Primary education begins at the age of 4 (and is mandatory from 5). Schools are divided in public/ state-owned (openbaar) and special education (religious: Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, or non- denominational). In some areas there are waiting lists, so be sure to get information in advance.
The curriculum is broad, divided over 8 groups (8 school years), and progress is monitored by standard testing. In the last year, group 8, children will take a standardized test CITO-toets (only available in Dutch) that serves to indicate the level of secondary education that suits the child best.
School year starts in August and has several holidays. The school week is normally from 08.30-15.30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; and from 08.30-12.00 on Wednesday.
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