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German International School The Hague

Netherlands, Rotterdam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German
Fees €9,177 - 14,633
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 430
Type Co-educational
Opened 1868
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum German Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, Dutch, German
Typical class size 25
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

German International School The Hague (DISDH) delivers the German curriculum from kindergarten through secondary, with a bilingual kindergarten that starts at age two. The school sits in The Hague's international district near the beach and has a history spanning more than 150 years. It operates entirely according to the German curriculum (Baden-Württemberg), with a seamless path to further study in Germany or at another German international school. All qualifications are recognized worldwide, including Mittlerer Schulabschluss, Fachhochschulreife (in cooperation with Deutsche Schule Brüssel), and the Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA). Transitions between levels are supported by manageable class sizes and a familiar, personal learning atmosphere. Emphasis on language supports an international environment, with a four-language program and multilingual parent involvement. In secondary levels I and II, project-based learning and dedicated teacher support form the core of instruction, alongside holistic student development and robust college and career options. Expansion plans include outdoor space.

Van Bleiswijkstraat 125, 2582 LB Den Haag, Netherlands

The Essentials

German International School The Hague has 430 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in German.

Location
The school is located in The Hague, in the international district near the beach.

Stages
Kindergarten; Primary (Grundschule); Secondary I (Sekundarstufe I); Secondary II (Sekundarstufe II).

Type
German international school in the Netherlands; offers a bilingual kindergarten and primary through secondary education; follows the German curriculum for all grades.

Pupil Nationality Mix
More than 30 nationalities are represented in the school community. The language program includes four languages to help students navigate the international environment.

Additional learning support
Specially trained teachers provide remedial instruction for partial learning difficulties. Individual support and self-directed learning are essential components of the pedagogical concept.

Country affiliation
Germany
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch is provided by Moeke Maaltijd, a caterer specializing in meals for kindergartens and schools; kindergarten meals are included in the annual fee, while pupils and staff can register for lunch and pay €4.90 per meal cashless. Meals are prepared fresh, with no artificial additives and 85% of ingredients from organic farming; meat comes from certified Dutch farms (free-range cattle and antibiotic-free chickens). Gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available; nuts are avoided; a warm meal is served daily with a fruit dessert and water.

Governance and Ownership
DISDH is a private school owned by the School Association (Schulverein). The association operates as a democratic body with an annual general meeting and invites parents to join. The Board handles non-pedagogical areas including organizational and financial matters, strategic planning, personnel, finances, legal issues, safety, building work, and negotiations with the German embassy and host-country authorities.
Fees

Annual tuition at German International School The Hague ranges from EUR 9,177 to EUR 14,633 for 2026/27.

Registration / application fee

- A one‑time registration fee of EUR 615.00 is charged per student when the application for admission is submitted. This registration fee is non‑refundable.

Tuition fees

- The school charges annual tuition by school section. The standard annual tuition (full rate) is:
- Preschool (Vorschule): EUR 11,472.00 per year.
- Primary School (Grades 1–4): EUR 14,124.00 per year.
- Secondary School I (Grades 5–9): EUR 14,269.00 per year.
- Secondary School II (Grades 10–12): EUR 14,633.00 per year.

- Reduced annual tuition for families who are self‑paying or partially self‑paying (eligible cases) is:
- Preschool (Vorschule): EUR 9,177.00 per year. Per instalment = EUR 4,588.50.
- Primary School (Grades 1–4): EUR 11,299.00 per year. Per instalment = EUR 5,649.50.
- Secondary School I (Grades 5–9): EUR 11,326.00 per year. Per instalment = EUR 5,663.00.
- Secondary School II (Grades 10–12): EUR 11,560.00 per year. Per instalment = EUR 5,780.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school year runs from 1 August to 31 July. Annual tuition is invoiced at the beginning of the school year and is due within 30 days. On request, payment may be made in two equal instalments, due 31 October and 31 January. For new students starting at the beginning of a school year, tuition is invoiced on admission and is due by 1 July before the new school year begins; new students starting during the school year pay within 30 days of admission. Report cards are issued only after fees have been paid.
- If fees are not paid on time, reminders are issued; a second reminder follows 14 days later by registered mail. Statutory default interest of 5% on outstanding amounts may be charged; continued non‑payment can lead to debt collection and exclusion of a child from classes.

After‑school care, School XL and canteen (additional costs)

- After‑school care (Preschool and Primary): hourly rate (without considering childcare subsidy) is EUR 13.33 per hour. Annual package prices for the 15:30–18:00 after‑school programme (Preschool & Primary) are:
- 1 day per week: EUR 1,266.35 per year.
- 2 days per week: EUR 2,532.70 per year.
- 3 days per week: EUR 3,799.05 per year.
- 4 days per week: EUR 5,065.40 per year.
- Wednesday full afternoon (13:10–18:00): EUR 2,406.07 per year.
- School XL (Grades 5–7, 14:00–15:30) when booked individually per weekday: EUR 985.00 per year.
- Warm, organic lunch subscription (canteen) is charged annually as:
- 4‑day week (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri): EUR 680.00 per year.
- 5‑day week (Mon–Fri): EUR 725.00 per year.
- Schoolbook and material costs are handled separately; up‑to‑date schoolbook and material lists are published and those items are additional to the tuition and programme fees.

