Launch of Optimist International Academy

Baron de Coubertinlaan

In addition to our bilingual mavo, havo and vwo, a new stage in our journey – expanding into secondary education with Optimist International Academy for learners aged 4 to 18

After seven years of dedicated international primary education at Optimist International School, we are excited to take the next step in our journey.

From August 2026, we will expand our learning pathway to include international secondary education.
Under the new name Optimist International Academy (OIA), we will offer a continuous international learning experience for students aged 4 to 18 — a natural extension of our vision for lifelong learning and global citizenship.

OIA will consist of OIA Primary (international primary education) and OIA Secondary (international secondary education). Together, we form one vibrant community.

OIA grows from the partnership between the successful existing Optimist International School (OIS) and Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig, a respected Dutch secondary school offering bilingual education. Optimist International Academy is supported by both school boards Dunamare Onderwijs and Floreer Onderwijs en Opvang, and by the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer.

OIA is based in Hoofddorp’s Floriande district, close to Amsterdam, Schiphol, and Haarlem. OIA Secondary is located in the Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig building on Baron de Coubertinlaan, while OIA Primary is located in the same neighbourhood.

Sparking curiosity

At OIA, we believe curiosity and connection are the foundation of lifelong learning.
Our learners explore the world with open minds, connect with others, and contribute to positive change.
Our school is a place where respect, diversity, and authenticity are felt every day.

With a strong focus on multilingualism and inclusion, we value every language as a bridge between cultures.
We create an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued, and learners develop confidence to express themselves across languages and cultures.

Globally minded learning

We are on a journey to become an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School.
Guided by the IB framework, our education fosters inquiry, reflection, and agency.
Learners are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and take responsibility for their learning — developing the knowledge, skills, and mindset to make a positive impact in the world.

We aim to offer a continuous IB learning pathway through:

Primary Years Programme (PYP) – ages 4–11

Middle Years Programme (MYP) – ages 11–16

Diploma Programme (DP) – ages 16–18

Opening August 2026 with the first two years of the international secondary programme (11–13), building on the existing primary programme (ages 4–11).

Connecting local and global learning

Our ambition is to provide a home for international families while also building bridges between local and international communities.
Together with Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig and regional partners, we share expertise in multilingualism and international education — strengthening the educational landscape of Haarlemmermeer.

Building the future together

Admissions for the 2026–2027 school year are now open. Applications will be processed from January onwards. Admissions for Primary for the current school year are processed immediately.

Discover Your World at Haarlemmermeer Lyceum!

In an increasingly international world, it’s important not only to learn a lot about others but also about yourself. At Haarlemmermeer Lyceum, bilingual education means much more than just learning to speak English and Dutch well. We make sure that you are strong in communication, not only in English but also in Dutch. Additionally, we teach you to understand and respect other cultures and ways of thinking.

Personal development is very important to us. We help you discover who you are, what you’re good at, and where your interests lie. Our goal is to turn you into a curious, open-minded, and critical thinker, preparing you for the world around you.
Whether your dream is to become an Olympic champion, pursue a career abroad, or let your talent shine in your own city, you can achieve it all at HLML! With our bilingual education, top sports program, and international focus, you’ll have every opportunity to bring out the best in yourself. We’re here to help you discover your talents so you can develop them to the fullest.

Ready to begin your adventure?
Check out the videos at the bottom of the page and discover what’s possible for you at Haarlemmermeer Lyceum!

Have The World at Your Feet

From your first day at Haarlemmermeer Lyceum, your journey toward becoming a true global citizen begins. With every step you take, you discover more of the world around you and grow into an independent, confident young adult. Whether you join the study trip to Normandy in the second year, the city trip in the senior years, or participate in the international exchange to China, you’ll create unforgettable memories and learning experiences with us. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to take on the world!

Education with an international perspective for everyone

At Haarlemmermeer Lyceum, you can follow bilingual education, regardless of your academic level. Whether you’re in MAVO, HAVO, or VWO, bilingual education is accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be fluent in English; that’s what you’ll learn at our school.
You’re welcome here, even if you speak little Dutch. We have a special NT2 program for students like you, where you’ll receive intensive Dutch lessons to quickly learn the language. Our lessons are taught in Dutch, with an international perspective. This way, we ensure that you quickly feel at home and can fully develop your talents.

Learning about the world through language

At our school, learning doesn’t just happen from books — it happens by doing, discovering, and working together. We believe it’s important that you learn about the world — and about what you can contribute to it.
That’s why we take part in projects that go beyond the classroom. In Year 1, for example, you’ll work with UNICEF on Children’s Rights, discovering what fairness, respect, and equal opportunities really mean.

During our Culture Week, everything revolves around getting to know each other. You’ll hear each other’s stories, taste dishes from around the world, and celebrate together at our colourful culture market — with food and traditions from every corner of the globe.

We do this because we believe in the values of UNESCO: respect for others, care for our planet, and building a better future together.
We’re proud to be a UNESCO candidate school — a place where you learn to explore the world with an open mind and a big heart.

At the same time, we work with language-oriented subject teaching, because language really is our thing. Being able to read, write, speak, and persuade effectively is the foundation for everything you’ll learn — both at school and later in your career. We use methods such as CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and language-focused teaching to bring language to life in every subject: from reading for pleasure to taking part in (international) debates.

This way, we connect subjects, cultures, and languages. Because learning becomes truly fun when you see how everything fits together — and when you realise that your voice matters, wherever you go in the world.

Combine Top Sports and Bilingual Education at Haarlemmermeer Lyceum

Are you a top sports talent and want to bring out the best in yourself, both on the field and in the classroom? You can do that at our school! With our bilingual education (TTO) and top sports program, we ensure that you can combine your sports career with an excellent education. Our education prepares you for an international future – ideal if you also want to break through internationally in sports. We offer the flexibility and support you need to grow in both sports and school. This way, you don’t have to choose between your dreams – you can make both come true!