As a parent, are you trying to decide between IB Dutch, Dutch for Kids, or a combination of both?
And are you considering a possible return to the Netherlands in the future?
Then this choice is especially important.
In this article, I will clearly explain:
- what IB Dutch actually is,
- which children it is suitable for,
- the challenges parents often encounter,
- and how Dutch for Kids can support this process – or even be a full alternative.
So you can make a choice that truly fits your child, your future plans, and your family situation.
What is IB Dutch (IB NL)?
IB Dutch – often referred to as “IB NL” or “IB Dutch A / B” – is the Dutch language subject within the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. It is offered at international schools worldwide, for example in Singapore, Dubai, Italy, and the UK.
The goal of IB Dutch is for students to:
- develop strong academic Dutch language skills,
- become confident in reading, writing, listening and speaking,
- and eventually be able to continue their studies in the Netherlands or at a Dutch-speaking university.
The IB programme consists of three stages:
- PYP (Primary Years Programme) – primary school
- MYP (Middle Years Programme) – lower secondary
- DP (Diploma Programme) – upper secondary / exam years (comparable to HAVO/VWO)
Especially during the DP phase, IB Dutch becomes academically and linguistically demanding.
Who is IB Dutch suitable for?
IB Dutch is a good fit for children who:
- already have a solid foundation in Dutch,
- have sufficient vocabulary, grammar and spelling skills,
- can work independently,
- and cope well with academic language and exam pressure.
However, this does not automatically apply to every expat child.
Many children grow up multilingual and mainly use Dutch at home. That is wonderful – but it does not always mean they are academically ready for the level required by IB Dutch.
Common concerns parents have about IB Dutch
Parents who contact us often mention that their child:
- struggles with spelling rules and verb conjugations,
- feels insecure about grammar,
- has a limited academic vocabulary,
- experiences stress due to the pace and workload,
- or receives too little individual guidance at school.
This can result in children:
- losing confidence,
- starting to see Dutch as “difficult” or “frustrating”,
- or giving up, even though they are intelligent and motivated.
And that is a shame – because language is not just a school subject, but also an important part of identity and connection to the Netherlands.
They learn a lot and have fun too
The key to success is that Anouk can determine what each child can handle well, encouraging them not to do everything perfectly but to focus on some vital learning aspects. If they do well, they are rewarded.
This way they don’t spend too much time, learn a lot and have fun!
What a good investment
Louise is going to a Dutch school for five weeks, which is going very well. Thanks to the lessons of Dutch for Kids.
What a good investment of money and time. She benefits greatly and gets along well with her classmates in group 5.Fun lessons
‘Mi piacciono tantissimo le lezioni‘ Antonio said…which means as much as: ‘I really like the lessons!‘
What choices do you have as a parent?
Fortunately, there is not just one right path. In practice, we see four common routes:
1. Fully following IB Dutch at school
This works well if:
- your child already has strong Dutch skills,
- needs little extra support,
- and feels comfortable within the IB system.
2. Combining IB Dutch with Dutch for Kids
Many families choose a combination:
- IB Dutch at school,
- plus weekly guidance with Dutch for Kids.
We support students with:
- grammar and spelling explanations,
- homework planning and execution,
- text preparation,
- exam strategies,
- and most importantly: building confidence.
We have supported many students in this combination, from Singapore, Dubai, Italy, the UK and other countries.
Example – Max (Singapore)
Max started with us at age 8. In the final years of secondary school, he followed IB Dutch at school while receiving weekly guidance from Dutch for Kids. He completed his exams at school and worked on structure and deeper understanding with us. He is now ready to study in the Netherlands.
Example – Mats (Dubai)
Mats first focused on improving his spelling, grammar and vocabulary with us. After building a strong foundation, he confidently transitioned into IB Dutch.
3. Starting with Dutch for Kids and switching to IB later
Some parents already know early on:
“Our child will probably want to do IB in the upper years.”
They start with Dutch for Kids to:
- close language gaps,
- build academic Dutch,
- and gradually prepare their child for IB level.
A common pathway is:
- primary school + lower secondary with Dutch for Kids,
- and entering the IB programme around grade 10 (3 VWO level).
4. V4. Fully choosing Dutch for Kids as an alternative to IB
Sometimes parents conclude:
“IB Dutch is simply too demanding for our child at this stage.”
That is completely fine.
With Dutch for Kids, students can:
- follow the full Dutch secondary school curriculum,
- all the way up to VWO graduation,
- supported by experienced Dutch secondary school teachers.
For some students, we begin with:
- NT2 (Dutch as a second language) lessons,
- vocabulary expansion,
- and core grammar training.
From this strong foundation, they can later:
- transition into Dutch education in the Netherlands,
- or still move into IB if desired.
Example – two brothers in Italy
Their parents originally planned for IB Dutch, but noticed the pressure was becoming too much. They chose to continue fully with Dutch for Kids – with more personal guidance, calmness and enjoyment of the language.
What is the role of Dutch for Kids?
Dutch for Kids can:
- support students alongside IB Dutch,
- prepare them for IB Dutch,
- or serve as a complete alternative pathway through Dutch secondary education.
We work with experienced secondary school teachers who regularly guide IB students. We understand the curricula, exam formats and common challenges.
But just as important:
we focus on the child behind the grades.
On motivation, confidence, language identity and enjoyment.
Which choice is right for your family?
Ask yourself:
- How strong is my child’s Dutch at the moment?
- Does my child thrive in the IB system, or feel stressed by it?
- Are we certain we will return to the Netherlands, or are we keeping options open?
- Does my child need a lot of personal guidance?
There is no universally “best” option.
There is only: the best option for your child, right now.
In conclusion
IB Dutch can be a wonderful pathway – if it truly suits your child.
Dutch for Kids can support, prepare, strengthen… or provide a safe and complete alternative.
Whatever you choose, what matters most is that your child:
- believes in themselves,
- enjoys the Dutch language,
- and stays connected to their Dutch identity.
If you would like to discuss your situation, we are happy to think along with you.
Curious about what our online Dutch lessons for children look like in practice?
Schedule a free trial lesson and experience it for yourself. Meet one of our teachers, discover our method, and see how much fun your child can have learning Dutch, all from the comfort of your own home.
👉 Schedule a free introduction and trial lesson today – completely free of obligation and personalized, the perfect first step for your child!
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