Eindhoven

Types of Schools

1. Primary Schools (Basisscholen)

   • Public Schools: Funded by the government and free of charge. They follow the national curriculum.
   • Private Schools: These may charge tuition fees and can offer alternative curricula or teaching methods.
   • International Schools: Cater to expatriates and offer education in English or other languages, often following international curricula (e.g., IB, British curriculum).

2. Secondary Schools (Voortgezet Onderwijs)

   • VMBO (Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education): Focuses on vocational training and prepares students for practical careers.
   • HAVO (Higher General Secondary Education): Prepares students for higher professional education (HBO).
   • VWO (Pre-University Education): Prepares students for university education.
   • International Secondary Schools: Offer international curricula, often in English, catering to expatriate families.

Enrollment Procedures

1. Primary Schools

   • Registration: Parents should register their child at the school of their choice. This can often be done online or in person.
   • Age Requirement: Children must be at least 4 years old to start primary school, but they can be registered from the age of 3.
   • Deadline: It’s advisable to register well in advance, typically by the end of the school year before the child is due to start.

2. Secondary Schools

   • Transition from Primary: After completing primary school (usually at age 12), students receive a recommendation for secondary education based on their performance.
   • Application: Parents must apply to secondary schools, often through a centralized system. It’s important to check specific school requirements and deadlines.

Costs

• Public Schools: Generally free, but parents may need to cover costs for school supplies, extracurricular activities, and school trips.
• Private Schools: Tuition fees can vary widely, typically ranging from €3,000 to €15,000 per year.
• International Schools: Fees can also vary, often between €5,000 and €20,000 annually, depending on the institution.

Language Considerations

• Dutch Language: Most public schools teach in Dutch. It’s beneficial for expatriate children to learn the language, as it helps with integration.
• International Schools: Offer instruction in English or other languages, making them suitable for non-Dutch speakers.
• Language Support: Some schools provide language support programs for non-Dutch speaking students to help them transition.

Curriculum Options

• Dutch National Curriculum: All public schools follow this curriculum, which includes subjects like Dutch, mathematics, science, history, and arts.
• International Curricula: International schools may offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), British GCSEs/A-Levels, or American high school diplomas.
• Special Needs Education: Schools in Eindhoven are equipped to support children with special educational needs, with tailored programs available.

Local Considerations and Tips

1. Cultural Integration: Encourage your child to participate in local activities and sports to help them integrate into Dutch culture.
2. School Visits: Before enrolling, visit schools to get a feel for the environment and meet teachers.
3. Community Resources: Utilize local expat groups and forums for advice and support regarding schooling and integration.
4. Transportation: Eindhoven has a good public transport system. Familiarize yourself with bus and cycling routes to and from school.
5. School Calendar: Be aware of the Dutch school calendar, which includes holidays and breaks that may differ from your home country.

Conclusion

Navigating the education system in Eindhoven can be straightforward with the right information. Whether you choose a public, private, or international school, understanding the enrollment process, costs, and language options will help you make informed decisions for your child’s education. Engaging with the local community and utilizing available resources will further ease the transition for both you and your child.