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Lighthouse Special Education

Netherlands, Rotterdam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €19,800 - 24,200
Ages 3 - 13 years
Pupil numbers 25
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Dutch Curriculum, SEN focussed
Typical class size 16
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Located in the Netherlands, Lighthouse Special Education is an international primary school for children with complex special educational needs, offering education in English. The school serves ages 3 to 13 in two small classes (5–8 and 8–13), each with up to eight pupils, and a preschool class, Three Little Ships, for ages 2.5 to 5. Curriculum combines the British National Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum (UK), and the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum, with an individualized program for every student. For 5–13 year olds, it emphasizes basic skills in communication, reading, spelling, language and maths, using Edmark Reading Program and Numicon, and supports progress through tailored IEPs reviewed twice yearly. Learners access iPads with age-appropriate apps; therapies—speech and language, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and occupational therapy—are provided on-site by English-speaking, qualified therapists. The school focuses on social and emotional development, independence, and preparing students for school life within a supportive, multilingual environment.

Van Heutszstraat 12, 2593 PJ Den Haag, Netherlands

The Essentials

Lighthouse Special Education has 25 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location
Van Heutszstraat 12, 2593 PJ Den Haag, The Netherlands. Lighthouse Special Education and Three Little Ships Preschool are located within the International Department of The Haagsche Schoolvereeniging in The Hague (Van Heutszstraat location). The building is wheelchair-accessible.

Stages
Early Intervention group (ages 2.5 to 5) within Three Little Ships preschool; Class 1 (ages 5 to 8); Class 2 (ages 8 to 13).

Type
International special education school.

Additional learning support
Cooperation with associated therapists and local Dutch specialists. The school works with psychologists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and other professionals to design individualised learning plans; Lighthouse also benefits from a dedicated assessment team and collaboration with Three Little Ships Preschool.

School day structure
Daily schedule: Lighthouse classes run from 08:30 to 15:00, with a soft start around 08:20–08:45 for related groups. Lunches are integrated as part of the day; there is outdoor playtime and a focus on social and academic development. The Lighthouse program totals about 30 hours of lessons per week.

Bus service
Bus service is available for eligible students through local transport schemes; reimbursement of transport costs may be possible. The provider options include Wassenaar, Leidschendam-Voorburg and Den Haag.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The Lighthouse Special Education is part of the Haagse Schoolvereniging (HSV) in The Hague.
Fees

Annual tuition at Lighthouse Special Education ranges from EUR 19,800 to EUR 24,200 for 2026/27.

Application / Assessment Fees

- The school charges assessment fees for evaluations carried out by its associated therapists. Typical assessment fees are: Articulation assessment €200; Full Speech and Language Assessment €600; Occupational/Physical Therapy Assessment (on request); Occupational & Sensory Assessment (on request); IQ test (approx. €900); WISC‑V plus WIAT achievement test (approx. €1,260); Dyslexia assessment with IQ and achievement tests (approx. €1,400). Individual therapy sessions are typically charged at €85 per hour and are invoiced separately by the therapist.

Tuition / Parental Contribution (by age group) — annual and per term

- Early Intervention (Three Little Ships pre‑school, ages 3–5): €19,800.00 per school year. Per term (three equal instalments): €6,600.00.
- Lighthouse Special Education (ages 5–13): €24,200.00 per school year. Per term (three equal instalments): €8,066.67.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The annual contribution may be paid in full or in three instalments. Instalment schedule and due dates are: Term 1 — payable before 1 June; Term 2 — payable before 1 October; Term 3 — payable before 1 February. Payments are calculated pro‑rata for students who join during the school year. Reimbursements for students who leave during the school year are calculated on a pro‑rata basis after the notice/termination period is completed.

Withdrawal and refund information

- The school operates a 40‑week academic year. Written notice of withdrawal must be submitted on the school's Withdrawal Form. The contract continues for three months from receipt of the Withdrawal Form and the financial obligation continues for those three months. If a student leaves during the school year, any reimbursement is calculated pro‑rata after the three‑month termination period.

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Assessment and therapy fees as listed under Application / Assessment Fees (above).
- Additional individual one‑to‑one support fees may be charged where full‑time additional assistance is required; these are arranged via Admissions.
- Accident insurance: the school pays a student accident insurance premium that covers accidents during school hours (including one hour before and after school); parents remain financially responsible for medical bills in most cases. Parents are advised to maintain their own liability and medical insurance.
- Transportation: where applicable, taxi/bus transportation between home and school must be requested through the local municipality; any eligibility and arrangements are handled by the municipality. Costs or arrangements for transportation are not covered as a routine school fee.
- Meals, uniforms and after‑school care: lunch and snacks are typically provided by parents; there is no standard school uniform fee listed. After‑school care (BSO) and holiday care are provided by external providers and are contracted and paid for directly by parents.

