
International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding
Founded 1964
Updated July 2026
The International School of Amsterdam is an independent, non-profit, international school serving students from ages two to eighteen. It is a globally recognized institution known for being the first school in the world to offer a complete International Baccalaureate curriculum from pre-school through Grade 12.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school's educational philosophy is centered on "Developing Minds, Character and Communities," with a mission to "Educate for International Understanding." It promotes a culture of positivity and happiness, which is viewed as essential for maximizing student learning and behavior. The curriculum is guided by the IB Learner Profile, encouraging students to be balanced, principled, open-minded, and caring global citizens.
Programmes
The school offers a continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, including the Primary Years Programme (ages 3-11), the Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16), and the Diploma Programme (ages 16-18). Additionally, it provides an Early Years Programme for children aged 2-3. The curriculum integrates traditional academic subjects with modern methodologies and technologies to prepare students for university and lifelong learning.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides student support and counseling services, with a dedicated office for safeguarding and wellbeing. These services are integrated into the school's mission to foster a safe, supportive environment where students can grow both intellectually and emotionally. The school emphasizes a student-centered approach that recognizes diverse learning styles and individual needs.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding offer?
- International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding?
- Annual tuition at International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding is €22.8K–€32.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding hold?
- International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding holds accreditations including CIS, NEASC, IB and COBIS.
- Where is International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding located?
- International School of Amsterdam - Educating for International Understanding is an international school in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | — | €22.8K |
| Pre-school | — | €22.8K |
| Pre-Kindergarten | — | €24.9K |
| Kindergarten | — | €25.3K |
| Grade 1 – Grade 5 | — | €27.7K |
| Grade 6 – Grade 8 | — | €30.9K |
| Grade 9 & Grade 10 | — | €31.9K |
| Grade 11 & Grade 12 | — | €32.8K |
Other fees(1)
| Bus / transport· Door-to-door bus service offered in partnership with WND Services. | — |
|---|
Admissions
The school is an independent, non-profit foundation that prioritizes applications from international families. It welcomes students who can benefit from a challenging, English-language, university-preparatory education. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the admissions team for information regarding grade-level availability and to review the school's admissions policy.
Calendar
The school operates on a structured academic calendar, with specific term dates available through the school's official website. Families can access the current school term calendar via the school's online portal.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Amstelveen, the campus features specialized learning environments, including libraries and facilities for educational technology. The grounds support athletic activities and include outdoor spaces for student projects, such as gardening and wildlife enhancement. The school also houses the Centre for Development, Learning and Technology, which serves as a hub for professional collaboration and educational innovation.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including athletics and an after-school care programme. The student-led Green Team engages in various initiatives, such as recycled art projects, animal habitat construction, and alternative energy exploration. Additionally, students participate in service learning, school assemblies, and various media and communication projects.
- Dr. Bernadette CarmodyISA Director
Dr. Bernadette Carmody joined the International School of Amsterdam as Director in July 2019. She has previously served in similar roles in Guangzhou, China and Riffa, Bahrain, and has worked as an administrator and teacher in several other countries including Dubai, Venezuela, Norway, Sri Lanka, and her native Australia.
- Sarah GraceHead of Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Sarah Grace joined ISA in 1998 and has held various roles including Assistant Head of Lower School, Head of Lower School, and Associate Director for Teaching and Learning. She is a qualified educator with a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership and Management and currently serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Jason ConeHead of Learning Innovation
Jason Cone is an experienced leader in educational innovation who previously served as the Chief Innovation Officer at Singapore American School. He has dedicated 30 years to fostering a culture of resilience and forward-thinking in international schools.
Lief EricksonHead of Lower SchoolLief Erickson joined ISA in August 2025, bringing experience as a Primary School Principal at the International School of Lausanne and Lower School Principal at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and various certifications in school management and leadership.
- Ruth ClarkeHead of Upper School
Ruth Clarke joined ISA in August 2023, having previously served as the Secondary Principal at Nanjing International School in China. She has extensive experience with the IB programme and has worked in various international schools across Qatar, Belgium, the UK, and Kenya.
- Carolyn LaceyAssistant Head of Lower School
Carolyn Lacey joined ISA in 1997 and has served as Assistant Head of Lower School since 2015, with previous roles including homeroom teacher, Grade Level Coordinator, and PYP and Curriculum Coordinator. She is an Early Childhood specialist with a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.
- Vicki WatsonAssistant Head of Lower School
Vicki Watson joined ISA as Assistant Head of Lower School in 2019, returning after serving as principal at the International School of Siena and as a teacher at the International School of Bologna. She is a PYP workshop leader and is currently completing a Masters in International School Leadership.
More international schools in Amsterdam
- Amity International School, AmsterdamIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
- Amsterdam Liberal Arts & Sciences Academie (ALASCA)IB Diploma
- DENISE- De Nieuwe Internationale School EspritIB Diploma
- The British School of AmsterdamNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- Winford Bilingual Primary SchoolNational Curriculum (England), Singapore National Curriculum
- Optimist International AcademyNational Curriculum (England)
IB PYP
CIS
NEASC
COBIS