GROEP 8 (Grade 8 admissions):
For the transition from primary to secondary, DENISE participates in the Amsterdam municipal placement policy. Grade 8 students can apply to participate in the Central Lottery & Matching. For more information, see schoolkeuze020.nl. The central admission period runs from 20 to 31 March. Enrollment via ELK parent portal is possible after you have the final primary school advice, by 22 March. Detailed information about central admission is available at schoolkeuze020.nl.

AANMELDEN ZIJ-INSTROOM (Lateral entry) en andere situaties:
Students already in the Netherlands at a secondary school or those who speak Dutch but do not yet have sufficient Dutch to attend a regular Dutch secondary school fall under zij-instroom. Places in regular groups are limited because groups are generally full. For additional information on entry requirements, please consult our admission policy. We will assess possibilities and inform you of the next steps.

Bezoek van de school en telefonisch contact kan alleen op afspraak. School visits and phone contacts are by appointment only.

Waitlist
Waitlist overview: When spaces are filled, DENISE maintains a waiting list. If more applications exist than available places, a lottery is used to allocate places in order of the applicant's preferred schools. Priority is given to 4-year-olds with an older sibling at the first-preference school and to applicants who have DENISE as their first preference outside the postcode area over those with DENISE as first preference but within the postcode area. Because DENISE is highly sought-after, applicants are asked to list at least five schools in the application. Registration for the waiting list is by emailing admin@denise.espritscholen.nl. Automated placements occur in March, June and November when places become available.
School Events
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