Sibling discount and fee reductions

- A sibling discount applies for self‑paying families: an additional 3% discount on the reduced (self‑payer) school fee per child. This sibling discount does not apply to Kindergarten or to After‑School Care / School XL. Applications for reduced school fees are handled confidentially and must be applied for using the school's forms.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school (Kindergarten, Pre‑School, Primary, Secondary) and does not provide boarding/overnight accommodation.

Refund and withdrawal rules

- The registration fee is non‑refundable when charged at application. Annual tuition is charged per student; withdrawals during the school year must be submitted in writing at least 30 days before the intended departure date. Withdrawals for the following school year must be received before 30 April; failure to withdraw by 30 April results in an automatic invoice for the next year. Withdrawals after 30 April normally trigger invoicing of 50% of the next year's tuition. Pro‑rata and withdrawal charges depend on the month of departure (different bands apply for August–December, January–April and May–July). Report cards are issued only after all payments are settled.

Fee payment options and banking details

- Fees are payable by bank transfer to the German School Association in The Hague. The account details given for payments are IBAN NL16 INGB 0000 117199, BIC INGBNL2A (ING Group N.V.). No credit‑card payment method is listed in the school's fee regulations; parents should use bank transfer / SEPA or follow the invoicing instructions on the school's official payment communications.

Notes on additional charges

- Fees for extracurricular special courses, holiday care and certain optional activities (excursions, special subject courses, examination fees, etc.) are charged separately when applicable. After‑school programme fees and special course fees are excluded from applications for reduced tuition.
Academics

German International School The Hague teaches German Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
DISDH operates entirely according to the German curriculum, enabling a harmonious transition to the Netherlands and a smooth continuation of study at a German school or at another German international school. All qualifications are recognized in Germany and worldwide. The broad secondary curriculum provides the basis for the Abitur and other study options, and graduates can pursue programs worldwide. The school offers Mittlerer Schulabschluss, Fachhochschulreife (in cooperation with the German School Brussels), and the Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA), all globally recognized. From kindergarten to secondary level, transitions are supported by manageable group sizes in the kindergarten and class sizes in the school, with professional learning concepts, creating a familiar and personal learning atmosphere. The school's language offering includes four languages to support success in an international environment.

Exam Results
In recent years, all graduates in every track achieved a 100% graduation rate. The Abitur average over recent years was 2.0, higher than the national average. In 2024, Abitur graduates achieved an average grade of 2.2.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates are prepared for higher education and vocational training in Europe and worldwide. The school offers Mittlerer Schulabschluss, Fachhochschulreife (in cooperation with the Deutsche Schule Brüssel), and the Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA), all globally recognized and enabling access to universities. Graduates can study a wide range of programs and disciplines worldwide, and a later study or career change is possible.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
A familiar and welcoming atmosphere with a small, manageable school size allows us to tailor to each child's needs and provide personal support. This structure strengthens the bond between teachers and students and among students themselves. It also foster s social and emotional competencies that accompany students throughout their lives.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school focus on individual support. Our specially trained teachers provide remedial instruction for students with partial learning difficulties. Individual support and student-led, independent learning are essential components of our pedagogical approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
More than 30 nationalities are represented in the school community. The language offering includes four languages, enabling students to navigate the international environment.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a nurturing, family-like atmosphere and structured, supportive educational practices. School social work contributes to student welfare as a regular part of school life.

Safeguarding
Mutual respect, social engagement, and civil courage are standard across the school community. School social work is a fixed component of the school.
Parent Experience

History
DISDH is awarded the Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule and is regarded as the most renowned German school community in the Netherlands, delivering excellent education for more than 150 years. Children can join the bilingual kindergarten from age 2. The international program enables students to follow the German curriculum in the Netherlands while developing an international perspective. In recent years the Abitur completion rate has been 100% in all tracks, and the Abitur average was around 2.0, reflecting strong academic outcomes. The school prepares students for vocational training or university study in Europe and worldwide through a holistic approach and personalized support.

