From Preschool to Middle School
At OIA, learning begins with curiosity. When students feel connected and supported, they explore with confidence, develop their skills and discover who they are and who they can become. Our continuous international pathway, from primary through secondary, is shaped by inquiry, multilingual learning and respect for every student’s background and identity.
We offer an international learning environment with small classes, strong relationships and thoughtfully designed, stimulating spaces that invite curiosity and challenge. Through our inquiry-driven approach, we encourage reflection, independence and personal growth. Our aim is to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and mindset to navigate a changing world with confidence and care.
Our mission
We empower our learners to grow into curious, confident and caring young people in an inclusive, multilingual learning environment where they feel safe to explore ideas, build meaningful relationships and take ownership of their development, through inquiry and reflection.
Our vision
We aim to be a leading international school where students from diverse backgrounds thrive as curious, confident and compassionate global citizens who are equipped to lead positive change. We foster rich exchanges between local and international learners, building bridges between worlds, languages and perspectives.
School curriculum
By teaching in English and offering an international, inquiry-driven curriculum, OIA prepares students to continue their education in the world with confidence. Our programme builds a strong foundation in core subjects while developing critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
We take a holistic approach to learning, focusing on the whole child – academic, social and emotional – so that students grow in confidence, wellbeing and character.
We celebrate home languages, ensure students learn Dutch so they can participate in Dutch society, and offer additional languages in Secondary, helping them grow as confident, multilingual communicators.
After School Care
OIA partners with UniKidz, a bilingual Dutch–English after-school care provider located directly on our campus. UniKidz offers a warm, homelike environment where children can relax, play and feel at ease after the school day.
Their programme encourages children to grow and discover new interests through a varied range of activities across four development areas — from sports and movement to creativity, wellbeing and learning. This approach helps children build confidence, try new things and develop their personal strengths in a supportive setting.
They do this by using the following four development areas:
• FitKidz – sport & exercise
• SkillsKidz – making & creating
• SoulKidz – heart & soul
• MindKidz – development & education
UniKidz welcomes children aged 4–13 and provides consistent care that aligns with the international and multilingual character of our school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our learning approach, community and admissions process.
OIA offers an international, inquiry-based curriculum that encourages students to explore ideas, ask questions and make meaningful connections. Our curriculum fosters communication, critical thinking, global awareness and personal growth.
We take a holistic approach to learning, focusing on the whole child – academic, social and emotional. Our inquiry-based, thematic units connect subjects in meaningful ways, helping students grow in confidence, wellbeing and character.
To ensure strong academic progression, we draw on the UK National Curriculum as a reference framework for language and mathematics for our primary.
English is our main language of instruction. All students also learn Dutch as part of our commitment to integrating in the local community. We encourage learners to use and develop their home languages as part of our focus on multilingualism. Additional languages are taught in secondary.
Yes. We value all languages as part of a student’s identity. Students are encouraged to use their home languages to deepen understanding, express themselves and build confidence. As a multilingual community, we see home languages as an important resource for learning and belonging.
With small class sizes and a team of specialist teachers, we can offer a rich, engaging learning experience for every student. We keep our classes intentionally small so that teachers can really get to know each child, build strong relationships and tailor learning to individual needs. Smaller groups help create a calm, focused setting where students feel safe, seen and able to take part actively in lessons.
Our class and subject teachers are supported by a team of teaching assistants and specialist staff, including Physical Education (PE) teachers, multilingual specialists (for English and Dutch as an additional language), Mathematics and Language specialists, a school counsellor, mentor and additional learning support where needed. In the lower years of Primary, students also follow a structured swimming programme with qualified swimming instructors at a local pool. We additionally work with Sportservice Haarlemmermeer to offer regular, high-quality outdoor sports and movement activities. Together, these specialists create a rich and well-rounded learning experience in which every student can be challenged, supported and recognised.
Inquiry is at the heart of learning at OIA. Students investigate real-world questions, explore concepts and collaborate with others to make meaning. This approach builds curiosity, critical thinking and ownership—helping learners understand not just what they learn, but why it matters. Our inquiry-based approach encourages responsibility, global awareness and a desire to contribute positively to society.
OIA offers one continuous learning journey from age 4 to 18. Students grow from primary into secondary within the same international approach, ensuring smooth transitions, consistent expectations, and a strong sense of belonging throughout their school years.
OIA welcomes students from international families temporarily residing in the Netherlands, as well as Dutch families returning from abroad or preparing for an international move.
Yes. Students may join throughout the year, depending on availability. Our team supports families during the transition to help new students settle in quickly. To Admissions
The first step is to complete the pre-application form through our OpenApply admissions portal. After submission, our admissions team will contact you to schedule an intake conversation and guide you through the next steps. Open Apply
We currently have availability in all primary classes and in the first two years of secondary (ages 11–13). Availability may change throughout the year, so we encourage families to contact us early.
Yes. For families who wish their child to transition into the Dutch education system, we offer a transition programme at the end of primary. This programme focuses on academic Dutch and prepares students for a Dutch-language pathway with additional language support in the lower years of secondary, offered at Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig. After completing this language programme, students can continue into HAVO or VWO and follow the full Dutch curriculum.
Absolutely. Our inquiry-driven, English-medium international approach and focus on global competencies help ensure that students transitioning to other international schools around the world can do so smoothly.