All about my child's school and care

All children between the ages of 4 and 17 have a right to education. Are you new to the Netherlands? If so, register your child at primary school (4-12 years old) or secondary school (12-17 years old) as soon as possible.

These rules were made to ensure a clear, fair and equal way of applying and placement for primary school for all children. In addition, these rules were made so that schools can better plan for their school/classes. The Amsterdam school boards, in consultation with the municipality, decided to do this in 2013.

​Special education preschools are kindergartens or daycare centres with a special education programme. There is a considerable focus on language, as well as on your child's social, physical and creative development. The children play games, draw, sing, play outside, listen to stories and talk about them with each other.

Special education preschool is intended for all children aged 2 to 4 years. Following the birth of your child, you will attend the well-baby clinic (consultatiebureau) at your local Parent and Child Centre (Ouder- en Kindcentrum, OKC). The doctor or nurse will also talk to you about your child's language and other development. If there is a chance that your child might have a language deficiency, you will receive a special education preschool indication during the visits at 11, 14 or 18 months of age. The OKC can provide you with information about the special education preschools in your area. Children with such an indication will attend special education preschool for four part days a week. Children with no such indication, can attend preschool for two part days a week. Would you like more information? Please click here.

Almost all primary schools in Amsterdam participate in the joint admission policy. Out of 210 primary schools in Amsterdam, 10 schools do not participate in this. For the 2023-2024 school year, these are the following schools:

Centre: ASVO
Zuid: Amsterdamse Montessorischool (AMS), Willemsparkschool, Cornelis Vrij, Peeterschool, Hildebrand van Loonschool, 1e Openluchtschool, 2e Openluchtschool, Buitenveldertse Montessorischool (BMS), Cheider.

Would you like to register your child for one of these schools? Then please contact this school.
In addition, some schools have specific requirements for the admission of students. They may do so, for example, on grounds of freedom of religion or beliefs. These schools do participate in the admission policy, but make it clear that they have requirements. These are: bgs Veerkracht (Reformed), Rosj Pina (Jewish), Crescendo and De Morgenster (Evangelical).