For many expat families, relocating to the Netherlands comes with a familiar dilemma: how to find a school that provides continuity, community, and a sense of belonging for children who often move between countries. Beginning in August 2026, families in the Haarlemmermeer region will gain a new option designed with these challenges in mind.
Optimist International Academy (OIA), a publicly funded international school for children aged 4 to 18, will open its doors in Hoofddorp as a collaboration between the existing Optimist International School and Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig. The initiative responds to a trend local educators say they’ve observed for years—international families seeking a continuous primary to secondary education close to home rather than commuting to larger cities.
“Each year, dozens of international students in and around Hoofddorp find themselves travelling long distances for suitable international secondary schooling,” say project leads Anne-Marie van Holst and Brenda Stam. “OIA aims to change that by offering a continuous pathway from international primary to international secondary education within Haarlemmermeer.”
The school will combine the international programmes already established at Optimist International School with the bilingual expertise of Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig. The result is a single learning environment—two closely located sites—that supports children throughout their school career.
OIA plans to offer International Primary (IGBO) and International Secondary (IGVO) education, emphasising inclusive education and an inquiry-based approach grounded in curiosity and connection. In practice, this means students will be encouraged to explore the world around them, engage in local and global issues, and learn collaboratively with peers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
For expat parents’ juggling work, integration, and childcare logistics, the school’s partnerships are likely to draw interest. OIA works with UniKidz to offer after-school care designed to provide a safe and welcoming space for children who may still be adjusting to a new country and culture. OIA will also be a member of DIS (Dutch International Schools), a community and professional network for international schools in The Netherlands.
The secondary campus will be located at the Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig building on Baron de Coubertinlaan in Hoofddorp’s Floriande district. With the primary and secondary sites within easy reach of each other, the organisation hopes to create a cohesive environment where international families can feel at home—something many international parents value but rarely find. OIA is an initiative of the Dunamare onderwijs and Floreer onderwijs en opvang school boards, supported by the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, which recognises the importance of affordable, internationally orientated education within the region.
Admissions for the 2026–2027 school year have opened, with applications processed from January. Primary school applications for the current year are being accepted immediately. More information about programmes and admissions will be made available on the school’s website in the coming months.
As Haarlemmermeer continues to attract international professionals—thanks in part to its proximity to Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam’s business hubs—the establishment of OIA marks a notable shift: a local school system adapting directly to the realities of globally mobile families.