Give your children a bilingual education at The International French School of Amsterdam
Since its launch in 2021, the International French School of Amsterdam (IFS Amsterdam) has quickly become a top choice for expat families seeking a rich, multilingual education. With two vibrant campuses in the heart of Amsterdam, IFS Amsterdam offers a welcoming, inclusive environment where students flourish academically, socially and personally.
A bilingual journey from early years to high school graduation
IFS Amsterdam provides a bilingual French-English education based on the globally respected French national curriculum, enriched with Dutch language and local cultural experiences.
From as early as age two, students begin a unique language journey:
- Early years (ages 2–6): Fully bilingual French-English instruction, with Dutch lessons introduced in Petite Section (preschool).
- Primary and middle school (ages 6–15): Continued bilingual education with the option of an International Track from Grade 6, where English becomes the primary language of instruction in several subjects.
- High school (ages 15–18): Students follow either the traditional French Baccalauréat or the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI), an internationally recognised bilingual diploma.
This academic pathway prepares students for top universities worldwide while equipping them with language certifications such as Cambridge English and CEFR-accredited diplomas.
Personalised learning in a nurturing environment
IFS Amsterdam knows that raising children is about more than just academic excellence. The school embraces a positive education philosophy, which focuses on students’ strengths, well-being, and personal growth, and has built a community where children feel safe, supported and inspired.
Every child is unique, with their own strengths and preferences. IFS Amsterdam uses differentiated teaching to ensure that each and every student’s individual learning needs are met. Social-emotional learning is part of everyday life, which helps children to become resilient, empathetic and able to exercise their own autonomy.
Arrangements are made for children who need extra support in a classroom environment, including the use of headphones, fidget toys, chairs with movement and more. Physical well-being is just as important as mental well-being, especially for growing children. A dedicated school nurse works closely with families and teachers to provide support for students and to promote healthy habits, with events on nutrition, mental health, the benefits of physical activity, and more.
Creativity and innovation at the core
With a strong focus on 21st-century skills, IFS empowers students to explore and express themselves. This is achieved through both the teaching style and the state-of-the-art facilities available to all students.
IFS Amsterdam uses project-based learning, as researching, writing and thinking with others aids the development of collaboration, curiosity, and creativity. After school, students can take part in a full arts, music and sports programme, ensuring their creative pursuits are never neglected.
Pupils at IFS also have access to a FabLab maker space, a digital fabrication workshop. In this workshop, pupils from preschool onwards can learn about robotics and coding, design projects, build models, shoot their own videos and more.
They learn to work in teams, to collaborate, and to be bold, to persevere and be creative. They are not afraid to make mistakes and become increasingly capable of correcting themselves. These are essential skills for the future.
Rooted in Amsterdam; ready for the world
Students at IFS benefit from an enriching blend of local and global perspectives. The school makes full use of Amsterdam’s cultural offerings, such as visiting museums and theatres, and arranging outdoor learning experiences, while fostering a multicultural, international mindset in the classroom.
IFS Amsterdam offers the ideal balance of rigour, creativity and compassion in a warm and multilingual environment.
Ready to discover IFS Amsterdam?
Are you looking for a school where your child can thrive in both French and English, grow with confidence, and be part of a forward-thinking international community? Book a visit or get in touch with the admissions team today to learn how IFS Amsterdam can help shape your child’s global future.