Fee payment options and account details

- Payments are made by bank transfer to the school's fee account. Account details: STG HSV ID FEES, IBAN: NL87 ABNA 0245720170, BIC: ABNANL2A. (Payments should be made in Euros to this account.)
Academics

Lighthouse Special Education teaches IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Dutch Curriculum, SEN focussed for students aged 3 to 13.

Curriculum
An individualized curriculum is followed for each student with a strong emphasis on communication and social skills, and on learning how to cope in a school environment. For 5–13 year olds, the School Curriculum places emphasis on basic skills in communication, reading, spelling, language and maths, and is based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross-referenced with the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum. Students work on their own learning goals using a range of materials, including the Edmark Reading Program and Numicon. Students use iPads with apps tailored to their learning level and progress. An Early Intervention Curriculum (Three Little Ships) is play-based and develops communication, social, fine motor, early literacy and numeracy skills, with a focus on independence; the preschool class has a maximum of 16 children, with 11 typically developing and a high staff-to-student ratio.

Student Teacher Ratio
Preschool Early Intervention class has a maximum of 16 children, 11 of whom are typically developing, with a high staff-to-student ratio. Lighthouse Primary School class has up to 16 children taught by 1 teacher and 3–4 educational assistants.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Lighthouse Special Education emphasises development of communication and social skills alongside academics. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio (1:4) to foster deep relationships and support social and emotional development. It uses three picture-based communication systems—PECS, PODD, and Proloquo2Go—to support nonverbal or limited-verbal learners. The curriculum prioritizes social skills and learning to participate in groups, with goals for language and social development in individual education plans. The Lighthouse supports integration into the HSV International Department, enabling social inclusion and language practice with age peers. The well-being framework emphasizes relationships, competence, and autonomy as core conditions for motivation and well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Lighthouse Special Education is the only international special school in The Netherlands, offering individualized education to children aged 3-13 who cannot cope in international mainstream education. The school serves students with very complex needs, including non-verbal autism and multi-disabled profiles, with challenges spanning visual impairment, language development difficulties, cognitive and physical disabilities, and behavioural challenges. There are three classes: Early Intervention (2.5-5) in Three Little Ships preschool, Class 1 (5-8), and Class 2 (8-13). Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and occupational therapy are available during the school day with medical approval; students have Individual Education Plans. The curriculum is taught exclusively in English, with integration into the International Department where appropriate, and resources are tailored to each student's needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Lighthouse curriculum is taught exclusively in English. Some students have English as a second or third language. Many students have limited verbal skills and communicate using pictograms and augmented communication systems such as PECS, PODD, and Proloquo2Go. Where applicable, Lighthouse supports language development through English-language instruction and integration with the HSV International Department. Therapy services, including speech therapy, support language development as part of the school day.

Mental Wellbeing
Well-being is central to the Lighthouse approach, guided by three basic conditions: relationships, competence, and autonomy. The school emphasises social skills development and group belonging, including lunchtime activities as part of the educational program. The high staff-to-student ratio enables staff to build trusting relationships and tailor support to individual needs. Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration are available to support mental well-being. Individual Education Plans track progress toward social and learning goals, with regular review and adjustment to support students' well-being.

Safeguarding
The health and safety of the children are of highest importance. The school maintains a Child Protection Statement and HSV-wide Child Protection Policy, with an Intimate Care Policy for Lighthouse. All staff, interns and volunteers are required to provide a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (Good Conduct) before working. The school provides a Confidential Advisor and an External Confidential Advisor, as well as the National Confidential Advisor for complaints about education. For safeguarding concerns, contact details are available through the Confidential Advisor and External Confidential Advisor.
Parent Experience

History
Since 2000, Lighthouse Special Education has provided a safe and structured learning environment for children with complex special educational needs. It is the Netherlands' only international Special Primary School offering education in English. The school serves children aged 3-13 in two classes (ages 5-8 and 8-13), each class with up to eight students and staffed by a teacher and a teaching assistant. An inclusive preschool class, Three Little Ships, provides an early intervention program for 2.5 to 5-year-olds.

