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Rivers International School Arnhem

Netherlands, Arnhem

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €5,700 - 8,264
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 210
Type Co-educational
Opened 1986
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Dutch, Spanish, German, French
Typical class size 19
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Sport
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Rivers International School Arnhem is a day, co-educational international school serving ages 2–18. The curriculum combines the British National Curriculum at primary with the IB MYP for 11–16 and the Diploma Programme for 16–19. In the primary years, literacy, maths, science, geography, history and ICT follow the British framework, while the Early Years Foundation Stage uses CP to support learning. The Rivers Way emphasizes a formative, visible approach with learners co-constructing success criteria to build ownership and transferable skills; wellbeing and philosophy are woven throughout. The Arnhem campus houses a single complex for nursery, primary and secondary with central library, learning spaces, drama/music room and an enquiry space. A blue route links central areas to the gym, sports room and roof-top outdoor spaces. After-school activities include Rivers Band, Rivers Vocal Group, Model United Nations and student newspaper, with Home Language and CAS linking to DP/MYP. Including English, Dutch and Spanish.

Parnassusstraat 20, 6846 RB Arnhem, Netherlands

The Essentials

Rivers International School Arnhem has 210 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
Parnassusstraat 20, 6846 RB Arnhem, The Netherlands. Rivers International School Arnhem is situated on the south side of the River Rhine, easily accessible by car or public transport. The Arnhem region is in the east of the Netherlands near the border with Germany. The school serves the international community in and around Arnhem.

Stages
Preschool, Primary, Secondary. The Secondary Department offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

Type
The school is a day school. It is co-educational and offers an international education.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Close to 45 nationalities are represented and many languages are spoken.

Additional learning support
Home Language Programme keeps international students connected with their heritage, language and culture. Students whose Language A is neither English nor Dutch take Home Language as a compulsory school-managed programme, with individual aims set each semester; English/Dutch Language A students may also take Home Language classes.

School day structure
Secondary lessons are 60 minutes each. The daily timetable runs from 08:30 to 16:55 with seven periods and breaks at 10:35-11:00, 13:05-13:35, and 15:40-15:55.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The Rivers Café is currently closed.
Fees

Annual tuition at Rivers International School Arnhem ranges from EUR 5,700 to EUR 8,264 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees
- Enrolment (application) payment: EUR 200 for the first child; EUR 100 for each additional child from the same family. The enrolment payment is non‑refundable and must be paid when the student is enrolled.
- Deposit: EUR 400 per student. The deposit is payable on acceptance of a placement and secures the student's place. The deposit is refundable only when the school's withdrawal rules and procedures are followed and all fees and obligations are settled. Refund processing can take several weeks.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per instalment)
- Primary (ages 4–12): Annual fee EUR 5,700. Instalment option: five instalments of EUR 1,140 (each instalment = 20% of the annual fee).
- MYP (ages 12–16): Annual fee EUR 7,577. Instalment option: five instalments of EUR 1,515.40.
- DP (ages 16–18): Annual fee EUR 8,264. Instalment option: five instalments of EUR 1,652.98.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment options: single annual payment or payment in five instalments (each instalment = 20% of the annual fee). Company-sponsored accounts must be paid by single payment.
- Single-payment deadline: full annual fee must be paid before 31 October at the start of the academic year (or within one month when joining during the year).
- Instalment due dates (five instalments):
- 1st instalment: on or before 30 September
- 2nd instalment: on or before 30 November
- 3rd instalment: on or before 31 January
- 4th instalment: on or before 31 March
- 5th instalment: on or before 31 May.
- Additional costs (compulsory or voluntary) are invoiced separately when they occur and must be paid within 30 working days of invoice. Instalments and additional invoices must be paid without deductions.
- Pro rata rules for late arrival and withdrawal: the school applies proportional charges if a student joins or leaves part‑way through the academic year; specific monthly percentage scales apply for arrivals and withdrawals. Notice requirements for withdrawal are 60 days written notice if leaving between August and March, and 90 days written notice if leaving at the end of the school year. Fees continue to be charged if notice requirements are not met.

Boarding fees
- Boarding: Day provision only. There is no boarding programme and therefore no boarding fees.

