In many countries around the world, Montessori education is considered a private, often elite form of schooling. Families may pay substantial fees for their children to benefit from the child-centered and self-directed learning approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. But in the Netherlands, Montessori education is widely available as part of the public education system and it’s free of charge.

Montessori as public education: a Dutch innovation

The Netherlands is internationally recognized for its commitment to educational freedom and parental choice. This philosophy has led to a rich landscape of public and semi-public schools offering a range of pedagogical approaches, including Montessori. Montessori schools are fully recognized by the Dutch government, follow the national curriculum, and receive public funding. This means families pay no tuition fees to attend, making this globally respected method accessible to all.

Montessori schools in the Netherlands operate across both the primary and secondary levels, with most offering education from ages 4 to 12 (primary education). These schools combine Dutch national learning goals with Montessori principles such as independence, mixed-age classrooms and a focus on learning through experience rather than direct instruction.

A different rhythm to the school day

A typical Montessori school day in the Netherlands may look different from what many international families are used to. Rather than strict time blocks and teacher-led lessons, students work in longer, uninterrupted periods known as “work cycles,” allowing them to focus deeply on subjects that interest them. Teachers act more as guides than lecturers, helping children set goals and develop critical thinking.

Classrooms are calm, well-organized spaces filled with specially designed materials that promote hands-on learning. Students learn to collaborate, take initiative, and work independently: skills that align well with international, inquiry-based curricula like the IB.

A valuable option for globally mobile families

Because Montessori schools in the Netherlands follow the national curriculum, they are an excellent option for Dutch families returning from abroad or for international families temporarily living in the country. Many Dutch Montessori schools have experience supporting children transitioning in and out of international systems. Some offer bilingual programs or English-language support, depending on the region.

For expat families who are used to seeing Montessori as a private option, it can be refreshing to find that in the Netherlands, such schools are woven into the fabric of mainstream education. That said, spots at popular Montessori schools may be limited, especially in big cities like Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. Early planning and local guidance are essential.

Maintaining Dutch language and cultural education abroad

At Edufax, we know that Montessori values – independence, curiosity and adaptability -can be a great match for internationally mobile children. But no matter which system a family chooses abroad, maintaining mother tongue education is vital. For Dutch-speaking children living overseas, Edufax’s NTC Online (Dutch Language and Culture) program ensures that they keep pace with the Dutch curriculum while staying connected to their culture.

This program runs parallel to local or international schooling and is led by experienced Dutch teachers. Whether a child comes from a Montessori background or another type of school, we tailor lessons to each learner’s needs, ensuring continuity and long-term readiness for reintegration into Dutch education.

Get in touch

Interested in Montessori education for your child in the Netherlands or curious about how to maintain educational continuity while abroad? Edufax offers personalized guidance to help your family make the best educational choices, both in the Netherlands and around the world. Reach out to our global education consultants to learn more.