Haarlemmermeer is getting a brand-new International Secondary School
In August 2026, Haarlemmermeer will welcome a brand-new public international secondary school, a landmark initiative that expands opportunities for internationally minded learners in the region. Anne-Marie, director of Optimist International School (OIS), explains more about what this means for current families, the broader community, and the innovative collaboration driving this new chapter in education.
A new international secondary school for Haarlemmermeer
"The idea really grew out of a shared vision", Anne-Marie explains. "At Optimist International School, we've seen growing interest from families who are looking for a consistent international education pathway beyond primary school. This new secondary school aims to offer exactly that: a seamless learning continuum from early years through to graduation, inspired by the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate (IB)."
Together with Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig (HLML), and with the boards of Floreer and Dunamare Onderwijsgroep joining forces to apply for an IGVO license - Internationaal Georiënteerd Voortgezet Onderwijs, or Internationally Oriented Secondary Education - a new initiative is taking place that’s not just academically strong but deeply rooted in the local community.
What about current OIS students and their families?
"This is really an exciting development for our current OIS community", Anne-Marie continues. "Many of our families have expressed a strong desire for a secondary school that continues the same values and international approach they’ve come to appreciate at OIS. With this new school, we aim to create continuity, inspired by the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and aspiring to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and eventually the Diploma Programme (DP) in the future."
With a new International Secondary School, students won’t have to leave the area or compromise on quality or values; they’ll be able to continue learning in a familiar, inquiry-based environment that supports both academic growth and personal development.
In collaboration with HLML
Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig brings a wealth of experience in bilingual secondary education in Haarlemmermeer. Their team shares the Optimist's commitment to inclusive, future-focused and multilingual learning.
"We’ve been collaborating with HLML for many years, as some of our students - often from families who decide to stay in the Netherlands longer - continue their learning journey in their NT2 (Dutch as an additional language) programme, Anne-Marie explains.
"By working closely together, we’re able to combine the strengths of both schools, our international primary expertise and their bilingual secondary experience, to create a unique, hybrid learning environment. This collaboration allows for what we call kruisbestuiving, or cross-pollination, where students can benefit from both global perspectives and strong local connections."
An IB philosophy throughout
The International school's aim is to align with the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate (IB), encouraging students to explore deeply, think critically, and act compassionately.
Whether they’re 4 or 18, the school encourages students to feel curious, capable, and connected. The goal is to nurture responsible, principled global citizens - and have a lot of fun along the way!
Coming August 2026
The International Secondary School is on track to be opened in August 2026. "We can’t wait to welcome our first students!" says Anne-Marie. "In the coming months, we’ll be sharing more information about the school’s structure, admissions process, and curriculum, along with the launch of our website."
"This is truly a community-driven project, and we’re so excited to be building it with the families, educators, and partners who believe in the power of inclusive, high-quality education. Let’s grow. Let’s explore. Let’s learn - together."
Stay tuned for updates and further announcements in the coming months. In the meantime, you can find out all about the Optimist International School's ethos and curriculum on its website.