Other costs and items not covered by the annual fee
- Compulsory additional costs (invoiced separately) include educational outings/field trips, external examination registration and examination fees where applicable, and external assessments/testing required for placement or special educational needs. DP examination registration fees are charged (DP2 example fee shown as EUR 850); MYP exam entries are listed as not applicable in the same section.
- Voluntary additional costs include participation in Model United Nations (invoiced case‑by‑case and can be up to around EUR 400 per event), optional overseas trips (example past Africa/Asia trip cost approximately EUR 2,600), certain clubs or extra‑curricular activities, and career guidance tests. Costs for clubs and extra‑curricular activities vary by programme and are invoiced separately.
- Items explicitly included in the secondary tuition fee: iPads where applicable, schoolbooks, use of lockers, gym clothes, art supplies, sports day and the yearbook. Parents/guardians remain liable for replacement costs for unreturned items (for example iPad or books) which may be deducted from the deposit on withdrawal.

Refund information and withdrawal rules
- Deposit refund conditions: the deposit will be refunded only if the required written notice period is met (60 or 90 days as applicable), the official Student Leaving Form is completed, the child has officially left the school, all fees and outstanding debts are paid, and all school property (books, iPad where applicable) is returned. Outstanding debts will be deducted from the deposit. Refund processing may take up to 4–10 working weeks.
- Withdrawal fee/pro rata schedule: when a student is withdrawn during the academic year, the school applies a specific pro rata charge depending on the month of withdrawal (percentages vary by month); failure to provide the required notice will result in continued fee charges and possible forfeiture of the deposit.

Fee payment options and banking details
- Accepted payment arrangements: single lump sum payment or payment in five instalments is the standard arrangement. Company payments must be made as a single payment. Additional costs are invoiced and due within 30 working days.
- Bank transfer details (used for school fee payments): account details are provided for the school's bank account (example account information published for school fee agreements). School fee payments are made by bank transfer to the school's designated account. (Published example account: ING Bank Arnhem; IBAN NL67 INGB 0682 0537 32; BIC INGBNL2A.)

Notes on non‑payment
- Non‑payment procedure: the school issues reminders and, if payment is not received, may escalate to a debt collection agency. Persistent non‑payment can result in transfer of the student to partner schools and will prevent re‑enrolment until debts are cleared and the current year's fees are paid in advance. Additional collection costs are passed to the payer.
Academics

Rivers International School Arnhem teaches British Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Primary uses the British National Curriculum as the framework for Literacy, Maths, Science, Geography, History, and ICT. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, learning is rooted in Continuous Provision (CP). The Rivers Way emphasizes a formative, visible approach and involves learners in co-constructing success criteria to build ownership and transferable skills. Wellbeing and Philosophy are woven throughout the curriculum. Curriculum maps for terms 1-3 in 2024-2025 and terms 1-2 in 2025-2026 are available. Secondary follows the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16) and the Diploma Programme (ages 16-19), with subjects including Language A: English, Dutch, Language A Self-taught; Language B: English, Dutch, Spanish, Spanish ab initio SL; Individuals & Societies: Economics, Geography, History; Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics; Mathematics: Mathematics AA, Mathematics AI; Theatre.

