Optimist International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$6K - US$6K
Curriculum: British · IPC
Age Range: 4-11
Students: ~300
Location: Other Amsterdam, Amsterdam
Updated April 2026
In Brief
Optimist International School is the best-value English-medium primary in the greater Amsterdam area - government-subsidised fees of EUR 5,580 per year with a solid British/IPC curriculum. The Hoofddorp location is the main trade-off; if you're based near Schiphol or Haarlem it's straightforward, but from central Amsterdam it adds a meaningful daily commute.
OIS operates from Dussenstraat in Hoofddorp, a suburban town 15 minutes from Schiphol and 20 minutes from central Amsterdam by road. It is a government-subsidised school in the Dutch international education framework, which allows it to charge EUR 5,580 per year - a fraction of the cost of private international schools. The curriculum follows the British National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum, delivered entirely in English, with a Dutch Enrichment Programme (DEP) that gives all children weekly Dutch language instruction. The school runs from Group 1 through to Group 8 (ages 4-11), with a secondary programme launching in August 2026.
A parent review from families who joined after relocating overseas describes children settling in quickly and teachers who know individual students from the first week. Class sizes are small by design, and the all-inclusive fee covers field trips, lunchtime supervision, and activities - so the EUR 5,580 is close to the true annual cost rather than a headline figure that expands with add-ons. The school uses OpenApply for admissions and has a straightforward online process. The Dutch Enrichment Programme ensures children gain some Dutch language foundation, useful for navigating daily life even if they continue in the international school system.
The secondary pathway is in development: the school announced it is working toward IB-aligned secondary provision from August 2026. Until that is established, families with children approaching secondary need a transition plan - options include AICS, Amstelland's new MYP pathway, or Dutch mainstream secondary via the lottery system. The Hoofddorp address also means the school is less convenient for families without a car or those commuting from central Amsterdam.
What parents value
- –EUR 5,580 all-inclusive annual fee - by far the lowest cost English-medium primary in the greater Amsterdam area. Government subsidy makes this a structural price, not a temporary offer.
- –British National Curriculum and IPC in English, with a Dutch Enrichment Programme. Small class sizes; the all-in fee covers field trips and lunchtime supervision.
- –Secondary provision launching August 2026, extending the pathway for families planning a longer stay in the Netherlands.
Points of consideration
- –Located in Hoofddorp - 20 minutes from Amsterdam by car, but without a car or specific bus connection the commute from central Amsterdam adds significant daily travel time.
- –Secondary programme is new (August 2026) and its curriculum scope and qualifications are still being confirmed. Ask directly before relying on it for secondary planning.
- –Dutch Enrichment Programme gives some language exposure, but children will not gain functional Dutch fluency at OIS alone. Factor this in if Dutch language integration is a priority.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| All year groups (Groups 1-8, ages 4-11) - all-inclusive | 4 | 6,442 |
Fees converted from EUR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee (non-refundable) | 231 |
| Deposit (refundable) | 577 |
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Amsterdam's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from across Europe and beyond. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school at [email protected] for details on school leadership.