Community
DISDH is a cultural hub of the German-speaking community in The Hague and a central meeting place for German-speaking expats living in the Netherlands. Readings are an integral part of the program and are open to the school community and other interested parties. The DISDH library collaborates with the Dutch Literature Society and the German Literature House in The Hague for cultural events. The Hague International Model United Nations (MUN) and Jugend forscht provide international and STEM activities in which DISDH students participate.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A volunteer team of parents supports the library by managing the circulation desk and reading room, with library hours open after school. The library offers German-language reading material for kindergarten and pupils, with English, Dutch and French materials also available. Author readings are an integral part of the programme and are open to the school community and other interested parties. DISDH is a central pillar of German cultural life in The Hague and a meeting place for German-speaking expats living here, with collaborations with the Dutch Literature Society and the German Literature House in The Hague for cultural events. The Instituto Cervantes in Utrecht provides support for Spanish-speaking pupils by offering Spanish-language books.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
All under one roof. Children and adolescents learn here under one roof, guided by a competent pedagogical team and experiencing smooth transitions at every step to the next level of education. The bilingual kindergarten lays the foundation for a positive learning environment, with social, emotional, and cognitive development in focus. The preschool and primary school provide an engaging learning environment where students discover and develop their individual abilities, following the German curriculum (Baden-Württemberg). In the secondary levels I and II, students follow demanding curricula that foster intellectual and personal development, with project-based learning and strong teacher support. The school is located in The Hague's international district near the beach, with a 150-year history and ongoing modernization, including plans to expand the building and create outdoor space for children.

Academic Facilities
Modern teaching methods include interactive technologies and a variety of teaching materials. The school follows the German curriculum (Baden-Württemberg) across kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels. The language program includes four languages. Highly qualified teachers from the German-speaking region lead the instruction. Individual support for learners with difficulties and opportunities for independent learning are integral parts of the pedagogy.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Active school life includes special highlights with regular school events. Multilingual parent offerings promote togetherness and are an important part of the German community in the Netherlands.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The DISDH follows the German curriculum in the Netherlands and offers a bilingual kindergarten to lay the foundation for learning. In the Vorschule/Grundschule, students explore and develop their individual abilities in a motivating learning environment, guided by educators who pursue a holistic approach aligned with the German educational framework (Baden-Württemberg). In Sekundarstufen I and II, students engage with demanding curricula that foster intellectual and personal development through holistic and project-based work. The school offers the Mittlerer Schulabschluss, the Fachhochschulreife (in cooperation with the Deutsche Schule Brüssel), and the Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA). In recent years the graduation rate has been 100%, and the Abitur average has been about 2.0, indicating solid academic performance within a high-demand program.

Cultural & Language
The DISDH hosts students from more than 30 nationalities, creating a multicultural community. The language program includes four languages, supporting students in navigating an international environment. There are multilingual parent offerings and a range of culturally diverse events that foster intercultural exchange within the school community.

Social & Hobbies
A lively and diverse calendar of school events contributes to an engaging school year. Multilingual parent offerings support family involvement and community life. School social work is a fixed feature, and mutual respect, social engagement, and civil courage are integral to daily school life.

Community & Service
Mutual respect, social engagement, and civil courage extend beyond the school community. School social work is a regular part of DISDH, reinforcing support for students and families within the broader community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school is located in The Hague's international district near the beach, providing an accessible, global environment. It emphasizes a family-like atmosphere with a manageable school size, allowing for personal attention and strong teacher–student relationships under one roof. There is ongoing modernization and expansion planning, with outdoor space for children and a secure learning environment. School social work supports student well-being and a respectful, supportive community.
Languages

Language Provision
Our language offering includes four languages, enabling our students to navigate well in an international environment. The school follows the German curriculum, aligning language learning with a German-based education. All qualifications are recognized in Germany and worldwide.

Bilingual Teaching
The German International School Den Haag (DISDH) is recognized as an Excellent German International School and has offered high-quality education in the Netherlands for more than 150 years. Children can be admitted to the school's bilingual kindergarten from age 2. The international program allows students not only to follow the German curriculum in the Netherlands but also to develop an international perspective. We prepare students for vocational training or university studies in Europe and worldwide.

Immersion Programs
There is a bilingual kindergarten, offering immersive language experiences.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Prospective families can schedule a personal visit by contacting DISDH. After an individual appointment, parents and their children are invited on a tour to gain a firsthand impression of the school environment. The visit provides an opportunity to have all questions answered directly and lays the foundation for the child's admission.

2. Prospective students can attend a trial day (Schnuppern) to get to know the school. They may participate in regular classes for one or more hours, depending on preference. Attending a trial day is recommended to ease the onboarding process, meet future classmates and teachers, and view the classrooms. This experience gives students a clearer sense of what to expect on their first day.

3. New entrants are assigned two student mentors who act as buddies to help with settling in during the first few weeks. These buddies provide orientation and support to help new students feel at home and connect with classmates. After two to three weeks, a meeting is scheduled with the class teacher and the parents to discuss progress, learning, and any required individual support. New students are also regularly admitted throughout the school year, provided capacity allows.

4. An expat manager is available to assist international families with questions about moving to the Netherlands, the registration process, and settling into the DISDH community. The expat manager helps coordinate documents, explains the enrollment process, assists with relocation queries, and can accompany families during initial visits. This service ensures international families are supported throughout the transition.
School Events
The school has not added events
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