Moving to a new country is an exciting experience for the whole family, but choosing the right school can make a major difference to how easily children settle into their new environment. For families moving to Antwerp with children, finding a school that provides academic continuity, language support and a welcoming international community is often one of the most important decisions to make.
Antwerp is home to families from many different countries, creating a multicultural environment with several educational options. If you are comparing international schools in Antwerp, it is important to look beyond location and consider curriculum, teaching approach, admissions, fees and your child’s long-term educational goals.
Why School Choice Matters When Moving to Antwerp
Relocating can involve many changes for children, including a new home, new language, new friends and a different academic system. Choosing a suitable international school in Antwerp can help provide stability during this transition.
An international school can be particularly useful for families who expect to move between countries or who want their children to continue their education in English. A familiar international curriculum can make it easier for students to transfer between schools and maintain consistent academic progress.
When moving to Antwerp with children, start researching schools before your relocation whenever possible. Understanding the available options early can help you make a more confident decision.
1. Start by Comparing the Curriculum
One of the first things parents should consider when choosing an international School Belgium is the curriculum.
Different schools follow different educational pathways. Some offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), while others follow British, American or national curricula.
For families considering a British pathway, Owl Academy provides the British National Curriculum from Elementary School through IGCSE and A Levels. Students can also follow an American pathway leading to an American High School Diploma, with Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities.
Think about where your child is currently studying and where they may attend university in the future. Choosing a curriculum that matches these plans can make future transitions easier.
2. Consider Your Child’s Current Grade
Your child’s age and current year of education should also influence your decision.
When looking at schools in Antwerp for international students, check whether the school offers a suitable programme for your child’s current academic level.
Owl Academy offers:
- Elementary School – Grades 1–5
- Middle School – Grades 6–8
- IGCSE – Grades 9–10
- A Levels – Grades 11–12
- American High School Diploma – Grades 9–12
This provides families with several pathways as their children progress through school.
For children transferring from another country, ask how the school assesses previous academic experience and determines the appropriate grade placement.
3. Think About Language and Communication
Language is another important consideration for families moving to Antwerp with children.
Although Belgium has Dutch, French and German as official languages, many international families look for an English-speaking School Antwerp option, particularly when their children have previously studied in English.
An English-medium international school can help children continue learning without having to immediately adapt to a completely new language of instruction.
At the same time, parents should consider opportunities for children to develop additional language skills. Exposure to different languages and cultures can be valuable for students living in a multilingual European environment.
4. Look at Class Size and Personalised Support
Class size can have a significant impact on the school experience.
In a smaller class, teachers may have more opportunities to understand individual students, identify areas where they need additional support and provide personalised academic guidance.
When comparing international schools in Antwerp, ask:
- How many students are normally in a class?
- How accessible are teachers?
- Is individual academic support available?
- Does the school provide counselling or pastoral support?
- How does the school support students who are transferring internationally?
Owl Academy places emphasis on small class sizes and personalised learning, with academic and student-support systems designed to help students develop both academically and personally.
5. Check the School’s Location
Location is particularly important after an international relocation.
A school may appear suitable academically, but a long daily commute can affect a child’s routine, extracurricular activities and family time.
Owl Academy is located in Mortsel, near Antwerp, making it an option for families looking for international Education Belgium within the Antwerp area.
When researching a school, consider travel time from your home, transport options and how convenient the location will be for your family’s daily schedule.
6. Understand School Fees and Additional Costs
School fees are another major factor when choosing a school.
Parents comparing private school Belgium options should look beyond the advertised annual tuition fee. Ask about registration fees, examination fees, activities and other possible costs.
For the 2026/27 academic year, Owl Academy lists:
- Elementary School: €10,500 per year
- Middle School: €15,900 per year
- IGCSE: €16,000 per year for five subjects
- A Levels: €18,500 per year for three A Levels
- American High School Diploma: €16,000 for Grades 9–10 and €18,500 for Grades 11–12
A non-refundable €1,000 registration fee applies, while examination and some additional programme costs may be separate.
Always request the latest fee information directly from the school before making a decision.
7. Consider Your Child’s Future University Plans
School selection should not only focus on the next academic year. Parents should also consider their child’s long-term goals.
For students who may eventually apply to universities in the UK, Europe, the United States or other countries, an internationally recognised qualification can be valuable.
British qualifications such as IGCSE and A Levels are widely used internationally. Owl Academy also provides university preparation and guidance for students progressing towards higher education.
If your child already has a particular university system in mind, ask the school how its curriculum prepares students for those applications.
8. Compare Schools Carefully
There are several international schools in Antwerp and the surrounding region, and each has a different educational approach.
For example, Antwerp International School offers an IB continuum, while International School of Belgium provides international education with British and IB-related options. Families may also consider schools with different language or national-curriculum approaches depending on their requirements.
The right choice depends on your child’s needs rather than simply choosing the most well-known school.
When comparing schools, create a simple checklist covering:
Curriculum | Location | Class Size | Fees | Languages | Admissions | Student Support | University Preparation
This makes it easier to compare schools objectively.
9. Visit the School Before Enrolling
If possible, arrange a school visit before making your final decision.
A visit can tell you things that a website or prospectus cannot. Observe the classrooms, speak with teachers and ask questions about your child’s daily experience.
For families looking for a school for expat children in Antwerp, it is also useful to ask how the school helps newly arrived students make friends and become comfortable in their new environment.
Pay attention to whether the school feels welcoming, organised and suitable for your child’s personality and learning style.
Why Consider Owl Academy?
For families moving to Antwerp with children, Owl Academy offers a combination of British and American educational pathways in Mortsel, near Antwerp.
The school provides education from Elementary School through A Levels, alongside an American High School Diploma pathway. Its approach focuses on small classes, personalised academic support and preparation for future university study.
The school also offers extracurricular opportunities across areas such as sports, creative arts, entrepreneurship, innovation and personal development.
For families seeking an international school Antwerp option that combines academic pathways with personalised support, Owl Academy can be one school worth including in your comparison.