Community
Children come from international families temporarily based in The Netherlands, with diverse mother tongue languages, and everyone learns English at school. The staff have extensive experience in working with children with complex learning challenges, and many hold specialist qualifications. A secretary, a concierge, and a group of volunteers support the school, including lunchtime volunteers. In addition to the day classes, the inclusive Three Little Ships preschool provides early intervention for ages 2.5 to 5.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Since 2000 Lighthouse Special Education provides a safe and structured learning environment for children with complex special educational needs. The school is the only international special primary school in The Netherlands offering education in English. Education is individualised for children aged 3-13, with two classes: younger (5-8) and older (8-13), each with a maximum of eight pupils and taught by a teacher and a teaching assistant. An inclusive preschool class called Three Little Ships serves children aged 2.5 to 5. The staff includes a secretary, a concierge, and volunteers who support the children at lunchtime. Therapies are provided on-site by English-speaking, internationally qualified therapists, including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration therapy and occupational therapy.

Academic Facilities
Education is conducted in English for children aged 3-13. Two classes operate: younger (5-8) and older (8-13), each with up to eight pupils and staffed by a teacher and a teaching assistant. An inclusive preschool class called Three Little Ships serves children aged 2.5 to 5. Therapies are provided on-site by English-speaking, internationally qualified therapists, including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration therapy and occupational therapy. A secretary, a concierge and volunteers support the school day, including lunchtime.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Students follow an individualized curriculum with a strong emphasis on developing communication and social skills. They learn to cope in a school setting, including sustaining attention, following instructions, completing tasks, and working independently. The 5–13 year-old curriculum focuses on basic skills in communication, reading, spelling, language and maths, based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross-referenced with Dutch Primary Education outcomes. Edmark Reading Program and Numicon support literacy and numeracy; each student uses an iPad configured to access appropriate apps. Progress is tracked through Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) that are reviewed twice yearly to adjust goals.

Arts & Creative
Art and music activities occur throughout the week to reinforce language skills, creativity and motor development. A monthly theme guides activities, with art and music supporting language, creativity and motor skills, and there are special trips and dress-up days linked to the theme. Cultural activities include trips to museums and visits by musicians. Dutch cultural days such as Sinterklaas, Christmas and King's Day are celebrated at school.

Cultural & Language
The curriculum aligns with the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross-referenced with Dutch Primary Education outcomes to support language learning. Language development is a central focus across the program. Dutch cultural days such as Sinterklaas, Christmas and King's Day are celebrated at school.

Social & Hobbies
Play is built into the daily routine to support social and emotional development, with circle time and reading together. Outside Playtime is organized with students from the HSV International Department, promoting social interaction across the wider school community. The program emphasizes socio-emotional and physical development through topic-based learning and related activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Well-being is supported through a focus on socio-emotional and physical development, including daily outside playtime. High-quality therapies are available at the school by internationally qualified professionals in private practice, with families able to arrange specific therapists directly. Therapies include Speech and Language therapy, Occupational and Psychological therapy, and Play therapy.
Languages

Language Provision
The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross referenced with the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit the Application and Required Documentation:
To begin the process, parents need to submit a completed application form alongside a copy of the child’s passport, recent school reports, and proof of eligibility, such as a letter from an employer or a temporary employment contract. It is important to provide detailed information about the child’s learning needs, including copies of any assessments from the past two years conducted by psychologists, physiotherapists, or speech therapists. Parents should ensure that all reports and assessments are fully translated into English prior to submission.

2. Attend an Initial Meeting:
Once the application and documents are received, the Director will reach out to parents to schedule a meeting to discuss the application. Following this meeting and a subsequent discussion with the Pupil Monitoring Co-ordinator, the school will determine if Lighthouse is a viable option for the child. This step allows both the parents and the school staff to clarify the child's specific needs and the school's capacity to support them.

3. Consent to Information Exchange and Further Assessments:
Before making a final admissions decision, Lighthouse staff may need to consult with the child’s current school or therapists to gather more context. Parents will be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to this exchange of information with outside professionals. In some cases, the Lighthouse Assessment Team may require additional assessments to be completed; parents should be aware that these specific assessments incur separate fees.

4. Obtain a Statement of Eligibility:
Because admissions comply with Dutch law for Tailored Education (Passend Onderwijs), every child must receive a formal Statement of Eligibility (Toelatingsverklaring) from the local Dutch Education Board in their residential district. Lighthouse staff will assist parents directly with the application for this statement. It is a mandatory legal requirement before the child can officially start at the school.

Waitlist
The Lighthouse Special Education website does not specify the operation of a formal waitlist or applicant pool system. The policy states that children between the ages of 5 and 12 may be admitted at any point during the school year, strictly subject to the current availability of places. For the separate Three Little Ships Early Intervention program, admissions priority is specifically given to children who turn three years old before October 1st of that academic year.
School Events
The school has not added events
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