Higher Education Progression
After IB-MYP examinations, a number of students leave to continue their education in the Netherlands or abroad. After the IB-DP examinations, about one-third of students move on to higher education outside the Netherlands. The school provides facilities to research university and college courses worldwide, and IB students who wish to pursue higher education in the Netherlands have access to a Dutch counselor.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing is at the heart of Rivers' curriculum and underpins personal development and community life. The Wellbeing curriculum is centred on empathy and compassion and uses six units: intention, interconnection, change, perception, transformation and empathy and compassion, with lead lessons linking to other curriculum areas. It fosters a calmer, more thoughtful, and connected learning environment. Wellbeing aims to develop confidence and self-esteem, help students feel valued, understand and talk about emotions and behaviours, behave responsibly and honestly, learn from mistakes, stay curious, resilient and creative, and treat others with respect. It also supports students to make informed choices about personal and social issues and to become independent and interdependent members of the Rivers community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Inclusion aims to support and promote an inclusive culture throughout the school, enabling all children to achieve their full academic and social potential, overcoming barriers to learning and participation.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction in the IB-MYP and IB-DP. Dutch and English are offered at Language A level, with a Dutch A and Dutch B taught in the DP and a Language A self-taught course available in the DP. Five languages are taught at B-level: Dutch and English in both the MYP and DP, and Spanish, German and French in the DP. On arrival, learners are assessed and placed into an EAL programme; English is taught in individual or small group sessions in a safe, stress-free environment. The aims include developing each learner's proficiency in English to participate fully in the curriculum and to support social and emotional needs, with the Learning Village providing targeted blended learning to help EAL learners access the mainstream classroom.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is guided through six units: intention, interconnection, change, perception, transformation and empathy and compassion. Lead lessons explore the main concept and link Wellbeing to other curriculum areas, supported by brain science and philosophy. Through Wellbeing, children develop confidence and self-esteem, value feeling valued, understand and talk about emotions and behaviours, behave responsibly and honestly, make mistakes and learn from them, be curious and resilient, develop creativity and flexibility, and show respect for others. They learn to make informed choices about personal and social issues and to be independent and interdependent members of the community. At the core is an acceptance of each other as humans on a learning journey, fostering a safe and friendly environment in which all can flourish.

Safeguarding
There is a Reporting Code on domestic violence and child abuse for all staff, interns, volunteers and contractors; the code provides steps and may involve contacting Veilig Thuis (Safe at Home) for appropriate help. The Reporting Code is available on ManageBac and on the Rivers website. Personal Safety is part of the Rules of Conduct, with an emphasis on keeping themselves and others out of danger and protecting the environment.
Parent Experience

Community
Rivers International School Arnhem has a diverse multinational community with close to 45 nationalities and many languages represented. The school aims to enable students from different backgrounds to integrate and interact within a harmonious multinational, multiethnic community learning to live and learn together. The school remains a small, welcoming presence serving the international community in and around Arnhem.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The International Parents' Council (IPC) meets regularly to share information and discuss a variety of issues concerning life at Rivers. IPC Primary and IPC Secondary exist as parent groups. Rivers hosts events such as reunions with Lorentz Lyceum; the reunion date was announced as 1 July 2023. The school also shares news about adapting teaching and learning, including distance learning during the coronavirus year.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Rivers International School Arnhem building houses a primary school, a secondary school and child care (nursery) within one complex. The building was officially opened on 27 March 2017. The interior is designed at child height, with lower windows for the primary and nursery areas, and common spaces such as a library, open learning areas, a canteen, a drama/music room and an enquiry space on the ground floor. A blue route connects the central area with the sports room and rises to the top floor, symbolising the course of a river. The basement contains a gym and staff parking, freeing space for playgrounds and schoolyards; outdoor spaces include rooftops activated for outdoor activities and other differentiated play areas. There is potential for future extension.

Sports Facilities
The basement houses a gym and a dedicated sports room connected by the central blue route. Outdoor spaces include playgrounds and areas on the building's roofs for outdoor activity. The blue route provides direct access between the central spaces and the sports facilities across floors.

Academic Facilities
There is a central library and diverse open learning areas linked to the central community spaces. The ground floor hosts a drama/music room and an enquiry space. The interior is designed on children's height, with lower windows for the primary and nursery areas; the secondary level is located on the upper floor.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school activities are offered, including Rivers Band, Rivers Cafe and Model United Nations.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the IB Middle Years Programme for ages 11–16 to develop knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills for active and responsible participation in a changing world. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for ages 16–19 is a two-year curriculum leading to a qualification widely recognized by leading universities. Subjects include Language A: English and Dutch (with a self-taught option); Language B: English, Dutch and Spanish (including Spanish ab initio SL); and DP subjects in Economics, Geography, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (AA, AI) and Theatre. For Dutch students, the diploma is recognized abroad, improving access to international universities and employment opportunities, with pathway possibilities to universities such as Oxford or Harvard.

Arts & Creative
The curriculum includes Theatre as a Diploma Programme subject. Music and performance opportunities exist through activities such as the Rivers Band and Rivers Vocal Group. Rivers Band, Rivers Vocal Group and other arts activities form part of school life.

