Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Rotterdam

Rotterdam, a vibrant and modern city in the Netherlands, is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads, thanks to its bustling port, diverse culture, and dynamic business environment. While not as large as cities like London or New York, Rotterdam offers a range of international and bilingual schools to cater to the needs of expat families. Among the most popular are the Rotterdam International Secondary School and the American International School of Rotterdam. Here's a list of recommended schools for expat kids in and around Rotterdam, all within a 40-minute drive from the city center.

Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS)

Grades: Year 7 through Year 13 (ages 11-18)
Location(s): Bentincklaan, Rotterdam
Website: www.riss.wolfert.nl

RISS offers a broad international education in English, with a curriculum leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The school boasts a diverse student body, modern facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

American International School of Rotterdam (AISR)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Verhulstlaan, Rotterdam
Website: www.aisr.nl

AISR follows an American-style curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses available for high school students. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and offers a comprehensive education with a focus on college preparation. Facilities include a library, sports fields, and arts spaces.

Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR)

Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Verhulstlaan, Rotterdam
Website: www.naisr.nl

NAISR provides an international education with a personalized approach. The school offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), IGCSE, and IB Diploma Programme. With a strong emphasis on community and student well-being, NAISR also has a range of extracurricular activities and state-of-the-art facilities.

De Blijberg International

Grades: Group 1 through Group 8 (Dutch system, equivalent to Kindergarten through Grade 6)
Location(s): Gordelweg, Rotterdam
Website: www.deblijberg.nl

De Blijberg International offers bilingual education in Dutch and English, following the Dutch national curriculum with an international perspective. The school is known for its inclusive environment and focus on creativity and outdoor learning.

Japanese School of Rotterdam

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 9
Location(s): Verhulstlaan, Rotterdam
Website: www.jsrotte.nl

The Japanese School of Rotterdam provides education primarily for Japanese expatriate children, following the Japanese national curriculum. It offers a unique cultural and linguistic experience with facilities that support a well-rounded education, including Japanese traditions and customs.

Lighthouse Special Education

Grades: Primary and Secondary Special Education
Location(s): Amalia van Solmsstraat, The Hague (within 40 minutes from Rotterdam)
Website: www.lighthousese.nl

Lighthouse Special Education is the only international special school in the Netherlands, offering individualized education plans for children with special educational needs. The school follows the British National Curriculum adapted to the needs of its students and provides a supportive and nurturing environment.

International School Delft

Grades: Primary and Secondary Education
Location(s): Colijnlaan, Delft (within 40 minutes from Rotterdam)
Website: www.isdelft.nl

The International School Delft offers the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, with plans to offer the Diploma Programme in the future. Known for its innovative and inquiry-based approach to learning, the school is part of the Delft University of Technology community, which enriches its STEM-oriented curriculum.