American School of The Hague

American School of The Hague (ASH) is a globally renowned international school for students ages 3 to 18. A leading international school in the Netherlands, we proudly welcome students from over 70 nationalities. We cultivate a student-centered community with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math education and a vibrant visual and performing arts program. Our students benefit from hands-on learning experiences and an extensive offering of clubs, activities, and competitive athletic teams. Unique in the Netherlands, we offer both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the US College Board Advanced Placement pathway, preparing our students for success in higher education.

ASH Experience

ASH Story

John Laughbaum '87: Step out of your comfort zone!
John Laughbaum '87: Step out of your comfort zone!
When alumn John Laughbaum arrived at American School of The Hague in 1983 fresh from Stavanger, Norway, he couldn’t have imagined how deeply those four years would influence the rest of his life.
 
From the start, the international atmosphere at ASH left a lasting impression. “ASH offers unique opportunities for people of a range of different backgrounds and nationalities to come together in the classroom and be part of sports teams, clubs, or school activities,” he says. “It is a special place with great students and faculty.” This sense of global community—and the independence that came with it—helped him grow both personally and professionally.
 
“In so many ways, ASH helped shape my path in life,” he reflects. “We were all really independent—whether weekends on the town with friends, or sports trips to London, Paris, Vienna or wherever, ski trips to Switzerland, senior trip to Spain. We were pretty much in a different country every few weeks during the school year—an amazing experience.”
 
A moment he remembers fondly came when an older student, Eric Weinberger, encouraged him to run for president of the International Political Association, the school’s largest club. “My initial reaction was, ‘Who, me?’” he recalls. “That experience ultimately led to being Secretary General of the 1987 The Hague International Model United Nations and Secretary General of Model NATO in Belgium. I stepped way out of my comfort zone but am really grateful for the experience and confidence these experiences provided.”
 
Reflecting on his path, he remains grateful for the foundation ASH provided. “I often reflect on those experiences in appreciation of what we accomplished together,” he says. “ASH was—and still is—a special place.”
 
For today’s ASH students, his message is one of courage, curiosity, and connection. “Step out of your comfort zone,” he advises. “Run for student leadership, start a club, try something completely new or different. Take a chance—your future self will thank you.” He also encourages students to build bridges within the global ASH network: “Reach out to alumni from your home country. We had more than 30 nationalities at ASH in the 1980s, and I suspect it’s the same today. There’s a world of ASH alumni out there who would be happy to connect, share advice, and support your journey.”
Read More about John Laughbaum '87: Step out of your comfort zone!
Nina Doesn’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing at IB Conference
Nina Doesn’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing at IB Conference
When Nina stepped onto the stage to sing at the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference, she embodied the spirit of the IB program—embracing courage and challenge. Performing Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing” before an audience of nearly 2,000 people, Nina took this as a unique opportunity to express her practice and love for the arts.
 
“I was hesitant as I didn’t know what I should perform,” she shared. “But after discussing with Mr. Nikolaos, we concluded it’d be a very nice song to sing. I was very nervous to go onstage, but I had to keep in mind that this is a really special opportunity and that I would enjoy it!”
 
Nina has been singing since she was six years old and has continued to integrate music in her life through taking part in the Jazz Band, Musicals, Artscapade, as well as writing her own music. At ASH, we continuously encourage students to push their boundaries and approach challenges with excitement and curiosity. Beyond academics, the IB program inspires students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world experiences—just as Nina did through this performance.
 
“The IB program at ASH really allows me to select subjects that I’m very interested in and passionate about,” Nina explained. “Through High Level Theatre, I’ve been able to build my confidence when performing in front of an audience as well as work on my teamwork skills when collaborating with my peers. High Level Literature allows me to understand the depth of language and how much power a single word may hold. Through this, I’m continuously learning how to develop my writing when I write my own music, allowing me to really delve into my creativity.”
 
In this performance, Nina demonstrated what the IB philosophy looks like in action at ASH—students who can “feel the nerves and do it anyway”, enjoy taking their practice to new levels, and (literally) use their voices to make meaningful connections with the world around them.
Read More about Nina Doesn’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing at IB Conference
ASH Middle School Inspires Growth and Independence
ASH Middle School Inspires Growth and Independence
For 6th Grader Addie, Middle School has been a transformative experience defined by independence, growth, and a new sense of responsibility. “It’s different because in middle school you get a lot more independence,” she said. “It’s a big change, but it’s really fun once you get used to it.”
 
That shift toward self-management is one Addie enjoys. “I like it because it prepares you for the future,” she explained. “With more responsibility also comes more fun and opportunities.”
 
Among those opportunities are the chance to explore interests through rotation and elective classes. This year, Addie is taking Design Technology, Theater Basics and Art. “In Design Technology, you’re supposed to build a phone stand for a client,” she shared, “I like independent classes where there’s a little bit of teaching but then you get to work and explore on your own.”
 
Addie also participates in after-school activities and clubs, from volleyball and swimming to the Sustainability Club, where she hopes to become a leader this year. “I was really dedicated to the team last year,” she said. “I want to give new kids different leaders to look up to.” Her favorite teachers have also shaped her experience. She recalls Mr. Davison and Mr. Solomon as particularly impactful. “You want a teacher who is nice, and can learn a lot from at the same time,” she said. “They are the perfect balance of that. They teach you so many different things in cool ways, and also take the time to know and understand you in a personal way too.”
 
Reflecting on what makes ASH stand out, Addie summed it up in two words: “Future building.” For her, ASH is a place that “can accommodate you however you learn. If you need help and take it little by little, teachers will create a plan with you to help you do that. If you can take big steps, they’ll do that too.” At ASH, Addie feels both challenged and supported — a balance that empowers her to grow into her independence, one step at a time.
Read More about ASH Middle School Inspires Growth and Independence
THE ASH STORY

ASH Voices

 

Your ASH Journey

 

 
 
 
Explore the school experience across each division.
 
THE ASH STORY