Cultural & Language
The Home Language Program maintains students' heritage and language by providing Home Language classes. Students whose Language A is neither English nor Dutch take Home Language; students with English or Dutch Language A may also take Home Language classes. Students set personal aims and objectives for each semester, and CAS and Service as Action are connected through Home Language by linking a Home Language student with a DP or MYP student for coaching.

Social & Hobbies
Student life includes Model United Nations, Rivers Band, Rivers Vocal Group, and a Students' newspaper as extracurricular activities. Rivers Cafe provides meals and social space as part of daily life. International education brings together students from many nationalities, supporting social interaction.

Community & Service
The Home Language Program can connect to CAS and Service as Action through cross-language mentoring between DP and MYP students. There are community and service–oriented activities integrated into student life; the International Parents Council and Parent Teacher Association involve families in school life and governance.

Leadership & Professional
Model United Nations provides leadership and debate experiences for students. The International Parents Council and the Parent Teacher Association offer leadership and governance opportunities for families. The school's IB and MYP programmes are designed to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
After-school activities and sports are available as part of the school schedule. Rivers Cafe provides meals and a social space for students. The school life emphasizes community and balanced participation through a range of clubs and activities.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction in IB-MYP and IB-DP. Dutch is a compulsory subject in the MYP; Dutch A and Dutch B are taught in the DP. Language A options include Dutch and English (with English Language A self-taught in the DP). Language B options include English, Dutch in both MYP and DP, and Spanish, German and French in the DP. The school also runs a Mother Tongue Programme to support home languages; listed languages include Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Slovakian, Finnish, Korean, Chinese and Marathi.

Bilingual Teaching
The language of instruction in IB-MYP and IB-DP is English. Dutch and English are offered as Language A in the Diploma Programme (with English Language A self-taught). Five languages are taught at Language B level: Dutch and English in both MYP and DP, and Spanish, German and French in the DP.
Admissions

Admissions
Rivers International School Arnhem enrolls children aged 4–18. The language of instruction is English. The school accommodates non‑Dutch nationals who are temporarily resident in the Netherlands, with at least one parent working in the Netherlands (or in a Dutch border region) for a limited time, or Dutch nationals who have lived and been educated abroad for at least two years due to a parent's temporary posting, or Dutch nationals whose parent will be stationed abroad within two years and for at least two years (as confirmed in writing by the employer). Admission to Primary and the Middle Years Programme requires meeting one of these conditions. The language of instruction is English, and Primary students are not required to be fluent in English at entry; English development is supported throughout all year levels, and all students study Dutch at an appropriate developmental level. For MYP 4–5, English proficiency is required or demonstrated via testing; for the Diploma Programme (DP), a specified English proficiency level is required. The school reserves the right to request additional assessments or information as part of admission, and inclusion arrangements may be explored if a student has special educational needs, with the school retaining the right to refuse admission if needs cannot be catered for. Transition from Primary to Secondary requires compliance with applicable regulations again, and parental/advisory input from the previous school is considered for certain transitions. Enrolment follows the school's application procedures, including the submission of required documents and fees. Waiting lists are used in both Primary and Secondary when places are not immediately available, with specific processes and timelines described in the Admissions policy and related documents. The school's fee policy includes a non‑refundable enrolment fee, a deposit, and annual/instalment payment options, with detailed terms and conditions for 2025–2026. Fees for Primary, MYP, and DP are published and subject to change; deposits, refunds, and withdrawal terms are outlined in the fee policy. External testing and assessments (e.g., CAT4, Caliber, English assessments) may be requested as part of the admission process, and documentation such as past reports and parental employment details are required. The external flow of admission includes contact by the school, submission of documents, potential testing, and final placement decisions, followed by an admission confirmation and the provision of a Welcome Package.

Waitlist
In the Primary Department, applicants seeking a start in August/September are placed on a waiting list. There is yearly turnover, with many students leaving at the end of the school year. In March, current families are asked to confirm whether they require a place for the next year; once confirmed numbers of available places are known, letters of confirmation are sent to those on the waiting list, typically toward the end of April or beginning of May. In the Secondary Department, if a year group is full, students may be placed on a waiting list until places become available; the duration of wait time cannot be predicted.
School Events
The school has not added events
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