Different types of education in the Netherlands

Secondly, the Netherlands distinguishes between public and special schools. Public schools are open to every student. Education is not based on a religion or philosophy of life. However, there are public schools that teach based on a particular teaching method.

Special schools teach from a religion or philosophy of life. For example, you have Christian and Islamic schools in the Netherlands. But you have schools that teach from a particular philosophy, such as free schools. A special school may make demands of its students, for example that the student be of a certain religion. But in a special school, just like in a public school, you are not allowed to discriminate. For example, a religious school may not be against homosexuality.

If you want to find out what schools are in your area, check with your municipality where you reside.