When have any of us ever enjoyed "RULES"? At AIS we believe that safety and clarity provide us with healthy guidelines within which we are free to express our creativity and achieve our highest potential.

Policies are designed to create structure and safety. Within these reassuring boundaries, our community is free to explore and create learning experiences together.

The AIS philosophy is built upon the understanding of the importance of the community. The fundamental role quality relationships play in fostering a healthy thriving learning community. We are curious about one other and unanswered questions that invite for exploration. Our curriculum is designed to challenge every learner to seek understanding which excites them to develop a love for learning about the world around them. 

We believe that every member of our community is valuable. Each member of our community has unique talents and skills which require refining and creative expressional freedom.  Our action-based research projects inspire children and the adults in our community to take ownership of their learning and empower student voice. At AIS we do not only hear what our children have to say, more importantly; we actively listen.  

At AIS…

We practice the understanding of “It takes a village to raise a child” on a daily basis.

At AIS we design our classrooms inspired by Reggio Emilia’s philosophy towards teaching and learning.

All educators are asked to critically evaluate the resources in the classroom and what the purpose is of the resources. How do they add value to learning? Do they require innovation, recycling or simply no longer serve a meaningful purpose?

All adults in the school building make an effort to learn the names of the student community. No member of our community is unnoticed or undervalued. We strive for collaboration and we all take ownership of our collective responsibility to provide a safe and exciting learning environment for our students. 

Identity and diversity are celebrated whilst learning how to respectfully disagree and bravely express our vulnerabilities. At AIS we understand the importance of developing global awareness, inviting multiple perspectives despite our difference, developing a growth mindset. We aim to create critical thinkers who play an intricate role in improving the world we live in as global citizens and ambassadors of their own cultures. 

Leave of absence request regulations according to Dutch truancy law.

The following are examples of exceptional circumstances:
• To comply with legal obligations which can only take place during school hours.
• To attend the wedding of a blood relative or extended family member – within The Netherlands
(maximum 2 school days) – outside The Netherlands (maximum of 5 school days).
• Serious life-threatening illness of a blood relative or 1st/2nd family member.
• Death of blood relative or 1st/2nd family member.


The following are examples of exceptional circumstances which will NOT be considered valid:
• Visit of family or friends from other countries or from the country of origin.
• Travel arrangements made to take advantage of low season travel discounts.
• Earlier departure or return travel arrangements to avoid peak travel times.
• Activities of associations such as scouting or sports camps. Other children in the family are on different vacation periods.
• Sabbatical leave.