At American School of The Hague, we are dedicated to nurturing the innate curiosity of young minds, empowering students to explore, question, and discover the world around them. Through a hands-on, inquiry-driven approach, we instill essential learning skills that prepare students for a lifetime of growth and success.
The Unique experience of ASH Elementary School
- Deliberately small classes
- World-Class Educators
- Dutch-English Dual Language Pathway
- STEM Curriculum informed by Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Purposeful, State-of-the-Art Facilities for Early Education
- On-site Program of Childcare and Activities after school
Our Curriculum
Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the ASH Elementary School core curriculum forms the foundation of a child’s educational journey, focusing on essential skills necessary for overall development, encompassing mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies.
Elementary School students attend school five days a week, spending most of their time with their dedicated homeroom teacher. During this time, they focus on core subjects Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. In addition, all students benefit from specialized instruction in Dutch language, music, STEM, and more, taught by expert educators.
In selected grades, your child has the opportunity to join the Dutch-English Dual Language Pathway, opening doors to fluency in both Dutch and English.
Dutch-English Dual Language Pathway
The Dutch-English Dual Language Pathway is an exciting option for ASH Elementary School families. Led by both native Dutch and English-speaking teachers, students will have language learning opportunities in both Dutch and English. During the first years of the pathway, instruction will be primarily in Dutch.
The Dual Language Pathway is ideal for:
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Families with Dutch roots and global aspirations for their child.
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Local and international families who plan to make the Netherlands their home but also want to keep the option open for an international move.
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Families seeking to provide their child with both local and global university opportunities.
Hands-on and Meaningful STEM experiences
All elementary school students receive regular, engaging instruction in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), laying a solid foundation for their future learning journey. Guided by the Next Generation Science Standards, which are seamlessly integrated across the entire curriculum, students explore scientific concepts in a progression consistent with Middle and High School learning approaches. From our innovative Maker’s Lab to dynamic outdoor learning spaces, elementary students transform STEM concepts into real-world experiences, making learning both hands-on and meaningful.
Our Facilities
Have a look at the Early Childhood Center, home to our Pre-K through Grade 2 students! Or explore our Main Campus for a glimpse of our beautiful campus and facilities for our Grade 3 and 4 students. If you'd like to see it all in person, we warmly invite you and your family to arrange a visit with our Admissions Team. Simply complete an Inquiry Form to start planning your personalized tour.
Early Childhood Center
Main Campus
A Serene & Natural Environment for Early Childhood Development
Our Early Childhood Center, located just a short distance from our main campus, is specifically designed for our youngest students. The thoughtfully planned spaces offer a safe and welcoming environment, where children can easily transition between indoor and outdoor areas, seamlessly integrating play and learning throughout the entire space.
Athletic Activity for our Youngest Learners
At ASH, students of all ages have the chance to engage in a variety of sports and physical activities. Our youngest learners benefit from dedicated athletic spaces, where they can develop motor skills, build confidence, and discover their interests in sports and fitness. Through play and structured activities, we encourage a love for movement and teamwork that supports their growth both on and off the court.
Learning Outside the Classrooms
Outdoor activities are a natural way for young children to develop essential motor skills, including coordination, agility, balance, and dexterity. Our Elementary students enjoy access to thoughtfully designed learning spaces that encourage deep thinking, active play, movement, exploration, and collaboration. We ensure daily outdoor play opportunities throughout all four seasons, promoting growth, curiosity, and a lifelong love for active learning.
Early Childhood Cafeteria: Nourishing Minds and Bodies with Healthy School
Every day, our students come together to enjoy a nutritious, warm lunch. A healthy school meal is more than just a break in the day—it plays a vital role in supporting students' overall well-being, boosting their focus and energy, and fostering lifelong healthy eating habits. Through balanced, delicious meals, we aim to nourish both mind and body, contributing to a strong foundation for healthy growth.
Natural Light: An Essential Element of Good School Design
Daylight is essential not only for children’s health and well-being, but also for enhancing focus, mood, and engagement. Our Early Childhood Center, located in a beautifully renovated farmhouse, is thoughtfully designed to flood each space with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming environment that supports young learners’ growth and development.
An Inspiring Environment for Student-Centered Learning
Behind these doors is a student-centered environment where we integrate the development of concepts, skills, attitudes, and character within a diverse, inclusive, and caring community. From third grade through grade twelve, our students build knowledge and confidence as they embark on their individual learning journeys.
A Collaborative and Inclusive School Community
Our campus is a safe and welcoming space for our entire community. We are more than just a school; we are a close-knit community. Our faculty, staff, parents, and students collaborate to create meaningful experiences and embrace diversity in all that we do. Parents are also encouraged to engage in a variety of opportunities that enhance their children’s educational journey.
Sports: A Key Part of the International School Experience
We encourage students to take full advantage of our after-school and athletics programs, training in world-class facilities and competing in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Our expansive sports hall regularly hosts international tournaments, offering students valuable opportunities to test their skills at a European level.
Celebrating Creativity Through The Arts
Our students channel their creativity through a dynamic program in performing arts, music, and fine arts, designed to inspire and nurture the artist in everyone. In our state-of-the-art theater, which seats nearly 500 guests, the community and neighborhood unite to enjoy our renowned student-directed theater and musical performances.
Unlock Learning Through Our Library Resources
We host one of the largest English-language libraries in the region, featuring an extensive collection of print and digital books and resources. Both at home and at school, our students and their families have access to these valuable materials to enrich their learning journey. With the guidance of our expert librarians, they also develop the skills to navigate and fully utilize the library's resources.
Natural Light: A Key Element in School Design
Daylight is crucial not only for students' health and well-being, but also for improving focus, mood, and engagement. Our school building, designed with ample natural light, creates an inviting atmosphere that enhances the learning experience. Thoughtfully integrated into our spaces, natural light helps foster a productive and positive environment, supporting the academic and personal growth of our students.
Life Skills and Culinary Education for a Healthy Future
To support our students' wellness in every possible way, we integrate essential life skills into our curriculum, including healthy lifestyle practices. Our students have access to excellent kitchen facilities where they can develop nutritious culinary skills as part of our elective and extracurricular offerings, all under the guidance of our experienced food technology teachers.
Grade Placement and International School Comparisons
Your child's placement is determined by their educational background and age as of October 1. Typically Elementary School accepts students aged 3 to 9. In comparison to other international schools, Pre-Kindergarten is similar to Nursery in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and British system.
At ASH, Grade 1 is similar to Primary 2 in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Year 2 in the British system, or Groep 3 in the Dutch basisschool.