Education and Schools in Belgium
Education in Belgium, like many aspects of this kingdom and its government, can seem incredibly complex and yet, the school system works well. Expat parents are bound to find an educational setting that fits family expectations and desires with so many choices available.
There are three different national education systems in Belgium: the French, the Flemish, and the small population of German-language schools largely located near that particular border. Each school system corresponds to the national languages: French, Dutch (or Flemish as it is often referred to) and German, respectively.
Education is both formal and free in Belgium, and begins at age two and a half years old (pre-primary) but is only compulsory as of six years of age until age 18.
An expatriate family wanting to immerse their child in a language has several options available, and Belgium’s regionalism in no way limits the choices. In fact, some French-speaking families send their children to Flemish schools and vice verse to ease the language acquisition. Furthermore, Flemish immersion schools now exist in certain towns of Wallonia, a French-speaking region. Nonetheless, French schools are required to teach Dutch and vice versa. The German schools will also offer French.
If staying in Belgium for a short-term assignment, most expat families send their children to the local public school or to an international school where English is one of the main languages of instruction. In both cases, French or Dutch classes will be offered.
There are some worthwhile advantages to sending students to public schools in Belgium.
Belgian schools tend not to offer as many extra-curricular activities as do American schools. However, each community (“Commune” in French, “Gemeenthuis” in Dutch, and “Gemeinschaft” in German) can provide a list of places offering sports, dance, art, music lessons and other leisure based activities. In fact, bigger towns have art and music academies subsidized by the government which cost close to nothing for the year.
The secondary education (ages 13-18) system is very well-regarded in Belgium. That being said, the government seems to change the inscription procedures almost every year. It is not easy to know what each year's procedure of admission will be – it can vary from camping out over night at the school of choice, to non-stop phoning, to electronic systems. Thus expat families should be sure to be prepared and take the steps necessary to securing the secondary school of their choice for their students.
As of the second year, students choose particular course option, be them general, technical, artistic or professional in nature. Exams are given each year (starting in pre-primary) to assess the readiness of students for the next academic year. Consequently, repeating a year is relatively common and less stigmatized.
The main allure of international schools in Belgium is that an expat family will most likely find others who speak their mother-tongue. This commonality makes the transition to a new country that much easier for the whole family. Students also have a better opportunity to continue their original grade-level curriculum.
Considering the aforementioned complexity of high school inscriptions and assessments, expat families with secondary students may find it easier entering their children into an international or private school of some sort.
Private schools can also administer non-Belgian exams: SATs and International Baccalaureate, for instance. Students will also find more on-site extra-curricular activities than in traditional Belgian public schools.
Home-schooling your child in Belgium is another option. Before making this commitment, however, the expat family needs to be aware that the Belgian government has put in place strict guidelines and inspections. Sanctions can be given for parents who do not comply with the standards.
With small discrepancies between Belgian and international schools, the academic year begins September 1 and ends June 30. Students are required to be present each day that is not an official school holiday. As of the compulsory age of 6 years old (primary), students are required to present a doctor's certificate for any sickness-related absence. Nonetheless, plenty of occasions exist on the school calendar for vacations: the first week of November, two weeks for end-of-year holidays, a week in February, two weeks in the spring, plus a scattering of national holidays throughout the year.
There are three different national education systems in Belgium: the French, the Flemish, and the small population of German-language schools largely located near that particular border. Each school system corresponds to the national languages: French, Dutch (or Flemish as it is often referred to) and German, respectively.
Education is both formal and free in Belgium, and begins at age two and a half years old (pre-primary) but is only compulsory as of six years of age until age 18.
An expatriate family wanting to immerse their child in a language has several options available, and Belgium’s regionalism in no way limits the choices. In fact, some French-speaking families send their children to Flemish schools and vice verse to ease the language acquisition. Furthermore, Flemish immersion schools now exist in certain towns of Wallonia, a French-speaking region. Nonetheless, French schools are required to teach Dutch and vice versa. The German schools will also offer French.
If staying in Belgium for a short-term assignment, most expat families send their children to the local public school or to an international school where English is one of the main languages of instruction. In both cases, French or Dutch classes will be offered.
Public schools in Belgium
There are some worthwhile advantages to sending students to public schools in Belgium.
- Expat students can learn the regional language by immersion
- Get to know the other students who live nearby; it’s also a good way to meet the neighbours
- Extra costs associated with school supplies and school outings are kept at a minimum in public schools
- Some privately run schools are also subsidized by the government including religious schools – Jewish, Protestant, Islamic and Orthodox – but, also Montessori and Steiner.
Belgian schools tend not to offer as many extra-curricular activities as do American schools. However, each community (“Commune” in French, “Gemeenthuis” in Dutch, and “Gemeinschaft” in German) can provide a list of places offering sports, dance, art, music lessons and other leisure based activities. In fact, bigger towns have art and music academies subsidized by the government which cost close to nothing for the year.
The secondary education (ages 13-18) system is very well-regarded in Belgium. That being said, the government seems to change the inscription procedures almost every year. It is not easy to know what each year's procedure of admission will be – it can vary from camping out over night at the school of choice, to non-stop phoning, to electronic systems. Thus expat families should be sure to be prepared and take the steps necessary to securing the secondary school of their choice for their students.
As of the second year, students choose particular course option, be them general, technical, artistic or professional in nature. Exams are given each year (starting in pre-primary) to assess the readiness of students for the next academic year. Consequently, repeating a year is relatively common and less stigmatized.
International schools in Belgium
The main allure of international schools in Belgium is that an expat family will most likely find others who speak their mother-tongue. This commonality makes the transition to a new country that much easier for the whole family. Students also have a better opportunity to continue their original grade-level curriculum.Considering the aforementioned complexity of high school inscriptions and assessments, expat families with secondary students may find it easier entering their children into an international or private school of some sort.
Private schools can also administer non-Belgian exams: SATs and International Baccalaureate, for instance. Students will also find more on-site extra-curricular activities than in traditional Belgian public schools.
Home schooling in Belgium
Home-schooling your child in Belgium is another option. Before making this commitment, however, the expat family needs to be aware that the Belgian government has put in place strict guidelines and inspections. Sanctions can be given for parents who do not comply with the standards.
School calendar in Belgium
With small discrepancies between Belgian and international schools, the academic year begins September 1 and ends June 30. Students are required to be present each day that is not an official school holiday. As of the compulsory age of 6 years old (primary), students are required to present a doctor's certificate for any sickness-related absence. Nonetheless, plenty of occasions exist on the school calendar for vacations: the first week of November, two weeks for end-of-year holidays, a week in February, two weeks in the spring, plus a scattering of national holidays throughout the year.
